Washing Cotton: 5 Practical Tips

The summer season is coming to an end and it's time to put away the caftans and cotton summer dresses until next year. But how do you wash your cotton clothes, ready to be worn as soon as the heat returns? The answer lies in the correct washing, drying and storage of your cotton clothes.

Cotton is an extraordinary natural fiber: soft, breathable and resistant, ideal to accompany you on the hottest days. However, for these garments to retain their freshness, softness and brightness over time, it is essential to take care of them in the right way. By washing and drying your cotton summer clothes correctly, you will not only prolong their life, but you will also allow the colors to maintain their brightness and the fabric to become even more pleasant to the touch, wash after wash.

Washing cotton is pretty simple, whether you choose to use the washing machine or prefer to hand wash. Follow these simple steps to find your cotton garments in perfect condition next season!

Washing cotton

Before washing cotton, it is essential to check the fabric to identify the presence of any stains that may require pre-treatment. If there are any, gently dab the cotton garment with a detergent or stain remover, making sure it is suitable for delicate fabrics.

Once the most difficult stains have been treated, we can proceed with washing the actual cotton. At this point we must decide whether to wash our summer cotton clothes by hand or in the washing machine, as different precautions will be required based on the choice.

When washing cotton by hand, choose a neutral laundry detergent, with a balanced pH and without bleach, which could damage the natural cotton fibers. There is no need to use fabric softeners, which contain aggressive chemicals that damage the natural cotton fibers. Place the cotton item in a basin with warm water and neutral detergent for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly and wring out. Solid-colored items can be left to soak for longer, while with patterned items it is best not to overdo it.

If, instead, you prefer to machine wash cotton, simply set the program to a delicate and cold wash, maximum 40°C. Cold water, in fact, prevents the fabric from shrinking and maintains the fibers over time. Fabric softener is not necessary, but if you want to use it, use a small amount.

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Cotton washing: drying clothes

If you have decided to follow the cotton washing method, proceed by gently wringing out your cotton summer clothes and hang them in a ventilated and not very sunny place. Direct sunlight, in fact, dries out the fibers and ruins the colors of our hand-made prints.

If, instead, you have chosen to wash your cotton garments in the washing machine, select a low spin cycle. It is not necessary to also use the dryer, as it is sufficient to hang the garment in a ventilated place, away from direct light or heat sources.

How to iron cotton garments

Have you followed all the tips for washing your cotton summer clothes correctly? Perfect, now it's time to store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity, waiting for the next summer season.

But do cotton garments need to be ironed? It is not always necessary to iron our cotton garments and accessories. If you prefer, use a low temperature, thus avoiding burning the natural fibres of cotton. It is preferable to iron the garments while the fabric is still slightly damp, using a cloth to protect it from the heat.

With proper care and attention, your cotton garments will continue to maintain their quality over time. Discover our selection of summer cotton dresses!

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