Cotton Care is Easy

Discover why cotton and cotton-blend fabrics are popular and how to care for them.

Cotton is Naturally Effortless

Cotton possesses these "modern" characteristics: durability, colour saturation and versatility. It is hydrophilic, meaning it loves water, making it a natural for clothing. Because cotton absorbs water more easily than any other fabric, it can be thoroughly washed and can withstand repeated washings.

Cotton is Rugged

In addition to being one of the most comfortable fabrics, cotton can withstand a range of temperatures and responds well to color-safe bleach and a good detergent. Both Tide® and Ivory Snow® carry the Cotton Seal for optimum cleaning performance and their ability to reduce fading and enhance the overall appearance of cotton and cotton-blend fabrics.

To keep cottons comfy and looking good:

• Separate items by coloyr and weight. Dark denim, corduroy and canvas get a cool wash, and lighter colors and materials should receive a warm wash.
• Cotton has outstanding stain removal qualities. To remove even really dirty stains, presoak in detergent before washing.

Cotton is Colourful

Cotton absorbs and maintains colour, so it comes in a variety of eye-catching shades.

To keep cotton colors vibrant:

• Turn clothes inside-out before washing.
• Read the care label for recommended water temperatures.
• Tumble dry, remove immediately and fold to reduce wrinkles.
• Don't overdry! Dry just long enough to remove wrinkles and moisture. Too much heat can set wrinkles and shrink some cotton fabrics.
• For quick stain pretreating, apply water, seltzer or an ice cube to the affected area.
  

Fine Cotton Care is Also Easy

Caring for finely woven cotton fabrics is easier than their elegance might suggest.

Follow these tips to care for fine cotton items:

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Gently hand-wash with a mild detergent like Ivory Snow.
• Line dry or dry flat to prevent stretching. Put in dryer on air setting only to restore softness.
• To remove stains, use colour-safe bleach on whites (try Tide Liquid with Bleach Alternative first). Try a paste of salt and vinegar to remove wine or a detergent paste to remove proteins such as milk and egg yolk.
  

Cotton is Perfect for Baby

Many baby items are made of cotton because of its superb softness and ability to resist wear and tear. While you should always follow care instructions on the label, Ivory Snow is a good detergent choice for baby items to help preserve fabric softness, surface appearance and colour.

Many thanks to FabricofOurLives.com for source articles Caring for Cotton and Quick and Easy Laundry Tips for Clothes.