Pure cotton is one of the most comfortable and breathable fabrics—perfect for daily wear and loved by FnW customers for its softness and durability. But even the strongest pure cotton pieces can lose shape, fade, or shrink when they’re not washed correctly.

If your clothes aren’t lasting as long as they should, the problem may not be the fabric—it's how you're caring for it. Here are the most common washing mistakes to avoid to keep your pure cotton clothing looking new for years.

1. Using Hot Water for Every Wash

Hot water is great for linens and heavily soiled fabrics but pure cotton doesn’t always need it.
High temperatures can cause shrinkage and weaken the fabric over time.

What to do instead:
✔ Use cold or lukewarm water for everyday washing.
✔ Reserve hot water only for whites and heavily stained garments.

2. Overloading the Washing Machine

Filling the machine to the top may save time, but it makes clothes rub against each other, causing colour fading and surface wear.

Better method:
✔ Wash cotton garments in smaller loads so they move freely.
✔ This keeps the fabric smoother and prevents twisting.

3. Using Too Much Detergent

More detergent does not mean cleaner clothes. Excess detergent gets trapped in cotton fibres, making them feel stiff and causing dullness.

Try this instead:
✔ Use only the recommended amount.
✔ Choose mild, liquid detergents that dissolve easily.

4. Ignoring the Care Label

Not all cotton garments are made the same.
Some pure cotton fabrics are lightweight, some are structured, and some are blended—each may need a different wash setting.

Always:
✔ Check the care label before washing.
✔ Follow the recommended temperature and cycle.

5. Skipping Colour Separation

Pure cotton holds colour beautifully, but only when cared for properly.
Mixing colours—even once—can cause irreversible dye transfer.

Fix it by:
✔ Separating whites, darks, and brights.
✔ Washing new coloured cotton pieces separately the first 1–2 times.

6. Tumble Drying on High Heat

High dryer heat is one of the biggest reasons cotton garments shrink.

Best practice:
✔ Air-dry whenever possible.
✔ If using a dryer, choose low heat or delicate mode.

7. Not Turning Clothes Inside Out

This simple step prevents fading and protects surface details like prints and embroidery.

Make it a habit:
 ✔ Always flip your pure cotton garments inside out before washing.

8. Using Chlorine Bleach on Everything

Bleach weakens cotton fibres and may lead to yellowing.

Safer option:
✔ Use oxygen-based bleach only when needed.
✔ Avoid harsh chemicals on pure cotton entirely.

9. Ironing at the Wrong Temperature

Cotton can handle heat, but too much can burn the surface, leaving shiny marks.

Correct approach:
✔ Use the cotton setting on your iron.
✔ Iron while the garment is slightly damp for better results.

Final Thoughts

Pure cotton clothing is meant to last, feel soft, and get better with every wear—if it's cared for properly. Avoiding these small mistakes can make a big difference in the life of your favourite FnW cotton pieces.

When you wash cotton the right way, it stays:
✔ Soft
✔ Fresh
✔ Durable
✔ True to colour
✔ Perfect for daily wear