'I’m a cleaning expert and you're probably making a key mistake when washing linen'

Linen shirts are a summer staple, but wearing them can be somewhat daunting as they can be quite tricky to wash and maintain in pristine condition.

That’s why an expert has shared the key mistake most people make that leads to shrinking and sometimes even completely ruining a linen piece.

According to a product care expert at Raging Bull, linen shirts are best buddies with cool water.

That's because unlike many fabrics, linen naturally resists bacteria, so you don't need super hot water to get them clean.

In fact, hot water can actually shrink your linen shirt, so it’s best to stick to a gentle wash cycle at 30°C (or cold water) to keep your linen looking its best.

Product Sourcing Consultant Lance Millet said: “You should never wash your linens at a temperature higher than 30°C as this can cause the fabric to shrink.

“Ideally linen shirts should be washed on your washing machine’s gentle cycle or by hand in lukewarm water.”

The expert went on: “Many people don’t realise that linen is resistant to bacteria as it doesn’t hold moisture.

“This means that it doesn’t tend to catch odorous smells and therefore doesn’t need to be washed at a high temperature to be thoroughly cleaned.” 

Linen shirts, especially those in light or white colours, can show stains more easily.

But luckily, there is a simple method to tackle them, staring by blotting up any excess liquid immediately. Resist the urge to rub, as that can spread the stain.

Then, dab the stain gently with a clean cloth dampened with white vinegar, which helps lift the stain without harming the fabric.

Afterward, wash the garment in cold water as soon as possible to prevent the stain from setting.

Bleach can damage linen, so avoid using any cleaning products that contain it.