Three things keep children's cotton clothing in shape: cold or lukewarm water (30° maximum), a gentle detergent with no harsh bleach, and drying in the shade away from direct sun. Hot washing is the leading cause of cotton shrinking and colours fading, and a tumble dryer does the same damage faster. The practical routine: a cold first wash inside out, then a normal wash at 30° with colours sorted.
The first wash of a new garment
- Wash new clothes before the first wear, to remove manufacturing and storage residues.
- Wash the first time inside out, in cold water, on a short cycle.
- No bleach and no strong fragrance, especially for baby clothes.
- If the garment has printed graphics, turn it inside out and wash cold to protect the print.
Temperature and wash cycle
| Garment | Temperature | Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Pure cotton sets and tops | 30° | Normal or cotton |
| Baby clothes and bodysuits | 30° – 40° | Gentle + extra rinse |
| Cotton-elastane trousers | 30° | Gentle, low spin |
| Printed or embroidered items | 20° – 30° | Gentle, inside out |
| Pyjamas and sleep sets | 40° | Normal (a higher setting is acceptable) |
The right detergent
- A gentle liquid detergent beats a heavy powder for children's clothes.
- Avoid chlorine bleach entirely on coloured cotton.
- Use less than the amount printed on the bottle — residue is what causes itching and reactions.
- Fabric softener is optional; if you use it, use less, because it weakens cotton fibres over time.
Drying
- Drying in the shade with air movement is best for coloured cotton.
- Strong direct sun fades dark colours.
- A tumble dryer causes the most shrinkage — if you use one, choose the lowest heat and remove items slightly damp.
- Lay items flat and ease the edges gently while damp: this reduces creasing and helps the garment return to its size.
Ironing
- Iron cotton while it is slightly damp, or use steam.
- Medium heat, not the highest setting, especially over prints (iron from the inside or through a cloth).
- Never iron directly onto embroidery or elastic trims.
The short version
- Cold or 30° — rarely go higher.
- Inside out, gentle detergent, less of it.
- Dry in the shade; the dryer is a last resort.
- Iron with steam, or while still damp.
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Frequently asked questions
Will cotton clothes shrink if I wash them hot?
Yes. Hot washing is the main cause of shrinkage. Wash cotton at 30° maximum, and cold water for the first wash, and shrinkage drops to a very small percentage.
Should I use bleach on children's white clothes?
Chlorine bleach weakens cotton fibres and is not recommended for children's clothing, especially anything in direct skin contact. For whites, use a gentle detergent with active oxygen instead, and never use chlorine on colours.
Can children's clothes go in the tumble dryer?
Drying in the shade with air is better. If you need the dryer, use the lowest heat and take items out slightly damp, because a dryer causes more shrinkage and fades dark colours.
How do I protect a printed T-shirt in the wash?
Wash it inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, and never iron directly on the print — iron from the inside or place a cloth between the iron and the print.
Do baby clothes stained with milk need sterilising?
A wash at 40° with a gentle detergent and an extra rinse is usually enough. If your baby has recurring skin infections, ask your paediatrician before using any laundry disinfectant.