Cotton is one of the most commonly used natural fibers for a variety of reasons. Cotton is soft, easy to wash, durable, moisture-absorbing, and affordable. However, cotton is also prone to wrinkles, so taking care of your cotton clothing can be a bit of a task. Nevertheless, there are six practical tips you can follow to keep your cotton garments looking good for longer:
1. Wash New Cotton Clothing Separately
When washing new cotton clothes, they may bleed color. Therefore, it’s advisable to wash new clothing separately for the first few times. To check colorfastness, rub a wet, white cloth on an inconspicuous part of the fabric. If color transfers to the cloth, the fabric is not colorfast.
2. Handle Cotton with Care
To preserve your clothing, avoid using bleach-containing detergents. Use a special detergent for colored clothing. Iron them on the inside at a low temperature after washing. For delicate garments, it’s best to use a gentle detergent. For optimal color retention, turn the clothing inside out and treat it with a liquid, color-preserving detergent. Keep spinning to a minimum, as it’s better for the fibers. Fabric softener is not necessary for keeping your clothes clean, so use it sparingly.
3. Set the Right Temperature
Cotton has the tendency to shrink during the first wash unless it’s pre-shrunk (most Suitable clothing items are pre-shrunk). While cotton can withstand high temperatures, you should consider the type of clothing you’re dealing with. Underwear, socks, and towels can be washed at up to 90°C on the regular setting. However, for outerwear like jeans, shirts, and sweaters, avoid temperatures higher than 40°C. If there are no stains, 30°C is hot enough. When in doubt, check the care label! After the washing cycle, it’s best to remove the clothes immediately from the machine to minimize wrinkles.
4. Mind Your Colors
When doing a colorful load of laundry, consider adding a color catcher sheet. This prevents color bleeding or transfer to other garments. You can easily find these sheets in the supermarket. Also, avoid drying cotton clothes in direct sunlight, as it can cause fading. Choose a shaded area instead.
5. Use a Dryer in Moderation
A dryer is excellent for saving time but may leave clothes wrinkled and can even cause them to shrink or change color. Additionally, it increases wear and tear on the garments. A better solution is to air-dry your laundry, preferably on a plastic hanger. Knitted or crocheted cotton garments should be laid flat to dry to maintain their shape. Drying in the fresh air or laundry room is not only eco-friendly but also beneficial for your clothes. Plus, it makes ironing easier.
6. Do Not Store Unwashed Cotton Clothing in the Closet
Moths are the number one enemy of your closet, and they particularly enjoy munching on cotton clothing, especially if it’s soaked with sweat, urine, or body oils. They prefer laying their eggs in dark, dry places with a comfortable temperature. So, ensure you regularly air out your clothing and closet. If you encounter moths, wash unaffected clothes at a minimum of 60°C. Delicate clothing can be frozen in the freezer (-20°C). Clean the closet with a mixture of water and diluted vinegar. To prevent moths, you can place cedarwood or mothballs in your closet.
