Cheers to everyone joining the sustainable fashion crew with organic cotton clothes. We're sure the planet thanks you for every eco-forward fashion choice you make.
Wondering what advantages cotton clothes have over synthetic clothes? Here’s the scoop.
Organic cotton is great for the environment. But that's not all that we love it for. If you've flaunted an organic cotton garment, you know how soft the fabric feels on the skin. No allergies, no skin irritation, no harmful chemicals.
Because the fabric hasn't been exposed to chemicals, it usually lasts between 2 and 5 years. The more love you shower on your organic cotton clothes, the longer they'll last.
So, what are some tips on how to take care of cotton clothes? Let's find out.
Washing Tips for Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is different than synthetic cotton. It's delicate and hasn't been touched by harsh chemicals and fabric softeners. Therefore, you have to be extra gentle with the fabric.
Okay, then, how do you wash cotton clothes?
Here, use these tips:
Go for a Mild Detergent
Organic cotton clothes don't like abrasive detergents. They're too strong for the eco-friendly threads. Use a mild detergent or a gentle soap to keep the fabric soft and durable.
Cold Water is the Way to Go
Use cold water to wash your organic cotton clothes. Hot water strips the fabric of its natural softness and color, making it dull and lifeless. If you need to use warm water, make sure it's never hotter than 30 degrees Celsius.
For people living in Dubai, the hot summer weather affects water temperatures. Even when you set your washing machine to cold or 30 degrees Celsius, the water can reach 40 degrees Celsius or more during the day. Therefore, hand washing is a better option, or alternatively, you can wash clothes early in the morning or at night.
Gentle Cycle
Although handwashing organic cotton is best, we understand it's not the most convenient option. Luckily, it's okay to machine wash organic cotton clothes. Just use a delicate cycle.
Avoid Bleach and Fabric Softeners
Bleach weakens the fibers and causes them to yellow. Fabric softeners, on the other hand, can leave a residue that reduces the fabric's absorbency. So, use a natural solution of white vinegar and your favorite essential oil during the rinse cycle to keep your clothes fresh and soft.
Always Wash Inside Out
Protect your fabric's color, design, and prints by washing your organic cotton clothes inside out. It will also help prevent the garment from pilling and fading (this is very important with clothing our collection of Muslin cotton with golden stars or flakes).
Drying Tips for Organic Cotton
Whether you're drying organic cotton baby clothes or organic cotton women’s clothing, the drying process remains the same. The key is to keep the process as natural as possible.
Air Drying
Air-drying organic cotton clothing is the easiest and most eco-friendly option. Hang or lay it flat on a drying rack to minimize wrinkles and the need for ironing. And, of course, it keeps your energy bills down, too!
Avoid Tumble Drying
Tumble drying can shrink your cotton clothes and reduce their life span. Plus, it's not the most eco-friendly option. If you must, tumble dry on low and remove your clothes when they're still slightly damp. Over-drying can cause static buildup and make the fabric stiff.
Ironing and Steaming Organic Cotton
Let's move on to one of the least favorite household chores: ironing. Luckily, it's not as bad with organic cotton, especially if you've air-dried the garment.
Low-Temperature Ironing
Iron your clothes inside out, and they'll stick around for longer. Use the lowest heat setting on your iron to avoid scorching or burning the fabric.
Using a Steamer for Wrinkles
How to iron cotton clothes without an iron?
A steamer is a convenient and gentle way to remove wrinkles from organic cotton clothes for women, men, and babies alike. Hang your garment and steam from top to bottom for best results.
Stain Removal from Organic Cotton
From tomato sauce to coffee spills, life happens. But it doesn't have to be the end for your organic cotton clothes. Since 100% organic cotton clothing is best kept away from bleach and harsh detergents, go the natural route to save your pretty dress.
Some natural stain busters include:
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Salt
Just mix your choice of solution with water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing as usual. For tougher stains, you may need to repeat the process or try a combination of these natural stain removers.
Also, the earlier you treat a stain, the better chance you have of removing it completely. Don't let the stain sit!
FAQs
How to Wash Cotton Clothes for the First Time?
It's pretty straightforward:
- Read the label for any specific instructions
- If there are none, give your garment a wash with cold water and a mild detergent
- Avoid mixing colors to prevent bleeding
- Hang or lay flat to dry
Why Do Cotton Clothes Shrink?
Since organic clothes haven't been treated with chemicals, they are vulnerable to shrinkage due to heat. The fibers curl up upon losing moisture. Expect 10% shrinkage after the first wash. Length is more likely to be affected than width.
How Do You Remove Wrinkles from Organic Cotton Baby Clothes Without Ironing?
A steamer is an excellent alternative for removing wrinkles from organic cotton. Simply steam the garment while it's hanging, and voila! No need to reach for the iron.
Nurturing Your 100% Organic Cotton Wardrobe
Taking care of 100% organic cotton clothing is a blend of science, common sense, and love for the environment. These simple steps will help keep your eco-conscious wardrobe in top shape for years to come!
Embrace sustainability!