Cotton is the most common fabric in most wardrobes — shirts, t-shirts, bedding, towels and jeans are often cotton or a cotton blend. It is durable and breathable, but it still needs the right care to stay soft, keep its shape and avoid shrinking. This guide covers the essentials.

Washing cotton

  • Check the label first — it sets the maximum safe temperature.
  • Separate colours from whites to avoid dye transfer.
  • Wash at 30–40°C for everyday items; this cleans well and saves energy.
  • Use a hotter wash only for heavily soiled whites, towels or bedding.
  • Turn printed or dark items inside out to protect the surface.

Avoiding shrinkage

Cotton shrinks mainly from heat. Hot water and high dryer temperatures are the usual culprits, especially on the first wash. Wash in cooler water and dry on a low setting or air-dry to keep garments their original size. Pre-shrunk cotton is more forgiving, but caution still pays off with new items.

Drying cotton

Air-drying is gentlest and helps clothes last longer. If you use a dryer, choose a low or medium heat and remove items while slightly damp to reduce creasing. Reshape garments while damp and hang or fold them promptly. Avoid leaving cotton crumpled in the machine, as set-in creases are harder to remove.

Ironing and finishing

Cotton creases easily but irons well. Iron while slightly damp, or use steam, on a medium-to-hot setting. For crisp shirts and a professional finish, many people prefer to leave it to the experts — a properly pressed cotton shirt looks sharper and lasts longer between washes.

Caring for specific cotton items

  • Shirts: wash inside out, dry promptly, and press while damp.
  • Towels: wash warm, skip fabric softener (it reduces absorbency), and dry fully.
  • Bedding: wash regularly and iron or steam for a smooth finish.
  • Jeans: wash inside out, cold, and air-dry to preserve colour and fit.

When to use a professional

Structured cotton garments, heavily stained items and crisp shirt finishing are often best handled professionally. Our laundry and shirt service washes, presses and finishes cotton to a standard that is hard to match at home. Explore all our services or book a collection with free local pick-up.

The takeaway

Cotton is easy to care for once you respect heat: wash cool, dry gently, and finish while slightly damp. Do that and your cotton clothes and linens will stay soft, fit well and last for years.