Cotton and linen items will last for decades, and with correct care, will maintain their appearance.  Prints will retain their brightness best with cold washing, but an occasional warm wash will not harm.

Greasy stains are the big villains and are best treated with a spot remover BEFORE laundering.

Ice cream, cooking oil, butter, lipstick, salad dressings – are all examples of greasy stains – but it is possible to remove them all if you give a spray or rub with an effective spot remover before the wash.

If printed items are to be ironed, I recommend ironing on the wrong side of the print. (Check stains are removed before ironing, as heat will set stains permanently!)

Linen and cotton generally require a fairly warm to hot iron setting, and you will get best results with steam or light water spray.  Cotton and linen both ‘soften’ and become less and less crease prone after multiple laundering.  I have linen tea towels well over 60 years old (inherited from my mum), still used and beautifully softened and faded with time! And of course, still very effective!