It is easy to maintain the beauty of a MASTERS OF LINEN garment over time by washing it with water, or taking it to the dry cleaner's.
It is important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions. These instructions take account of several "variables" that are part of the fabric weaving process (such as stain-resistant and crease-resistant treatments) as well as of the garment proper characteristics (buttoning, lining, fragile items).
However, here are a few tips, valid for most linen items

WASHING WITH WATER

It is preferable to wash linen with water, especially tablecloths, handkerchiefs, sheets or garments that are in direct contact with skin (such as shirts...).
In fact, the more it is washed, the softer and brighter it becomes, for the linen fibre structure reflects light.
The freshness and fragrance of only just washed linen also gives an unparalleled feeling of well-being.…

In any case, gentleness is the key word when washing linen
Wash preferably on hidden side of the fabric, particularly delicate colors, embroideries…
Use a specific detergent for coloured items..
Select a warm-water and a moderate spin-drying programme
Linen can be dried in various ways: line-dried, in the dryer (only if recommended) or wrapped in towels
Ironing while still damp on the reverse is easier and gives excellent results.
Linen knits can be machine washed (delicate or wool cycle), hand washed, or dry cleaned depending on the manufacturer's instructions. Lay flat to dry, ironing is usually not necessary.
Household linen: It is generally advised to soak in cold water a few hours and then to wash before first use, to soften the fabric and enhance the colours.
Wash coordinated items together, preferably on the reverse side.
Use a specific detergent for coloured items..
Select a 60°C / 140°F max. programme, with moderate spin-drying.
Ironing while still damp on the reverse is easier and gives excellent results.

Notes::
- Soap acts better in soft water (not too much lime).
- Act on stains while still fresh
- Do not bleach with chlorine-based products, that can cause yellowing, but with oxygen-type bleaches
- Whether washed by hand or machine, always rinse linen well, to prevent oxidation stains
- Place delicate or fragile items (for example hemstitched, embroidered or fringed) inside a pillow case before putting them in the washing machine.

IRONING

It is very easy to iron linen, simply follow some basic instructions:
- The garment must be ironed when still damp using a very hot iron, even with a steam iron.
- Check that the iron base is clean and smooth for fast and perfect ironing (mineral deposits stain the fabric)
- Set the iron temperature on the basis of the fabric's weight. Pure linen must be ironed at the maximum temperature. Test iron a small piece of the garment, because too hot an iron could leave marks.
- Starching is not necessary: when ironed, the body and crunch of linen will be restored.
-Iron the inside first and then the outside., except the fragile items (dark or embroidered), that must be ironed on the reverse side only.

TRAVELLING

Linen clothes folded in a suitcase and wrapped in a plastic bag will look like new if hung in the bathroom: the steam helps to smooth the folds.

DRY CLEANING

Today most manufacturers of clothing or furnishing items recommend dry cleaning. In fact, the treatments on the fabric and the finishings (linings or buttons) make washing complicated.
Dry cleaning is generally the safer method, but it is always advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions and go to reliable dry cleaners only.

FURNISHING AND UPHOLSTERY FABRICS

- To keep the fabric looking perfectly clean and fresh, simply brush regularly and use a vacuum cleaner
- Curtains, upholstery and carpets require dry cleaning - use trusted and reliable firms.
- Never leave stains to dry. Do not rub, but pat with a damp white cloth and possibly dry with a hair-dryer
- Upholstery or wall coverings, which are anti-static, do not attract dust. Simply vacuum or brush and use special dry detergents for any stains.

REMOVAL OF COMMON STAINS and fabrics washable with water:

In any case,
• Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Intervene while the stain is recent,
• First try on hidden side of the fabric.

Soft drinks - Rinse with warm water and use alcohol for the rest.
Coffee / Tea - Wash with warm water that contains a little ammonia
Candle wax - Take off the maximum of wax with a knife, then iron between two sheets of absorbent paper; renew the sheets until the stain is gone.
Cosmetics - For creams use the same procedure as for fats, for lipstick or blusher stains, gently pat with alcohol or ether, then wash
Grass - Pat softly with a piece of cloth dipped into a mixture of alcohol and ammonia, then wash
Fats - Treat with dry cleaning fluid, petrol or other solvent, cover with talcum powder to avoid halos. Brush well and wash.
Ink - Pat on the reverse side with alcohol or ether, placing an absorbent layer under the fabric and wash
Blood - Rinse immediately with cold water added with ammonia, then wash. If it is not efficient enough, try a 10% hydrogen peroxide*.
Sweat - Use water and ammonia , white vinegar or alcohol, then rinse thoroughly. With yellow stains, use 10% hydrogen peroxide*
Wine-Fruit - Pat fresh stain with salt and white vinegar and rinse thoroughly (or else salt + lemon juice, rinsing thoroughly).

* only for white fabrics as hydrogen peroxide has a whitening effect