Truthfully, very few of us can consider ourselves to be any kind of expert on linen. More precisely, almost no one knows how to take care of and clean fine linens which is why most of us either have them cleaned by a professional or simply destroy them through misuse and neglect. But, as the price of some linens can positively leave you petrified about ruining them to the point that you don't even use them, it is perhaps more practical to learn how to care for them instead.

This is especially the case when it comes to older linens made from fine materials. Such linens are prone to damage from any number of sources and once destroyed they can never really be replaced. If you do not learn how to properly clean heirloom linens then you had better prepare yourself for the very real possibility that your neglect will most likely destroy the linen so that no one else can ever enjoy it again.

And wouldn't it be a shame to just store away these old linens as if they are some museum pieces just because you are so afraid of ruining them? Your decor can be so beautifully enhanced by the charm and character of some of these old linens. Of course, you will need to put in some extra effort into cleaning and maintaining these linens. But the joy of passing these down to your children in the same shape as you inherited these is well worth the tedium and time you put into caring for them.

The first step in caring for quality linens is to keep a watchful eye out for dirt and the damage it can cause. If dirt is allowed to set in, it can literally dig into the fibers and cause irreversible damage. So, as soon as you spot some dirt, remove it by using a vacuum cleaner on the textile. You can consider placing a fiber glass screen over it to protect the fabric if it is exceptionally fragile.

Most importantly, do not store away linen that you know has already become soiled. The linen must be cleaned before you store it in order to prevent insects from damaging it. Insects searching for grease and food can destroy your fine linen in the process.

Cleaning itself can damage the linen by changing the strength, shape and color of the fabric. Cotton fabrics can be safely cleaned with water as it helps to keep down acid build-up and the fabric will ultimately become more flexible in the process. On the other hand, water can weaken fabrics made out of silk or wool thus these are more difficult to clean and keep dirt-free.

Always use a mild soap to clean fine linen and avoid harsh chemicals that will almost certainly cause damage. To wash colorful prints, you should try dabbing a few drops of water in some obscure place on the linen and allow it to dry to see if fading occurs. If the colors bleed, you will have to avoid using water.

Giving your fine linens for dry cleaning is the last resort. The high temperatures involved in the cleaning process can damage the fabric. However, if you cannot clean it at home, you have to get them dry cleaned. But, make sure the linen is clean before you store it so that you and your children can enjoy them for a long time.