How to Wash Cotton Kids' Clothes

Cotton clothes are wardrobe staples for kids, but they need the right care to stay looking good. Washing everything the same way might save time, but it can leave cotton items dull, rough, or worn out faster than they should be.

In this guide, we show you how to properly care for cotton garments so you can keep your kids' favorite apparel looking as good as new for years.

How to Wash Cotton Clothes: 7 Easy Steps

At Firebird Kids, our PFAS-free clothing is designed to complement cotton’s natural qualities. When it's time to wash them or any other cotton items, follow these seven steps to keep them soft and durable:

Step 1: Spot clean cotton fabrics ASAP

Before we cover full washing procedures, it's important to understand that frequent washing can actually damage cotton fabrics. Kids' clothes get messy fast, but running them through wash cycles too frequently causes unnecessary wear and tear over time.

To counteract this, spot clean small stains as soon as possible. Pre-treat stains with these natural stain removers:

• Apply a baking soda paste for light soil and everyday dirt.

• Soak in a white vinegar and water solution (1:3 ratio) for stubborn stains.

If these methods don't remove the marks and stains from your cotton garments, follow our washing tips below.

Top tip: Always read the clothing labels beforehand.

Step 2: Turn cotton garments inside out

When your kids' clothes need a complete wash, start by turning all cotton items inside out before they go into the machine. This simple step helps to:

• Reduce color fading

• Minimize wrinkles and pilling

• Protect graphics, prints, and embroidery from damage

Step 3: Choose a mild laundry detergent

Not all liquid laundry detergents are made equal, and many are not suitable for kids' cotton clothes. These delicate garments need a gentle, fragrance-free, non-toxic laundry detergent formula that contains no harsh chemicals.

High-quality cotton also requires less detergent than you might expect because the natural fibers breathe well and release dirt more easily than synthetic materials. The same applies when washing cotton sheets and other bedding.

Which harsh detergents should I avoid when washing cotton?

Avoid laundry detergents that contain:

• Bleach or "whitening" agents

• Phosphates and sulfates

• Synthetic fragrances

• Fabric softeners

Step 4: Use cold water

Cold water is cotton's best friend, whether you're hand washing or using a washing machine.

Washing in temperatures of 68°F or below helps:

• Preserve the fabric's structure

• Prevent cotton fibers from breaking

• Prevent shrinkage

• Keep colors bright

• Prevent color bleeding between garments

Top tip: Avoid hot water, as high temperatures can cause cotton items to shrink!

How to wash cotton clothes for the first time?

• Always read the clothing label before washing.

• Check pockets and remove any items before washing.

• Pre-wash new cotton clothes separately for the first wash (especially for darker colors).

• Wash cotton garments in cold water and don't use too much detergent.

• Allow the cotton fabric to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

How to wash cotton clothes to avoid fading?

• Wash lights, mediums, and darks in separate loads.

• Add half a cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle to set colors (first wash only).

• Use color-safe liquid laundry detergent specifically designed for colored cotton clothes.

• Wash cotton clothes less frequently and spot clean in between instead.

Step 5: Use a gentle wash cycle

Time for the wash cycle!

Select the "delicate fabric", "cotton wash", or "gentle cycle" feature on your washing machine. Some machines may have different names for these settings, but ultimately, they do the same thing:

• Reduce intense spinning

• Prevent stretching, fraying, or warping of small garments like baby clothes

• Reduce the risk of threads coming undone

• Extend the lifespan of your cotton clothes

Top tip: Even on a gentle cycle, only wash cotton clothes with similar fabric types to avoid friction damage from heavier materials like denim or those that may contain synthetic materials. Additionally, avoid overloading the washer.

Step 6: Air dry (where possible)

Air drying is the safest way to dry organic cotton kids' clothes. It's the best-kept secret for keeping cotton clothes looking and feeling like brand new.

Follow these air-drying tips:

• Gently squeeze out any excess water before air drying (don't wring).

• Hang clothes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

• Space clothing appropriately for good air circulation.

• For delicate items like cotton sweaters and knits, lay them flat on a clean towel to prevent stretching.

• Avoid hangers for items like cotton-cashmere blends to prevent stretching and/or distorting.

Can I use a dryer for cotton clothes?

If you must use a dryer, choose a low-heat or "air-dry" setting to prevent the items from shrinking. Remove clothing while still slightly damp, then lay them flat to dry naturally. This helps minimize wrinkles and makes ironing so much easier.

Top tip: Avoid dryer sheets, as they often contain synthetic fragrances and residue that can damage your cotton items.

Step 7: Proper care and storage

Proper storage prevents unnecessary wrinkles and stubborn creases from forming and extends the garment's life.

Whether you're packing away toddler clothes or those for bigger kids, follow these tips:

• Store clothes in a cool, dry spot.

• Avoid hanging heavy items like sweaters to prevent stretching.

• Hang cotton tees on appropriately-sized hangers.

• Use breathable garment bags for long-term storage.

• Avoid plastic bags as they trap moisture.

• Rotate seasonal pieces to prevent permanent creases.

Still struggling to get your little ones' clothes clean? Check out our ultimate cleaning guide for kids' clothes for more cotton care information.

FAQs

How to wash cotton clothes in a washing machine?

Machine-washing cotton is simple when you use the right settings:

• Load size: Fill the machine around 2/3 full, as cotton needs room to move.

• Water level: Use the correct water level for the load size.

• Pre-rinse: Pre-wash heavily soiled items before the main wash.

• Wash cycle: Use the "gentle" or "delicate" cycle on your machine. A standard 30-40 minute wash cycle works best for cotton.

How do I wash new cotton clothes?

New cotton clothes need a little extra TLC when it comes to washing.

• Wash within 24-48 hours of purchase to remove any manufacturing residues.

• Separate laundry by light and dark colors.

• Use a gentle detergent for the first (cold water) wash to avoid fiber damage.

• Avoid fabric softeners completely because new cotton is already soft!

How do you wash clothes that are 100% cotton?

Pure cotton is actually easier to wash than other cotton blends or synthetic fabrics.

• Cotton works best with cold water but can handle lukewarm temperatures (85°F) when treating stubborn stains.

• Cotton garments can withstand longer wash cycles when they're heavily soiled from outdoor play.

• Cotton fabrics need less detergent because natural fibers release dirt more readily than synthetic materials.

• Pure cotton can be machine-washed safely without special precautions.

Should kids' clothes be washed separately?

The short answer: it depends. Generally, you can wash your and your kids' clothes together, but there are specific instances where washing separately is recommended:

• Brand new items

• Heavily soiled pieces

• Delicate cotton-cashmere blends

Final Thoughts

Washing kids' cotton clothes doesn't require complicated procedures or expensive products. By following these seven simple steps, you'll keep your child's favorite cotton pieces incredibly soft, bright, and fresh for many years of wear.

If you're ready to add more high-quality, breathable cotton essentials to your child's closet, explore our latest collections today! From cozy fall clothing and everyday toddler gear to fresh spring organics, our locally made designs are here to keep your little one comfy and stylish all year round!