Cotton fabric is obtained from naturally occurring plant fibres and is widely used in the clothing industry. From beddings to underwear, to shirts and even jeans. The fibres obtained from the cotton plant can be processed; woven and knitted into different kinds of clothes. Cotton Clothes are very comfortable, highly sought after and durable.
Since we tend to own a lot of cotton clothes, it is important that we know how to take care of them, to make them last longer and always look fresh. We spoke to a laundry professional at Eden Life and he shared a few tips on how to care for your clothes that are made from cotton.
Read: How To Take Care of Your Polyester Clothes
Washing Cotton Clothes
Check The Care Label
It is essential to check the care label of any clothing before you proceed to wash it. The care label is a small, usually white tag that is attached to the insides of any clothing material. It specifies the fabric type and describes the washing and maintenance process.
Most people tend to ignore the label and just wash clothes randomly. This affects the lifespan of the clothes as the label will enable you to know how hard you should scrub and what temperature is good for the clothes.
While cotton is usually washable, it could have been mixed with other fabric types requiring a certain treatment. It could be that the clothes only require a delicate wash and no dry cleaning. You’re better off consulting the care label at all times.
For example, If you have dark cotton jeans, slacks, or blazers that you want to keep from fading, dry cleaning is always a good option. The care label usually specifies that, and a laundry professional would know how to handle the fabric properly.
How Often Should You Wash Your Cotton Clothes
You should wash your cotton fabric twice or thrice after every wear depending on what kind of clothing it is. Clothes like underwear that are always in contact with your skin should be washed after every use and clothes like beddings and jeans can be used for longer. It also largely depends on how stained/soiled the clothes are.
Water Temperature
Unless the cotton garment that you’re washing is always in direct contact with your skin; like underwear, socks, or pyjamas, you should wash it in warm or cold water. This will help to prevent shrinkage, stretching, and fading. Low water temperatures help the clothes retain their colour and overall texture. While cotton underwear, socks, pyjamas, beddings, and towels should be washed in hot water to get rid of germs and residual bodily fluids.
Drying
Over-drying cotton clothes can cause them to shrink and wrinkle excessively. If you’re using a dryer, select the permanent press setting for cotton clothes or use a lower temperature setting. Sheets, towels, and kitchen linens can be dried at higher temperatures to hasten the process.
Also, remember that drying time depends on the size of the load. Always ensure to spread your cotton clothes outdoors in order to get some air. The ultraviolet rays of the sun help to whiten white cotton clothes, while it makes coloured cotton fabrics shine brighter.
Ironing
After washing, most cotton fabrics tend to get a lot of wrinkles and squeezes so they require some ironing. A medium hot iron is always best for ironing cotton fabric — iron on the back of the clothes instead of the front to make it straighter.
You can also use a pressing cloth between the iron and the clothes for extra protection. That way, you can reduce the risk of burning your clothes.
If you’re not a fan of ironing, you can use a rolling steamer and run it over your clothes after they dry. You can also hang your cotton clothes in a steamy bathroom to remove the wrinkling. It won’t give a crisp finish like the iron but it will get rid of the big wrinkles and you won’t have to go through the stress of ironing.
Read: 8 Ironing hacks for people who hate ironing
How to Wash Your Cotton Clothes
Detergent – Powerful detergent
Water Temperature – Cold for colored cotton. Hot for beddings and underwear.
Washer Cycle – Normal.
Special Treatment – Bleach for white cotton clothes.
Drying Cycle Type – Permanent press for clothes, regular cycle for linens.
Ironing Settings – Cotton setting or 400 F/ 204 C
Storing Cotton Clothes
Your cotton clothes should be hung or folded neatly and put in a box or dresser in order to prevent wrinkles and give them space to breathe. Cotton can absorb strong smells, so clothes need to be fully dry before they are stored. If not, there is a high chance of them smelling damp after a while. Avoid storing cotton fabrics in airless areas like basements and attics where the temperature and humidity fluctuate, it can affect how the clothes look and smell.
Washing, ironing and the general maintenance of clothes is a stressful chore that should be outsourced whenever you can. Despite the fact that it saves you time, you’re also handing your clothes over to the people who can take care of it best, laundry professionals.
At Eden Life laundry, we take special care of your clothes, no matter the size and fabric type. Our laundry experts are experienced and skilled in the art of laundry and know what your clothes need at every given stage.
Try out the best laundry service in Lagos. Try out Eden Life laundry.