Skip to Content

How to Wash Cotton Clothes
How to Wash Cotton Clothes

How to Wash Cottons

Cotton is an extremely versatile material, which is why we find it in some form in most of our clothing. Whether 100% cotton or a cotton blend, many of us wear, use and sleep on cotton every single day. That’s why it’s so important to wash cotton clothes correctly and to know how to prevent cotton clothes from shrinking. This fabric can be woven to be extremely durable or very delicate, meaning there really isn’t a one-size-fits-all method for washing cotton clothes. Nevertheless, some general guidelines can provide some help. Here, we’ll go over the basics of how to care for cotton. Still, make sure to always read the care instructions prior to washing your cotton items and be sure to follow the laundry symbols closely. 

How to care for cotton clothes

Let’s go over some basic cotton-care techniques, so that your cotton clothes stay looking their absolute best.

How to keep cotton from shrinking

One of the most common mistakes people make when washing cotton clothes is washing and drying them at too high a temperature. While more durable materials can withstand higher temperatures, most cotton fabrics will end up shrinking over time, if not immediately, if the water used is too hot. Drying your cotton clothes at too high a temperature will also cause the fibers to shrink. So, using colder temperatures when washing and drying your cotton clothes is the key behind how to keep cotton from shrinking.

Using colder temperatures when washing cotton clothes also makes it less likely that the dye on the fabric will bleed in the wash. Not to mention that it saves energy and money as well!

How to wash cotton clothes: Step-by-step

  1. Check the label’s care instructions and make sure that the garment can actually be washed.
  2. Pre-treat any stains. Spot test the garment in an inconspicuous place first to make sure the pre-treatment method won’t negatively affect the fabric or its color.
  3. Sort your cottons into whites, lights and darks, and make sure to separate any delicates out or items that need to be washed by hand.
  4. Wash the garments according to care instructions using your favorite Persil® detergent. For a more convenient option, turn to Persil® Discs™. Try to use the coldest temperature possible, unless the item is heavily soiled. Generally, cottons can be washed on the regular washing machine cycle. However, if your washing machine has a cottons setting, feel free to opt for that cycle instead.
  5. Remove the load promptly from the washer. This will prevent your clothes from smelling musty or from getting too wrinkled.
  6. Those that can be dried in the tumble dryer should usually be dried on low heat. Again, however, make sure to double-check the care label. Others may need to be dried on a clothesline or reshaped and laid flat to dry.