Tumble Drying vs Air-Drying; Everything You Need to Know

Once you've slept in Breeze Linen bedding, you'll want it to stay soft and beautiful for years. Washing gets most of the attention, but how you dry linen matters just as much. Yes, you can tumble dry linen sheets on a low heat, especially if the linen has been pre-washed. Air drying is gentler and keeps linen in better condition for longer, so it's the best choice whenever you have the time and space both methods have their place.

Here's what you need to know about each.

BREEZE LINEN BEDDING BUNDLE - MIDNIGHT

Tumble Drying 

Linen is one of the strongest natural fibres, so it handles the tumble dryer well when you treat it gently. It's the quickest option on a wet Irish day, or when you can't bear a night without your favourite sheets.

The main worry with tumble drying is shrinkage. Linen that hasn't been pre-washed can shrink in a hot dryer. Every piece of Amurelle's 100% French flax linen is garment-washed before it reaches you, which softens the fabric and helps prevent shrinkage. You can read more about how Breeze Linen is made.

For the best results:

• Use a low heat setting, as high heat weakens the fibres over time
• Don't overload the drum, so the sheets can move freely and dry evenly
• Take them out while still slightly damp to reduce creasing
• Shake them out and put them straight on the bed or fold them while warm

Air Drying

Air drying is the gentlest way to dry linen. It avoids the heat and friction of a dryer, which helps the fibres last longer and keeps your bedding looking its best. It's also better for the planet and your energy bill.

To air dry linen well:

• Give each piece a good shake before hanging to loosen creases
• Hang it on a line or airer with plenty of space around it
• Keep it out of strong, direct sunlight for long periods, which can fade colours like Midnight Blue linen
• Bring it in while slightly damp if you'd like a smoother finish

Tips to keep linen bedding soft for longer

A little care goes a long way with linen. These simple habits will keep your bedding feeling soft, looking good and lasting for years:

• Wash at a low to medium temperature hot washes are harder on natural fibres and can fade colours over time.
• Use a gentle, mild detergent harsh detergents and bleach weaken linen fibres, so a mild liquid detergent is all you need.
• Skip the fabric softener linen softens naturally with every wash, and fabric softener coats the fibres, making them less breathable.
• Wash linen on its own towels, zips and hooks can cause pilling and snags, so give your bedding its own load.
• Add wool dryer balls, if you're tumble drying, they help soften linen and cut down drying time.
• Rotate between two sets swapping sets gives each one a rest between washes. A spare Breeze Linen fitted sheet makes changing the bed easy.
• Store it somewhere cool, dry and breathable avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture. Read more about the ideal ways to store your bedding.
• Forget the iron. Linen's relaxed texture is part of its charm, if you prefer a smoother look, iron it while slightly damp on a medium heat.

Which drying method is best for linen?

If you can, air dry. It's kinder to the fabric and helps your linen last for years. Tumble drying on a low heat is perfectly fine when you need your sheets back quickly, so many people use a mix of both depending on the weather and the week.

However you dry it, linen washed at a low to medium temperature will stay softer for longer. The full bedding care guide covers washing, drying and storing, and if you're wondering how often to change your sheets, how often you should wash your bed sheets has the answer.

Got a question about caring for your bedding? Get in touch with the Amurelle team and we'll be happy to help.

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Frequently Asked Question

Does linen shrink in the tumble dryer?

Linen can shrink in the tumble dryer if it hasn't been pre-washed or is dried on high heat. Pre-washed or garment-washed linen is far less likely to shrink. To be safe, always use a low heat setting and remove your linen while it's still slightly damp.

Is it better to air dry or tumble dry linen?

Air drying is better for linen because it's gentler on the fibres and helps bedding last longer. Tumble drying on low heat is fine when you need sheets back quickly. Many people air dry when the weather allows and use the dryer as a backup.

How do you stop linen from creasing when drying?

Shake linen out well before drying, avoid overloading the dryer and take it out while slightly damp. Smooth it straight onto the bed or fold it while still warm. A few soft creases are part of linen's natural, relaxed character, so ironing isn't needed.

Does tumble drying make linen softer?

Tumble drying on a low heat can help linen feel softer and less stiff than line drying. Overdrying on high heat has the opposite effect, leaving linen rough and weakening the fibres. Removing it slightly damp gives you softness without the damage.