Important TipsWashing Cotton Clothes
Cotton is made from natural fibers and has been used in the textile industry for making various garments for a long time. Due to the thickness, durability, and strong fabric, cotton clothes are very popular. Many men and women wear cotton pants, jackets, and more. However, washing cotton clothes may seem challenging due to their thickness and material. Using incorrect washing methods can harm the fabric and color, causing the clothes to lose their original shape and color after washing. In this section of lifestyleSelMagzWe will share tips on washing cotton clothes to ensure they retain their original shape and color after washing.
Steps for Washing Cotton Clothes:
Read the clothing label:
Many garments have labels that provide instructions on how to wash them. The symbols on the label indicate the recommended water temperature and washing duration.
Pre-treat stains:
If you notice a stain on the fabric, clean it with a damp cloth before washing. Regular washing might not remove stains from cotton clothes; therefore, you should use stain removers. Spray some of the stain remover solution on the stained area, but make sure to read the instructions before use. If your garment is light-colored and can handle bleach, you can use a cloth soaked in bleach to treat the stains.
Don’t wash cotton clothes with other garments:
Cotton clothes have a thick fabric and should not be washed with other garments. If you’re using a washing machine, be careful not to mix cotton clothes with other items.
Pay attention to water temperature:
If using a washing machine, set the water temperature properly. Hot water can harm the fabric, causing shrinking and fading. A temperature of 30 degrees Celsius is a good choice. You can slightly increase the temperature to clean white and light-colored clothes better.
Use suitable detergents:
For washing cotton clothes, use regular detergents. You can use bleach on white fabrics, but be sure to check the label first to confirm it won’t damage the fabric. We recommend using fabric softeners and liquid detergent when using a washing machine. If the durability of your clothing matters to you, consider using natural detergents.
Natural detergents for washing cotton clothes:
Baking soda
As mentioned in theHousekeepingsection of SelMagz, you can use water, laundry detergent, and a bit ofbaking sodaand soak your clothing in this mixture to remove stains.
White vinegar
The shorter the washing time, the less damage to the fabric. To avoid harming the fabric, wash quickly with hand laundry detergent andvinegarin a short time.
Salt and lemon juice
To eliminate tough stains from your cotton clothes, sprinkle some salt on a lemon slice and use it to clean the stains.
Milk
To remove stains from cotton clothes, pour milk directly onto the stains and let it sit for ten minutes before washing your garment.
Do not rinse cotton clothes with hot water:
If washing cotton clothes by hand, still pay attention to the water temperature when rinsing. Hot water can cause color bleeding, fabric damage, shrinking, and tightness. When washing by hand, turn your clothing inside out and wash it.
Avoid drying clothes in direct sunlight:
When drying cotton clothes in a washing machine, read the label’s instructions carefully. High speeds are not suitable for drying. Use low-speed drying to prevent your clothes from shrinking. Do not dry your clothes in direct sunlight as it fades black fabrics, reduces the strength of the fibers, and gives your clothes a worn-out appearance. Use plastic ropes for drying, as rusty metal rods can stain your clothing. If your clothes dry in the shade, it will prolong their lifespan.
Pay attention to ironing your clothes:
Ironing directly isn’t an effective way to smooth cotton clothes. To remove wrinkles, hang your garment and use steam from the iron to smooth out the creases or press it under a heavy blanket to achieve a press without high temperature. If you don’t have enough time for these methods, place a damp cloth over your garment and iron it at a low temperature.
