Do you know how to wash cotton clothes?
Years of doing laundry are no guarantee of proper fabric care. That's why we must follow the care instructions on garment labels to ensure we're treating the fabric properly. That's why it's so important to read the label before washing, drying, or ironing a garment. So, how do you wash cotton clothes?- If they're colored, they're best left alone. Cotton has the peculiarity of running color when dyed with a color. It's best to separate garments into three groups: bright colors, dark colors, and white. We wash each group separately. Although this is specifically recommended for the first wash after purchasing the garment, many professionals and manufacturers prefer to always do it this way to maintain the vibrant colors.
- The water temperature shouldn't be too high. Cotton, although a durable material, doesn't tolerate high temperatures well. Not only can these temperatures cause garments to bleed, but they can also weaken the fabric, causing it to tear, rip, or shrink. Not many fabrics can withstand high temperatures. If you don't want to feel embarrassed thinking you've gained weight, it's best to always wash cotton garments in cold water.
- Select a delicate washing machine program. Delicate washing machine programs treat clothes gently and for less time than normal programs. This will help your cotton clothes last longer.
- Use starch after a few washes. Starch is an excellent protector that helps clothes last much longer, especially cotton. It's not necessary to apply starch after every wash, but rather a few times a year.
- If it's not 100% cotton, consider the other component. Like cotton, each fabric requires different care. Occasionally, garments are made that combine cotton with polyester, lycra, or wool. Therefore, in these cases, it's even more important to read the labels to understand the treatment of each fabric and ensure proper washing for both.
What about drying and ironing? Tips for doing it right.
You've probably figured out how to wash cotton clothes, but what about afterward? You may have many items that don't need ironing, but those that do need to be treated properly too. Follow these steps:- Iron a damp garment or use a steamer. Cotton absorbs heat and tends to shrink. Applying water while ironing will give it the desired shape, prevent shrinkage, and finish ironing much faster. If your iron doesn't have a steamer, apply water with a spray bottle. It's best to use distilled water, and even better if you choose a scented water, as this will make your clothes smell wonderful.
- Avoid the dryer or use it on the lowest cycle. While it's important to know how to wash cotton clothes, it's equally important to know how to dry them. It's best to do so outdoors, placing the clothespins diagonally across the sides to avoid marks. However, if you live in an area where the sun is scarce, you may need to use the dryer. Remember that this fabric tends to shrink, but if you use the lowest cycle and don't turn it too fast, you can dry your cotton underwear or other garments without any major issues.
- Do not dry directly in the sun, as this weakens the fibers. The sun is one of the greatest enemies of clothing, but especially of cotton garments. If you decide to dry your cotton laundry outside, make sure it's not exposed to direct sunlight. Hang it in an area where it's warm but not in direct sunlight. The extreme heat of the sun weakens the fibers and damages any cotton garment.
