10 Reasons To Start Using Linen Napkins

Whether you’re setting the table for dinner or swapping out your kitchen towels for something more sustainable and versatile, linen napkins are a great option.

They’re easy to care for, budget-friendly, and last a long time. Let’s take a closer look at all the benefits of using linen napkins. 

1. They Are Absorbent

No matter where or when spills happen, they can be time-consuming and annoying to clean up — not to mention the damage they can do to your outfit in certain cases.

With a linen napkin, it’s easier to clean up spills and prevent them from spreading. Linen absorbs liquid quickly, allowing you and your guests to continue your meal in peace.

While spilling may not be much of an issue at home, it is bothersome at restaurants. Having linen on hand can help your guests and staff manage messes and clean up more easily.

Linen’s exceptional properties allow it to absorb up to 35% of its weight in moisture. It is also the reason why you may find linen in so many products such as bath towels, tablecloths, runners, napkins, etc.

2. They Are Easy To Clean and Maintain

Linen napkins are much easier to clean and maintain in the long run. When they’re soiled, all you need to do is put them in the washing machine and they’ll come out clean.

Cleaning them also takes little time, effort, and money.

Even better, linen napkins also dry faster than cotton and are much lighter. So, you can start using them again right away.

While linen wrinkles, it is very minimal and only adds to the fabric’s classic beauty.

To keep your linens free of wrinkles, make sure to iron them when they’re damp and fold them loosely. Then, store the napkins in a drawer or cabinet where they won’t be crushed. You can press them once again with a cool iron before use.

If you’re storing your linens in plastic bags, make sure to let them breathe once in a while. 

3. They Are Durable

Linen napkins are just as absorbent as paper napkins but they don’t break down as easily during use.

Linen is made using flax fibers which are some of the strongest natural fibers. They are sturdier than paper napkins and other fabrics. Not only are linen napkins reusable, but they will also retain their shape and strength after multiple washes.

They’re also easy to store thanks to linen’s naturally moth-resistant fibers. And they’re so durable that you can even pass them down to your family’s next generation as heirlooms.

4. They Are Sustainable

Linen has one of the most eco-friendly production processes among fabrics.

This is because manufacturing linen uses up every part of the flax plant which helps reduce waste from the production cycle.

That’s not all!

Linen production also requires much less energy and water. And the production cycle produces a fabric that is recyclable and biodegradable.

Linen is an ideal choice for businesses that are looking to incorporate more eco-friendly practices. Unlike paper napkins, linen napkins are a worthwhile investment that can last you ages. In addition, you’ll also reduce the total waste output of your restaurant by replacing paper napkins and paper towels with reusable linen.

5. They Feel Great

Let’s be honest, you’d rather use a linen napkin for wiping your hands and mouth than a paper towel. Linen napkins are not just soft when new, they also remain that way after long years of use.

Thanks to linen’s breathability, it makes it difficult for moisture to remain trapped. Hence, linen napkins make a comfortable solution for outdoor events or summer weddings.

6. They Age well

Linen is a timeless fabric that ages beautifully. It becomes even softer after a few washes and will keep its visual appeal for years to come.

7. They Absorb Noise

Does the sound of dinnerware being placed on tables annoy you? Or are you trying to reduce the noise levels in your restaurant?

Consider using linen napkins as a barrier between the table and your dinnerware.

Linen napkins absorb some of the noise so your dinners aren’t punctuated by the sound of silverware clanking against each other. Guests can thus better enjoy conversations, good music, and other ambient sounds.

8. They Add Aesthetic Value

Linen napkins add character and personality to your decor. They can easily elevate the look of your dining setup to make it appear more high-end without much work.

Unlike paper napkins, linen napkins give a more elegant look to your dining decor. They also come in a wide array of colors as well as decorative prints and patterns. So, you can create a more cohesive design at your dinner table by owning a few of these sturdy and attractive pieces.

Even at home, you can elevate a simple family meal with tasteful linen napkins!

It’s also easier to customize linen napkins so they feature a restaurant’s branding which can be combined with attractive designs. You surely won’t get the same effect from paper napkins.

To make them look even more special and presentable, you can enclose your linen napkins in matching napkin rings.

9. They Are Cost-Effective

They may not be as affordable as paper napkins, but linen napkins will be more cost-effective in the long run.

With basic care, linen napkins can last you a long time (up to 10 years or more!) and reduce the need for replacements.

Linen napkins are also heavier than paper towels so they’re less likely to blow across the table with a little wind.

10. They Have Many Uses

Linen napkins can come in handy for a variety of purposes in the kitchen, at the dinner table, and in the house.

You can use them to wipe your hands/mouth, to line the bread basket, as kitchen towels, as a rag (when they’re too soiled), etc.

The Bottom Line

Linen is a wonderful fabric option when shopping for tablecloths or kitchen towels. They last longer, look better, are easy to maintain, and have a pleasing texture that can make any dining experience instantly feel more special.