Cotton clothes: what maintenance and cleaning to prefer?

Ideal for making fabrics, cotton fiber has become, in a few centuries, an essential raw material for designing many textiles. Cleaning, maintenance, conservation… Here is what you need to know about this ultra-resistant fiber.

Discovered millennia ago, cotton fiber has long been cultivated in Egypt, Peru, India, and even Asia. Since industrialization in the 19th century, cotton has established itself as the first textile fiber in the world. And if it has had the wind in its sails for so many years, it is, in particular, thanks to its many qualities. This natural fiber, which surrounds the seeds of cotton plants – resistant shrubs – is renowned for its breathable qualities, comfort, resistance, softness, and elasticity. Present in many fabrics; cotton fiber makes it possible to offer clothing and textiles of superior quality. Although cotton is the most used fiber globally, it is not always easy to maintain it daily, preserve it as much as possible, and extend its life.

At what temperature should cotton be washed?

To maintain cotton, there are precautions to take. Although the fiber is resistant, it is important not to attack it and to apply specific maintenance tips. The good news is that the cotton fiber supports washing in the washing machine very well. However, cleaning a cotton garment at the right temperature is essential. Washing it at 40° C in the device is generally recommended, an ideal temperature to prevent the clothes from shrinking. For cotton household linen, you can increase the temperature to 60°C or even 90°C if the stains are stubborn. As for more delicate cotton fabrics, like lingerie, for example, washing them at 30°C in a protective pouch is advisable. Cotton is also resistant to tumble drying. A short cycle at a low temperature (about 30°C) is recommended to avoid damaging the fibers.

How to wash cotton according to its nature?

Washing a cotton garment after two or even three uses is generally possible thanks to its breathable and resistant fiber. However, there are several types of cotton, each with a specific and different maintenance code. Here is the list of the kinds of cotton as well as the related maintenance advice:

• Classic cotton or cotton: this is the most common fiber. It can be machine washed at 40°C.
• Percale: a fiber with a smooth and silky appearance, it is a high-quality cotton that can be washed at 40°c.
• Flannel: supple and soft, flannel keeps you warm and can be washed at 40°c.
• Jersey: this type of cotton is very flexible and can be machine washed at 30°c.
• Cotton satin: this type of cotton, shiny and matte, is very delicate. Hand washing is recommended.
• Poplin: supple and light, poplin is slightly satiny. Wash at 40°c.
• Cretonne: thicker, this material is accessible to machine wash at 40°C.
• Waxed cotton:  the garment is brushed, then cleaned with hot water. 
• Oiled cotton:  the garment is touched, then cleaned with hot water.
• Coated cotton:  put it in the washing machine at 40°C with a mild detergent.
• Waxed cotton: the garment is brushed, then cleaned with hot water.
• Organic cotton: machine washes at 40°C or 60°C. This type of cotton is very durable.
• Egyptian cotton: wash cold at 30°C. It is solid and resistant, like cotton sateen.
• White cotton: machine wash at 40°C or 60°C. This type of cotton is very durable.

If in doubt about the care of a particular cotton, it is recommended to always look at the care code label. It generally consists of 5 symbols that represent a vat, a triangle, an iron, a circle, or a circle in a square. They indicate washing tips.

How to wash 100% cotton?

The 100% cotton is machine washable at 40°C but can be washed at 60°C. To preserve the fabric as long as possible, it is nevertheless advisable to wash the garment at 40°C. Note that 100% cotton can shrink by 20% in the wash. To prevent the cotton from shrinking, soak it in a basin of lukewarm water for several minutes beforehand.

What detergent should I use to clean cotton?

Exit chemical and toxic detergents; we rely on natural products to maintain the cotton fiber as much as possible. Marseille soap detergent or detergent made from natural products, therefore. Finally, it is, of course, possible to wash cotton fabrics by hand. For this, it is recommended to use a natural detergent or Marseille soap and to wring the cloth before drying it in the open air.

Why does cotton yellow?

Despite all possible efforts, it sometimes happens that over time, sweat or humidity, cotton yellows, predominantly white or light-colored cotton. To prevent yellowing, washing the linen with Marseille soap or even a few tablespoons of baking soda is advisable. How to do?

1. Place baking soda on the yellow stain or the entire fabric
2. Immerse the fabric in hot water and leave it to act for several minutes.
3. Rinse the fabric with clear water.

If a yellow stain is already present, you have to opt for grandmother’s baking soda + white vinegar trick. If this preparation is poured onto a white cloth, it can regain its original color.

How to prevent cotton from fading?

First of all, to limit the risks that a cotton garment will bleed, it is recommended to always sort your laundry before washing and separate the colors from the white. Another option: fix the fabric or garment’s colors before washing. How? With coarse salt and white vinegar. In a sink, run cold water and pour in Marseille soap, a little coarse salt, and white vinegar. You will see if your clothes are bleeding. Finally, use a detergent suitable for your fabrics. If the clothes are colored, choose a liquid detergent, preferably natural, without bleaching agents. Some aggressive detergents can cause the material to rub off.

What should I do if my cotton T-shirt has shrunk?

If your favorite cotton T-shirt has shrunk, chances are you can get it back to its original size. The reason? Cotton is one of the most accessible fabrics to expand. To do this, it is advisable to place the garment in a basin of lukewarm water and pour a few drops of shampoo into it. Then, let it soak for 30 minutes, rinse it, and lay it down. Warning: do not wring it by hand to avoid damaging the fiber;  use towels to absorb the water.

How to iron cotton?

Cotton is a very heat-resistant material. It is, therefore, straightforward to iron and withstands the heat of an iron. For a colored garment or with a yoke, ironing the fabric inside out is recommended to maintain the color and not damage the product.

How to store cotton?

Like all clothes, it is recommended to store cotton clothes in a dressing room properly. It is, therefore, necessary to avoid rolling them into a ball in a drawer. Instead, we put them in a hangar or fold them carefully in our cupboards. As a reminder, the lifespan of cotton is very high thanks to its resistant composition. It is possible to preserve the quality of a cotton fiber garment for many years by taking care of it.