If you have been picking out your kid’s clothes made from natural, eco-friendly fabrics and dyes, you are already making a great choice! Kudos! Not only are these clothes gentle and comfortable for your child, but they really help to keep the environment healthier. However, these do require a bit of special care to maintain their colour and shape and to increase longevity. So, The Little Stitch brings you some simple things to keep in mind when you wash natural fabrics and dry them.
Gentle Washing
Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo are soft and breathable, making them perfect for kids. However, since they are made of soft threads, they are delicate fabrics, especially when they are dyed with natural colours. To prevent any damage and to maintain their charm, you must:
- Hand Wash or Use a Delicate Cycle: If feasible, you must hand wash these clothes with cold or lukewarm water. If you’re using a washing machine, choose the delicate cycle or a quick wash. This will keep the clothes in proper shape and will prevent the loosening of threads.
- Mild Detergent: Use a mild, eco-friendly detergent that is not made from any harsh chemicals. This will help preserve the softness and colour from fading away, keeping the cloth looking newer for longer.
- Avoid Overloading: If you are washing these clothes in a machine, don’t overload them. In a washing machine, clothes need space to move freely. If tightly packed or overloaded, friction can give rise to wear and tear and lint.
Cold Water is the Key
Natural fabrics and dyes are sensitive to heat. Washing these clothes in cold water helps prevent fading of colour and keeps the clothes looking vibrant for longer. If there’s a stain that needs extra attention, you can always pre-treat it with a gentle stain remover. But, as a thumb rule, avoid using hot water and bleach to prevent the dyes from bleeding or fading.
Drying with Care
The way special care is needed for washing natural fibres and clothes with natural dyes, drying needs certain considerations, too. Properly drying clothes made from natural fabrics and natural dyes is crucial to maintaining their colour, shape, and texture:
- Air Dry: The best way to dry clothes is to air dry them; you can totally skip a dryer. Lay the clothes flat on a clean surface or hang them on a line. Skipping the dryer can help prevent the de-shaping of clothes and will also prevent lint.
- Avoid direct sun: Always make sure that you dry your clothes away from direct sunlight. Too much sun exposure can cause the colours to fade.
- Avoid High Heat: If in case, you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting to avoid shrinking the fabric or dulling the colours.
By following these extremely simple tips to wash natural fabrics, you can ensure that your kids' clothes made from natural fabrics and dyes remain comfortable, durable, and beautiful for a long time. Not only will this extend the life of the garments, but it will also keep your little ones looking stylish and feeling great in their eco-friendly attire.