Cotton Fabric Care: Washing, Drying, Ironing & Storing

Cotton is a natural fibre that is well-known for its softness, comfort, and durability. Cotton fabric care is important to maintain its structure, colour, and comfort through proper handling. Always use bleach-free solutions for cotton clothes and set the dryer at a low temperature to prevent them from shrinking. When you use harsh detergents, the cotton becomes weaker. Keep cotton clothes away from moisture to stop them from getting mildew. Avoid overloading washers with too many items to avoid putting stress on the cotton fibres. Its proper maintenance keeps your clothes lasting longer and feeling better.

What Is the Best Way to Wash Cotton Fabrics?

Here are the 4 best ways to wash cotton without damaging the fabric:

1. Sort by Colour and Weight

2. Ideal Water Temperature

3. Choosing the Right Detergent

4. Pre-treating Stains on Cotton

Sort by Colour and Weight

Make sure to wash whites, pastels and dark cotton separately to stop colours from transferring. Don’t wash cotton tees and undergarments in the same washer as heavy items like denim and towels. Mixing various loads in a washing machine creates a problem with fibres rubbing together, damaging the fabric surface and wearing it out. When cotton is sorted properly, there is less chance of lint spread, more even agitation and less damage to the material’s structure.

Ideal Water Temperature

Wash dark cotton in cold water between 60 and 80°F to ensure it does not fade. Use warm water between 90 and 110°F to wash light-coloured or not-too-dirty cotton. Choosing the proper temperature keeps your clothes in good condition and with their original colours. Washing cotton at appropriate temperatures keeps the fabric’s shape, prevents shrinking and preserves its softness even after repeated washes.

Choosing the Right Detergent

Use a gentle and safe detergent to wash cotton clothes. Avoid bleach and strong fragrances by choosing liquid or powder formulas without them. Detergents based on enzymes allow us to remove stains without damaging the fabrics. Do not add too much detergent, or else it can leave your clothes stiff. Cotton fibres become soft, clean and free from dirt with the right detergent.

Pre-treating Stains on Cotton

Rub the stain with a stain remover or a small amount of detergent before you start washing. Use a soft cloth or brush to blot the stain to remove it. Be careful not to rub hard on printed cotton. Apply the product and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes. Pre-treating your garments helps get rid of oil, food or sweat marks when you wash them.

What Is the Right Way to Dry Cotton?

The following are the 2 effective ways to dry cotton to avoid damage:

1. Air Dry vs. Machine Dry

2. How to Prevent Shrinking & Reduce Wrinkles

Air Dry vs. Machine Dry

Cotton fibres are protected from shrinking when they dry in the air. Dry your clothes by hanging them on a clothesline or a rack somewhere airy and in the shade. Avoid putting your outfit in direct sunlight to prevent the colours from fading. Machine drying saves time but needs low to medium heat, 125–140°F. If overdried, the fabric can weaken and lose its colour. Add dryer balls to the dryer to reduce static and keep cotton from getting curly or tangled.

How to Prevent Shrinking & Reduce Wrinkles?

Use low heat in the dryer or take out the clothes when they’re slightly moist and spread them out on a flat surface. Get rid of creases by shaking the garments before drying. Take your cotton clothes out of the dryer as soon as possible to stop creasing. Fold or hang garments immediately after using the dryer. It allows cotton to retain its shape, requires less ironing and keeps the texture soft.

What Is the Best Way to Iron and Store Cotton Clothes?

Below are 3 important steps to care for cotton after washing:

1. Proper Iron Settings

2. Folding vs Hanging

3. How to Avoid Mould and Mildew

Proper Iron Settings

Place the iron in the cotton setting and make sure the fabric is slightly wet ahead of use. Get the best results by using Steam. Use gentle and even strokes. The right heat and careful handling preserve the crisp appearance, cleanliness and safety of cotton materials.

Folding vs Hanging

Hang dresses, blouses and shirts on large, soft hangers to ensure they keep their shape. Carefully fold your pants, tees and light clothing so they won't get stretched. Do not use wire hangers since they can deform the shoulder area. Put your heavier folded clothes on the base of the storage box. Make sure air circulates around your stored cotton clothes to stop them from creasing or getting dusty. Storing your clothes properly prevents fibre damage and cuts down on the regular use of iron.

How to Avoid Mould and Mildew

Place cotton in a place that is dry, free from heat and allows for airflow. Never place wet clothes into storage. Don’t use plastic bags or containers that lock in moisture. Choose breathable fabric bins or high-quality cotton garment bags. Air-drying and keeping cotton garments dry can avoid both bad smells and mildew.