7 easy ways to keep cotton clothes looking new for longer
A few small habits when washing, drying and ironing keep the colour, fit and comfort of cotton clothes for much longer.
Cotton is comfortable, but the wrong wash can fade the colour or shrink the fit. These habits keep your favourite clothes looking new for much longer.
Before washing
- Check the care instructions on the label.
- Wash dark and light colours separately.
- Turn polo shirts and printed T-shirts inside out to protect the print and the collar.
Washing and drying
- Use cold or lukewarm water; very hot water can shrink cotton.
- Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach.
- Dry in the shade or soft sunlight rather than strong sun for long hours, so the colour stays bright.
Ironing and storing
- Iron inside out on a medium setting.
- Make sure clothes are completely dry before you put them away, so they stay fresh and free of marks.
Small habits like these help a good garment last for many seasons.