All About Libeco Linens

We sat down with Megan from Libeco to chat all things linen! Learn all about the incredible mill, cleaning, sustainability, and more! We can't wait to see what you create with these incredible fabrics.

Libeco’s History

Along with the deep tradition of linen grown in Belgium

Can you tell us about Libeco and its long history?

Our Belgian Linens are woven by Libeco, a 5th generation family owned company that has been in business since 1858. Building on centuries of expertise using artisanal processes, Libeco has an extensive Quality Control process that only accepts goods within a certain range of deviation and is always striving for perfection.

What is linen made of, and how is it made?

Linen is made of flax, the strongest natural fiber available, second only to hemp. It is a hollow fiber which absorbs 20% of its own weight in water before it feels wet. This allows for exceptional drying properties. Linen fiber/flax has a luster that no other natural fiber has. It is simply beautiful.

Why is the best Flax in the world grown in Belgium?

The climate of the Flanders region in Belgium is ideal for growing flax and results in the longest and strongest fibers in the world. The region gets the perfect amount of sun and rain each day, resulting in a temperate climate with perfect soil.

Sustainability and Chemicals

Around ⅕ of all water pollution comes from textiles dyes. I know sustainability and the environment is very important to Libeco. Can you tell us a little more about this?

Flax is a wonderful fiber that is kind to the environment. During the growing process it does not require any irrigation or pesticides. Every part of the plant is used – from the lint to the seed. At Libeco, no residual chemicals are used when creating, dying, and finishing the fabric, and they use low impact dyestuffs from the highest quality providers. Only non-toxic, hydrogen-based bleaches are used during the bleaching process. All water used throughout the process is returned to the Lys river cleaner than when it was drawn out. Every product that leaves the mill is OEKO-TEX® certified

C6 and C0 are common types of performance finishes that are applied to the fabric. Can you tell us a little about the transition from C6-C0 and why is it important? Do you feel that C0 works as well? Are any other chemicals used in Libeco Linens?

After new legislation was passed in several states, the textile industry began the shift from C6 to C0. The difference between the two stain repellents is that C6 repels both water and oil and C0 only repels water. No doubt C6 works better but C0 is much better for you and will still give you time to blot the stain away before it sinks into your fabric.

The 4 qualities we run from Libeco and why we love them

-Design and Color-

Why do we love our Belgian Linen?

Our Belgian Linen is a classic piece-dyed linen. It has been a staple at Libeco for generations. It has a classic softened pre-shrunk finish which creates a very subtle sheen. Available in 3 different colors.

Why do we love our Ringo?

We fell in love with Ringo's performance properties and vibrant color options. Coley Home offers Ringo in 12 different colors, making it our largest color line. Ringo is pigment dyed which creates a beautiful heathered effect. Ringo is also pre-shrunk and has a C0 stain repellent, making it great for a well lived in home.

Why do we love our Reynolds? 

We love the thickness of Reynolds and offer it in two colors. The lime color is what really sold us on this construction. It is a color that we just could not resist. The way it drapes on slipcovers is unmatched. Just like Ringo, it is also a pigment dyed fabric which creates a beautiful heathered effect. 

Why do we love our NEW linen Stripe?

Coley Homes exclusive Linen stripe is worth the wait and will be in our line for years to come! It is classic and timeless. This thick twill weave is yarn dyed and is available in 4 different colors.

What is a piece-dyed fabric versus a pigment-dyed fabric?

When a fabric is piece-dyed, the fabric is woven and the whole piece of fabric is dyed at once. Pigment dyed is when the dye sits on top of the fabric instead of fully embedding the fabric. It is then adhered with a binder. Think about a carrot versus a radish. A carrot is orange all the way through while a radish only has color on the outer layer.

Cleaning and Care

This is a HOT topic as all of our customers are very interested in fabrics that are easily cleanable. Can we walk through the best ways to clean linen in general? Any pro tips?

Professional washing is always an easy labor-free option. We recommend this for larger slipcovers that might not fit well in a home washing machine. That being said, one of our favorite things about our linen is that it is easily cleanable at home as long as you follow the proper steps! 

Home Laundering steps:

Washing

• Place your slipcover (fully zipped) into your laundry machine. Please make sure you do not wash it with anything else, and that you do not overload the machine. Linen absorbs a lot of water and needs sufficient room to wash properly.
• Use cool water, up to 100 degrees F
• Use detergent without enzymes or whiteners. Enzymes will wear down your fabric and eventually cause holes.

Pro tip: Always make sure your slipcover is properly serged inside before washing. Coley Home serges all of our slipcovers, but not all companies take care to do this step in the sewing process! If a slipcover is not properly finished, it might fall apart in the wash.

Drying

• Tumble dry on low until the slipcover is partially dried.
• While the slipcover is still partially damp, place the slipcover back on the piece or hang dry. Ironing the fabric will help the fabric grow and give a more tailored “like new” look.

Pro tip: If you accidentally shrink your slipcover too much, wash it again and the linen will grow again. Ironing will also help the slipcover grow.

Spot Cleaning

For small spills and spots, you can spot clean by following these steps below: 

• Treat the spot as quickly as possible
• Soak up all the liquid with a paper towel. Rewet the spot with water and repeat.
• If needed, dab a tiny amount of dish soap onto a wet cloth and continue to press into the spot. Do not rub!
• Never use bleach, spot pens, detergents with enzymes or harsh cleaners. Never rub your fabric.

A few more tips from Meagan at Libeco Linens:  

“When washing linen, always remember twice the amount of water and half the amount of drying time!”

“Linen is meant to be lived in and enjoyed for years to come”

A Party trick: “If you happen to spill red wine you could counteract it by pouring white wine over it”