Does linen absorb water? Which materials have the highest water absorption?

FABRIC WATER ABSORBTION – WHAT IS IT?

Let’s start with a little theory and explain what the water absorption capacity of textiles is. This term comes from physical chemistry, which clarifies that it is the process of the formation of a substance into another substance, which is a continuous form (in this role the body is constantly – i. e. a towel to wipe off a spilled soup or a towel that wraps a wet body). This knowledge will be useful to answer the question whether flax absorbs water?

Absorption is an extremely important quality that influences product performance both during manufacturing and during use. How absorbent a fabric is depends on many elements – including the production of the yarn, the fabric parameters, the finishing process and the intended use. What does that mean? Does linen absorb water?

Imagine pouring freshly brewed fruit tea on the countertop and on the floor in the kitchen, for example just before Easter breakfast. In a hurry, you reach for two fabrics: a linen cloth and a microfiber towel. If you wipe off the stain, you will quickly notice that the fabric handles it differently. These differences are influenced not only by the surface (wooden panel vs. glaze) but also by the fibers and the origin of the fabric. In addition, these two cloths dry at different speeds and contribute to the multiplication of microorganisms to different degrees.

This simple example best illustrates the absorption capacity that we appreciate not only in textiles in the kitchen or in the bathroom but also in summer clothes that have to cope with the heavy sweating of the skin. We are often asked the question: does linen absorb water?

ABSORBTION OF LINEN, MICROFIBER AND COTTON

Microfibre products are often mentioned in connection with absorption – on the market (unfortunately) it is this substance that is considered to be the leader. That’s why we find swimming pool towels, bathrobes, mops, and towels in the shops. However, it should be borne in mind that microfibre is a synthetic fabric consisting of polyester and polyamide fibers. In their formula, these are up to ten times thinner than silk and thirty times thinner than cotton. These properties mean that microfibre products actually absorb water quickly and dry relatively quickly, but. . . That’s where their benefits come to an end. The material tends to electrify and change the fiber formula. Improper care (e. g. the use of fabric softeners) significantly affects the absorption capacity, so that the fabric used feels flabby, unpleasant, and stiff over time.

Cotton cloths are the biggest competitor for linen. Their advantages are the lower price, the natural origin (unless the manufacturer adds a blend of synthetics to the composition), and, of course, the ability to absorb water. However, it should be remembered that cotton can only take up 7% of its weight, which is significantly lower in the overall ranking than linen products.

It is true that linen towels and linen cloths are characterized by the highest water absorption among natural textiles (at least 25% of their body weight). In addition, the natural origin of the fibers has antibacterial and bacteriostatic properties, reducing the risk of microorganisms multiplying on wet tissue. It is also worth mentioning that linen products dry very quickly, so you can use them again and again, e. g. in the kitchen or in the bathroom. In addition, unlike microfibre, the products are not electrified and do not “collect” dust. Learn more about the countless benefits of linen fabric on our Instagram page.

This chemical competition linen naturally wins, it is by far the most natural, effective, and safest option. We hope to have answered the question “Does linen absorb water?” in detail. We are convinced, and you?