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How to care for cotton

4 Jun 2024

Author: SportscraftMarketing

From T-shirts to dresses, cotton is comfortable, durable, and exceptionally easy to care for. However, to ensure your cotton items stay in top condition, it’s important to follow proper care techniques, and always check the label before washing.

Cotton is grown in over 70 countries globally, flourishing in regions that experience long, hot summers. This remarkable plant, closely linked to the hibiscus family, serves a dual purpose as the world’s favourite textile fibre and a valuable food source. The cotton plant yields delicate, fluffy bolls that are picked, cleaned and spun, transforming into a beautiful variety of fabrics.

Sportscraft is committed to cotton farming practices that benefit people and planet, and we are digitally tracing our supply chain to understand the real-world challenges faced by our cotton suppliers. We are building our partnerships with cotton farmers in Australia and around the world who prioritise more regenerative farming methods that are suited to their local environment.

We believe that quality is an important aspect of sustainability, and with the proper care, your cotton garments can last for seasons to come.

Sorting and Prepping

• Always check clothing tags for any specific care instructions.

• When washing, we advise separating white cotton items from heavily coloured ones to avoid dye bleeding.

• Pre-treat any visible stains with a stain remover before washing.

• Turn cotton garments inside out to prevent excessive friction and preserve colours.

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Machine Washing

• Choose a gentle detergent for washing cotton clothing on a regular basis. If required, bleach-based detergents can be used to eliminate bacteria from clothing – however, always read the care label first, as these detergents can damage the fibre or remove colour from the fabric. Use only the advised amount of detergent, as too much detergent can also damage your clothes.

• We recommend using cold water to prevent shrinkage and reduce the risk of dyes fading.

• Cotton can be washed on a gentle or regular cycle setting on your washing machine. Some machines also offer a cotton washing setting.

• Avoid overloading the machine. Leave enough room for clothes to move freely and get cleaned thoroughly.

• Hot washes are not necessary for everyday cleaning and are only recommended for more heavily soiled items.

Hand Washing

• Cotton can be washed by hand for finer, more delicate fabrics or blends.

• Fill a basin or sink with cool water and add a gentle detergent.

• Let items soak for 10-15 minutes to loosen dirt and stains.

• For stubborn stains, gently rub the fabric together or use a soft brush.

• Rinse the items in clean, cool water until all detergent is removed.

• Gently press the items against the basin or sink to remove excess water.

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Drying and Ironing

• Cotton can be warm tumble-dried, but we recommend line-drying in the shade as it is less impactful on the environment.

• Refer to the care label for specific ironing instructions.

• Use a warm iron with steam, and place a clean cloth between the iron and the cotton item for extra protection.

• For better ironing results, iron whilst garment is still damp.

• Do not apply excessive pressure, especially on delicate areas.

Storing

• Fold cotton items neatly to prevent creases and wrinkles.

• Store cotton clothes away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

• If storing for an extended period, consider using fabric storage bags to allow air circulation.

Proper care not only preserves the quality of your cotton garments but also helps reduce their overall climate impact by extending their lifespan. By following these steps, you’ll be able to care for your cotton items effectively, ensuring they stay soft and vibrant for years to come.