Laundry: Washing Cotton

Cotton is a soft, versatile, and breathable fabric that makes it a great choice for clothing. While cotton garments are generally easy to care for, it’s important to follow the correct washing techniques to maintain their excellent condition and prolong their lifespan.

Before reading the rest of this article, consider reading the post Laundry 101 which contains some of the basics one may need.

Sections in this Post

1. Water Temperature

2. Choose the Right Detergent

3. Notes on Fabric Softeners

4. Choose a Wash Cycle

5. Hand Washing

6. Drying Considerations

7. Ironing

Water Temperature

Prefer using cold water for cotton textiles. The water temperature should be below 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). This prevents shrinkage and color fading. Doing laundry at hot temperatures can damage many types of fabrics.

Using hot water is still useful for eliminating bacteria, cleaning heavily soiled clothes, and sanitation in general. However, for most situations, washing in cold water is preferable.

Choose the Right Detergent

When washing clothes, it is generally advisable to use gentle eco-friendly detergents that are free from harsh chemicals. For cotton fabrics, detergents specifically formulated for delicate materials are the best choice. This will preserve the fabric’s quality, texture, color, and longevity.

The wrong choice in detergent can lead to fading colors, shrinking, or roughening of the fabric.

Remember to always follow the instructions on the detergent packaging and stick to using the recommended amount for each load size.

Notes on Fabric Softeners

Using fabric softeners is optional and generally should be avoided. These can leave a waxy residue on fabrics that makes them less absorbent, less breathable, and minimizes their hypoallergenic qualities.

If fabric softeners are to be used, then opting for eco-friendly liquid varieties is the better choice. These can help make clothes static-free and fresh-smelling.

See the post Laundry 101: Loading the Washing Machine for tips on loading your washing machine.

Choose a Wash Cycle

Always opt for a normal or gentle wash cycle on the washing machine settings. Higher or harder speeds can cause wrinkles and stretching.

By using the correct settings, a cotton garment’s lifespan can be extended, also keeping it looking fresh and clean.

Hand Washing

If a cotton garment is more delicate than average, hand washing is the best option.

1. Fill a clean basin or sink with cool water and add a mild detergent.

2. Submerge the cotton garments in the soapy water and gently agitate them for a few minutes. Rub the fabric gently if needed.

3. Allow the clothes to soak for 10-15 minutes.

4. Drain the soapy water and rinse the garments thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.

5. Gently press out the excess water without twisting or wringing the clothes.

Drying Considerations

When drying cotton garments, it is important to be gentle. Air-drying is the best option to prevent excessive shrinkage and distortion. Start by shaking the clothes out to remove wrinkles. Next, lay them flat on a clean, dry surface, such as a towel or drying rack. Avoid hanging as this can cause stretching and deformation.

For machine drying, use a setting for low to medium heat, depending on how delicate the fabric is. Too high heat can shrink the cotton fabric. As soon as the drying is complete, take them out, stretch or reform to their proper shape. More often than not, if done quickly enough, these clothes can be hung, folded, or simply laid flat immediately without the need for ironing.

Ironing

Cotton can be prone to wrinkling, particularly if not attended to immediately after drying. Good care is needed as well when ironing garments made of cotton.

Only iron if necessary, as too much ironing can cause shrinkage and eventually damage fabrics. It may also be a good idea to turn the clothes inside out to protect the outer surface.

See post Laundry 101: Ironing for more ironing tips.