Pure Linen In The Kitchen: Superb Absorbent and Antimicrobial Qualities

Today, we’re using pure linen in the kitchen. The superb absorbent and antimicrobial qualities make pure linen the best choice for kitchen towels, bread bags, aprons, and more.

We had fun touting the qualities of Linen for a Wedding and Linen Baby Accessories and Bedding.

Now we’ll show you why we think linen is great in the kitchen also,

before we take you on a DIY and, our special niche, Stationery tour of linen!

This Origami Market Bag DIY could be made with linen instead of cotton muslin.

Pure Linen in the Kitchen

While cotton has always been more affordable and therefore, the typical fabric of choice for kitchens,

we’re learning the advantages of investing in linen.

Buying a set of 7 linen tea towels* could last you a lifetime of drying dishes, unless you droop them onto stove burners or have other unfortunate accidents. The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties inherent in linen keep them sanitized far beyond any other fabric. (With regular washing, naturally.)

If a set of linen sheets can be handed down from one generation to another,

we think linen tea towels and other kitchen uses would be the perfect way to go.

Especially given today’s tendency to pay more attention to sustainability and ethical production.

linen-tea-towels-in-the-kitchen — 100% Linen Tea Towels*

Linen’s Superb Absorbent and Antimicrobial Qualities

Linen versus Cotton:

Linen is a stronger fabric than cotton and so can withstand the abrasive action of rubbing.

Tea towels made from linen are more absorbent than cotton and their drying performance improves with use.

With either fabric, however, be sure to remove all tags carefully before using. The abrasiveness of the non-natural fabric tag could scratch your fine china and crystal. If you use your towels to polish your fridge and stove, the tags could also cause problems. I’ve quit using even soft paper towel on my stainless surfaces, as it seems to create tiny scratches.

That said, use only well washed and softened towels for polishing, whether cotton or linen. Some prefer microfiber. That works great, but it is not a natural product, and thus doesn’t fit into our discussion here.

A huge plus for linen over cotton are the inherent bacteria fighting abilities built into the fibers. As we’ve noted before, the way linen is harvested and processed leaves so much more of the natural ingredients in the final product. No harsh chemicals are used in it’s production, no harmful dyes or damaging machinery. Because flax fibers have to be handled so carefully, the end product is more “hands on” in its creation. Which makes it more expensive, and not as readily obtained.

linen-cotton-blend-apron — Linen/Cotton Blend Wrap Apron*

Links with * are affiliate links.
A purchase will not change your price,
while it may give us a small commission.

How To Care For Linen in the Kitchen

Linen needs special consideration in its care.

Spot cleaning. If you find a stain or discoloration on a linen towel, set it aside for spot cleaning before washing with the rest of your linen.
Use gentle, peroxide based detergents for washing linen. However, take care to learn how to use the detergent properly so as not to damage the fabric. Use less detergent, and never use Tide, on pure linen.
Wash linen in cold water. If you wish to use warmer water for stains, never have it hotter than 105° F.
Hang linen to dry. If you want to use a cool dryer setting to tumble dry, be sure to take the items out and lay them flat before they’re completely dry. Drying with heat will set the wrinkles. The best is to hang dry, giving the smoothest result other than ironing.
Remember grandma’s glass 7Up bottle with water inside and a cork stopper holding a metal lid with sprinkle holes? The perfect machine to assist in ironing linen! My mother would sprinkle the linen, roll it up, and let it sit for awhile before she spread it on the ironing board to iron. That is a great trick today, also, if you’re using natural linen or even cotton, and you want a smooth look.
Don’t have time for all this messing around? That’s okay. Linen looks great wrinkly and soft, also!