How to wash cotton clothes:
- 1. Pre-treat any stains
- 2. Sort cotton clothes properly
- 3. Use cold water
- 4. Choose the right washer cycle
- 5. Use enzyme-based laundry pods
- 6. Add fabric conditioner or scent booster (optional)
- 7. Hang to air dry
Cotton is the people’s fabric: soft, breathable, durable, and just as at home in a five-star hotel robe as it is in a worn-in college T-shirt. But don’t be fooled. 100% cotton is also a little high-maintenance. Treat it wrong and it shrinks, fades, or comes out of the wash feeling rough. Treat it right, though, and cotton rewards you with years of that lived-in feel you wish all your clothes had.
The thing about cotton is it remembers. Every wash, every cycle, every too-hot dryer session leaves its mark. This guide will show you how to keep your cotton looking sharp, smelling irresistible, and feeling like the fabric MVP it is.
1. Pre-Treat Any Stains
Cotton soaks up stains the way a group chat soaks up drama: fast and without remorse. Don’t ignore them. Blot the offender, then hit it with a dab of dish soap. The enzymes cut through grease and oil before they’ve had a chance to bond with the fibers. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before tossing it into the wash.
2. Sort Cotton Clothes Properly
Cotton likes to keep good company. Wash it with other sturdy fabrics like linen, hemp, or cotton blends. Keep it away from delicate fabrics (silk, lace, anything that screams “handle with care”) and definitely don’t throw it in with heavy denim or towels—they can rough up the surface and cause pilling.
And yes, color sorting still matters. Wash whites with whites, darks with darks, and brights together so your favorite cotton tee doesn’t end up looking tie-dyed by accident.
3. Use Cold Water
Hot water is cotton’s mortal enemy. It causes shrinkage, fading, and fiber breakdown. Cold water, on the other hand, keeps the fabric firm, colors vibrant, and structure intact. Bonus points for saving on your utility bill.
4. Choose the Right Wash Cycle
When it comes to cotton, the “normal” or “cotton” cycle on your washing machine is your best bet. It uses a longer wash and higher agitation, which is perfect for lifting dirt from the sturdy fibers. Skip the “heavy duty” setting unless you’re washing gym socks that look like they’ve survived a Spartan Race.
For lighter cottons (like tees or button-downs), the “permanent press” cycle can help minimize wrinkles. Less ironing = more time doing literally anything else.
5. Use Enzyme-Based Laundry Pods
The best laundry detergent for cotton is an enzyme-based formula that can break down oils, food stains, and everyday grime without weakening the fibers. This is what keeps cotton strong, soft, and looking like it belongs in your closet—not the rag pile.
Laundry Sauce detergent pods check every box. They’re pre-measured (so you can stop guessing how much liquid to pour), tough on stains, and gentle on fabrics. Most importantly, they infuse your cotton clothes with premium fragrances. Think Australian Sandalwood, Egyptian Rose, French Saffron, and more—so even your plainest T-shirt feels upgraded.
No matter what your care tag says, these must-haves keep your clothes looking and smelling their best—minus the guesswork.
6. Add Fabric Conditioner and Scent Booster (Optional)
Cotton is naturally soft, but it never hurts to give it a little extra love. A good fabric conditioner keeps the fibers smooth, prevents that rough “hang-dry” feel, and helps your clothes hold onto their shape.
Our Performance Fabric Conditioner does all that while layering in the same premium Laundry Sauce fragrance you already know from our pods. Pair it with a Performance Scent Booster if you want a longer-lasting scent—something that doesn’t just survive the wash but lingers for days.
The result? Cotton that feels soft, smells incredible, and actually makes you look forward to laundry day.
7. Hang to Air Dry
Air drying is the fabric equivalent of a spa day—gentle, rejuvenating, and great for long-term results. Hang your shirts and pants on a drying rack or lay them flat to avoid stretching.
If patience isn’t your strong suit, you can tumble dry pre-shrunk cotton on low heat. Just don’t crank it up too high. Toss in a few dryer sheets to keep static at bay and lock in that fragrance that makes your closet smell like it has its own doorman.
Pro tip: If your cotton clothes are wrinkled after drying, hit them with some fabric spray to relax the fabric fibers.
Common Questions About Washing Cotton
Even seasoned laundry pros have questions when it comes to cotton. Let’s settle a few once and for all:
Can You Put Cotton Clothes in the Dryer?
Yes—if they’re pre-shrunk. Use a low-heat setting to minimize shrinkage. High heat is what turns your large T-shirt into a crop top.
Can You Bleach Cotton Clothes?
Only if they’re pure white and bleach-safe. Always check the care label first. For colors, stick to an oxygen-based bleach or a stain remover to avoid fading.
How Often Should You Wash Cotton Clothes?
It depends. Everyday cotton shirts and socks? Every wear. Cotton jeans or jackets? You can get a few wears out of them before washing, unless they’re visibly dirty or, well, smell like they’ve lived through a festival weekend.
How to Prevent Cotton Clothes from Shrinking
Cold water, gentle detergent, and air drying are your best defenses. If you must use the dryer, go for low heat and a short cycle.
Treat Cotton Like You Actually Care
Cotton might be everyday, but that doesn’t mean it deserves everyday neglect. This fabric will last for years if you give it the respect it demands: treat stains early, wash with the right crowd, stick to cold water, and don’t roast it in the dryer.
Properly cared-for cotton feels softer, looks sharper, and smells like you just stepped out of a five-star suite. Laundry is unavoidable—you might as well make it something to look forward to.
