Resources for collectors of linen

Linen Cleaning

This page is intended to be a resource for individuals interested in the cleaning and preservation of linens.

Articles and Other Information
Linen Weavers/Manufacturers
Catalogs Selling Fine Linens
Cleaning Linens with Natural Choices's OXY-BOOST Destainer and Deodorizer

ARTICLES AND OTHER INFORMATION

Learning About Linen - Detailed and informative source from The Linen House. Includes the history of flax, and the process of turning it into linen.
The Linen Story - Information from Herdmans Irish Linen Company
Flax Production in the 17th Century - National Park Service article
Linenweb.com - An integrated linen resource for consumers, fabric converters, apparel manufacturers, dietitians, manufacturers and flax growers
Linen Wash & Care Information - from the Irish Linen Guild
Irish Linen Links - Extensive list of links from Denver Fabrics
How to Care for Linen - Detailed information from Silk Road Textile Merchants

LINEN WEAVERS/MANUFACTURERS

Lesalpilles-provence.com - Fabric, Table Linens & Accessories - Offers the best selection of provence fabric, table linens and accessories.
Brahms/Mount Textiles - Weavers of 100% Linen Blankets: Fine Woven Cotton Blankets and Linen Throws, Heirloom and Baby Blankets. Natural Fabrics from Natural Fibers

Ferguson's Irish Linen - Ferguson's Irish Linen is widely recognized as being the one of the finest of the Irish weavers. Their table linen ranges, including exquisite Linen Double Damask, luxurious bed linen, chic bathrobes and stylish towels and accessories, are the ultimate gifts for the home.

Libeco-Lagae Belgian Linen - The largest linen weaving mill in Belgium. For over a century, from generation to generation, they have been working passionately with linen.

Brownlow Linen - Brownlow specializes in fine household linens with a strong ethnic Irish appeal. They regard each of their pieces as heritage of the future.

Scalpay Linen - Scalpay Linen was established in 1997 to market the pure linen cloth woven by Sheila Roderick and John Finlay Ferguson - both of whom are ex-Harris Tweed weavers.

Jokipiin Pellava Oy - Finnish linen weaver founded in 1920 uses exclusively linen and cotton/linen to produce: sauna and bath textiles, kitchen textiles, table textiles, special and industrial textiles.

Ulster Linen Company - Manufacturer and importer of fine European linens into the United States.

Unique Antiques - Manufactures and sells vintage linens; a Natural Choices distributor.

CATALOGS AND WEB SITES SELLING FINE LINENS
Clatteringford

Dcardblue's Linen Closet

Fabrics-Store.com

The Linen Lady

Purple & Fine Linen

Silk Road Textile Merchants

Cleaning Linens With Natural Choice's OXY-BOOST Destainer and Deodorizer
Although we at Natural Choices are NOT linen preservation experts, we hear from our customers that OXY-BOOST oxygen bleach is very effective in removing stains without damaging the linen fibers.

What Is OXY-BOOST?
OXY-BOOST is sodium percarbonate, a solid form of hydrogen peroxide bonded with natural soda ash. It is activated by water where it releases oxygen which provides cleaning and effective stain removal.

Why Use OXY-BOOST?
Almost as important as the decision to use cloth diapers or other natural fiber garments should be the decision of what you use to clean them.
Please consider the following --

DETERGENTS:
Many commercial products do clean effectively but will leave behind unwanted fragrances and other residues. Many collectors have experienced the fact that on heavily stained items detergent alone may not always work well. While natural soaps and detergents (like Castille) are a better natural choice they are no better than commercial products in cleaning and stain removal on heavily stained items.

CHLORINE BLEACH:
Chlorine bleach will break down natural fiber, cause fading and discoloration. Chlorine bleach can produce small amounts of dioxin which is a well known carcinogen. Also chlorine bleach tends to cover up stains instead of totally removing them.

BORAX:
Borax is a natural mineral often recommended as a whitening agent for cottons. While effective to some degree, Borax is not a true bleaching agent and is very limited in effectiveness on really tough stains.

OXY BOOST:

OXY-BOOST is the versatile oxygen based bleach. It is color safe, fabric safe, user safe, and is an excellent deodorizer. OXY-BOOST is safe at all temperatures, on all washable fabrics (except silk or wool), and all colors in soft or hard water, and is compatible with household detergents and cleaners. OXY-BOOST will not hurt people, plants, children or animals. It is biodegradable leaving no harmful residues on the article cleaned or in the environment. OXY-BOOST will remove the toughest organic stains and unlike chlorine bleach, which can merely cover up a stain, OXY-BOOST attacks and breaks down stains to totally remove them from the garment. It also sanitizes the fabric.

Instructions For Use:
To remove stains combine 2 oz OXY-BOOST per gallon of water. Soak item overnight; launder as usual. If uncertain of the item's colorfastness, test first on an inconspicuous area.

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NATURAL CHOICES
9525 South 60th Street, Franklin, WI 53132
Toll Free: 1-866-OXY-BOOST (1-866-699-2667) or 414-421-9394
Fax: 414-421-9903 • Email: info@oxyboost.com
Copyright 2005