Cotton
Cotton is a cellulose fibre, meaning it’s plant‑based. This gives it several defining characteristics
Key Properties
- Absorbent: Holds up to 27× its weight in water, which is why it feels cool and breathable.
- Swells when wet: Fibres expand, making cotton stronger when wet but also more prone to shrinkage and wrinkling.
- Low elasticity: Once stretched, it doesn’t bounce back easily.
- Heat‑sensitive dyes: Many cotton dyes bleed or fade under high heat.
What this means for care
- Cold water is your friend.
- Heat (washing or drying) is the enemy of shape and color.
- Mechanical agitation accelerates wear.
Washing
Temperature
- Cold (20–30°C): Best for most cotton garments. Minimises shrinkage and fading.
- Warm (40°C): Useful for towels, underwear, and heavily soiled items.
- Hot (60°C+): Only for white cottons that need sanitising (sheets, kitchen towels).
Detergent
- Use a liquid detergent as powders can leave residue and can be abrasive.
- For whites, an oxygen‑based bleach (not chlorine) keeps brightness without damaging fibres.
Cycle
- Regular/Normal cycle: Fine for sturdy cottons like T‑shirts, jeans, and bedding.
- Delicate cycle: Best for lightweight cotton voile, lawn, poplin, or embroidered cotton.
Sorting
Cotton is notorious for dye transfer.
- Wash dark cottons separately for the first 5–10 washes.
- Keep lint‑producers (towels) away from lint‑catchers (jersey knits).
Drying
Air Drying (Best Method)
- Prevents shrinkage
- Reduces fading
- Minimises fibre fatigue
Tumble Drying (Avoid)
- Use low heat or air‑only.
- Remove while slightly damp to prevent over‑drying (which causes stiffness).
- Shake garments out immediately to reduce wrinkles.
Ironing & Steaming
Cotton can withstand high heat, but dyes may not.
Ironing
- Use medium to high heat with steam.
- Iron garments inside out to protect colour.
- For crisp shirts, iron while slightly damp.
Steaming
- Great for removing wrinkles without flattening texture.
- Safe for printed cottons that shouldn’t be ironed directly.
Stain Removal
Cotton absorbs stains quickly, so timing matters.
General rules
- Treat stains as soon as possible.
- Blot, don’t rub.
- Use enzyme‑based stain removers for protein stains (sweat, food, blood).
- Use oxygen bleach for whites.
Common stain strategies
- Sweat stains: Pre‑treat with an enzyme detergent + warm water soak.
- Oil stains: Dish soap works well because it breaks down grease.
- Dye transfer: Soak in oxygen bleach; avoid heat until stain is gone.
Preventing Shrinkage
Cotton shrinks due to fiber swelling + heat.
To avoid it:
- Wash in cold water.
- Avoid high‑heat drying.
- Choose pre‑shrunk cotton when possible.
- Reshape garments while damp.