What is Linen?

The term “linens” can be colloquially used to describe multiple household items, including, bedding, tablecloths and towels. However, this is not to be confused with the actual material, linen.

Linen is a natural material that is derived from the flax plant, and is popular for its breathable properties that make it easy to wear during hot weather. However, alongside its use in clothing items, linen may also be used in multiple other household items.

What is Linen?: The Properties

Linen fibre has variable lengths, most of which are very long. It is such attributes that contribute to its strength and longevity. Linen is known for being one of the strongest natural fibres in the world, being so durable that it is actually used in paper money to make it stronger.

What is Linen?: Qualities

Linen has a crisper feel than cotton, but becomes softer through handling. Linen fibres have a natural resin called lignan. These fibres are known to crease, but its wrinkles easily become smooth through handling.

Linen is often used in napkins and towels and can gain up to 20% moisture before it begins to feel damp, as well as gaining strength when it interacts with water. What’s more, it has a natural ability to prevent antibacterial growth.
Linen is one of the oldest materials in the world, dating back thousands of years. In today’s world, we use linen fabrics for various things, without a second thought.

Here at Queens Drive Laundry, we offer a linen hire service for a wide variety of businesses and can even help you when you’re in a pinch and your usual laundry service lets you down. If you would like more information regarding the services we can offer, we welcome you to contact us. Please call today using our Bedford or London telephone numbers or head over to our online contact form and we’ll happily get back to you.