I just washed a whole washer full of linen material my sister gave me. I was shocked not to find the whole washer full of threads in ever direction. I added bleach to kill any hiding critters. I am now rewashing in Tide and Downy. These were pieces from 10X10; 12X12 and bigger pieces all the way up to a beautiful linen tablecloth. I am going to cut the table cloth down to fit my table and use the other section for a table runner for after the holidays.