Cotton: How to Wash Natural Fabrics

The toCotton is a resistant fabric that is easy to wash and maintain. Because it is extremely comfortable, it is ffrequently used in clothing – both for clothing and for layettes. Check out the best tips for washing these natural fiber items below.

Advantages and Disadvantages about 100% Cotton Pieces

Benefits

• Cotton is durable and “breathes”. Absorbs moisture;
• It is a good choice for underwear and any other garment worn in direct contact with the skin;
• If in good condition it does not form balls;
• Does not pull thread so easily;
• It can withstand a hot iron and can be ironed on the right side;
• It can last for many years, as long as it is well maintained.

Disadvantages

• Cotton does not protect against wind;
• It can tear and burn easily;
• In contact with water, cotton becomes heavy
• When wet it can shrink if it dries too quickly.

Tips for Washing Cotton Clothes

• For the first few washes, we recommend dissolving the powdered soap well. Preferably use plenty of water, and only then immerse the piece;
• A colored cotton item must be washed separately the first time;
• Do not use chlorine-based bleaches;
• Do not leave it to soak for too long;
• Always dry in the shade. Or in the normal dryer cycle;
• Always follow the instructions on the label.

Be careful with excess soap

Excess soap, especially powder, removes cotton's natural protection. This occurs due to the aggressiveness of certain formulas.

The softener applied during the manufacturing process ends up being eliminated, which favors a premature aging aspect of the piece.

Homemade Tips to Remove White Cotton

Tip with baking soda

• Place a chlorine-free detergent in a bucket of warm water;
• Add a spoonful of baking soda;
• Leave the clothes to soak for 2 hours;
• Then rub the piece;
• Put it out to wash alone.

Tip with white vinegar

• Place 1 liter of water in a bucket;
• Add 1 cup of white vinegar;
• Keep soaking for 2 hours;
• Rinse well;
• Lay out in the sun to dry.

Sweat stains on cotton clothing

• Place a spoonful of baking soda on the stained area;
• Rub with half a lemon;
• Leave for about 15 minutes;
• Remove well with warm water;
• If it's in the washer, add a cup of baking soda to the soap.

Eliminating wine stains

• Make a solution with three parts vinegar and one part water;
• Pass over the stained part of the fabric;
• Leave it to act for between 10 and 15 minutes;
• Then wash the item normally.

Other Problems of Cotton Fabric

Polka dot formation and faded colored clothing

When cotton blend or 100% cotton items are washed and worn many times, the friction between the fibers causes them to break. This forms pills on the surface of the fabric.

The faded appearance of the fabric is mainly produced in cotton clothing. Constant washing and use can cause loss of color intensity.

Polka dots can disappear by brushing clothes, cutting them or removing them one by one from the fabric.

If your clothes have faded there is no solution. The only possibility is to dye it again. However, this effect can be reduced in better quality pieces and when a suitable powder detergent is used.

To prevent this, use a liquid soap manufactured with technology designed to specifically care for fabrics. This will prevent the fibers of the pieces from breaking and improve their overall appearance.