With the temperatures slowly rising, it is time to shed the layers and start wearing cotton shirts. The breathable fabric of cotton shirts helps to fight sweat and stay cool during the summer. However, cotton clothes tend to get dirty pretty quickly due to constant exposure to sweat and dirt. It is important to wash and iron your cotton shirts and dresses to maintain hygiene and cleanliness when the weather turns sultry. The clothes of 100% cotton are delicate and sensitive to excessive water and heat.
As such, too much washing and ironing may damage the soft cotton fibres. If you are worried about ruining your favourite cotton clothes by washing them at home, then you may reach out to Hello Laundry in London & Birmingham. Hello Laundry offers the best and most affordable laundry, dry cleaning and clothes ironing services at best prices. The professionals at Hello Laundry use soft detergent soaps, lukewarm water, and gentle steam iron to wash, clean, and iron cotton garments.
However, if you would rather clean and iron your cotton garments (outfits) at home, then you may read on to gain a handful of tips on the same.
How To Wash Cotton Garments The Right Way At Home?
Cotton clothes require extra care when it comes to washing and cleaning the fabric. Follow the steps given below to wash cotton clothes:
- Check the garment label to take note of the wash and care instructions.
- Attend to the stains first by gently scrubbing the stained regions with a solution of baking soda and detergent powder in water.
- Sort the clothes on the basis of colours and then separate the delicate clothes from the tougher outfits.
- Wash the cotton clothes in lukewarm water by using a small amount of mild liquid detergent soap. Set the washing machine to a low spin speed or agitate the clothes gently by hand.
- Hang the clothes in the open air to dry them naturally. You can also use a dryer to dry the clothes quickly. However, be sure to set the tumble dryer to a low heat level to protect the fibres.
Also Read: How To Maintain A Cotton Sweater
How To Iron The Cleaned Cotton Garments?
For cotton clothes, it is recommended to use a steam iron instead of a regular flat iron. Steam iron is gentle on the clothes and ideal for protecting delicate cotton fibres. Invest in a good quality steam iron and then follow the steps below to iron your cotton shirts and dresses in no time:
- Take the cotton shirts out of the dryer and spread them out on an ironing board. Button the shirt at the top and brush your hand across it to smoothen the small wrinkles.
- Now fill the steam iron with purified water and configure it to a low-temperature setting.
- If there are multiple shirts and dresses to be ironed then hang them from a rope by using a hanger in order to wipe out the lines and creases longitudinally.
- Gently spray the hanging clothes with a solution of starch or plain water to moisten the clothes. Remove the moist clothes from the hanger and then unbutton the shirts and dresses at the top.
- Gently iron the shirt and let the steam work on the toughest of wrinkles. Be cautious not to burn holes in the cotton shirt.
- Flatten the collar out and press on it gently with the steam iron. Do not forget to iron the collar on both sides. Proceed with ironing the sleeves next. Spread out the sleeves on the board and run the steam iron from top to bottom on the sleeves to ease out the crease. Turn the shirt inside out and iron again to make sure that no wrinkles remain.
- Iron the cuffs after ironing the sleeves. Remember to unfold the shirt sleeves and part the shirt at the front for steam-ironing the shirt.
Quick Tips for Ironing Cotton Garments:
If you are fussing over ironing your cotton shirts and dresses, then here are a few tips for you that will get your work done in the blink of an eye:
- Make good use of spray bottles. Fill the spray bottles with distilled water and spray your clothes gently before ironing. The dampening of clothes helps to quicken the ironing process.
- Use towels if you do not have a steam iron. Place a towel on the shirt and then press the towel instead of the shirt to prevent direct exposure of the shirt to the dry heat of the iron.
- Use fabric softener after washing the shirts and dresses. Fabric softeners help in gliding the iron quickly and smoothly and thereby save a lot of time.
- Spray the clothes lightly with plain white vinegar to add more shine to the clothes as well as to quicken the ironing process.
Also Read: Winter Coats Washing And Cleaning Care Guide
Conclusion:
Ironing cotton garments are pretty easy. One simply needs to purchase a steam iron and an ironing board to iron clothes like a professional at home. However, if you are still feeling afraid of burning holes in your shirts then get in touch with the launderers at Hello Laundry for professional assistance. Wash your clothes regularly and iron the clothes after each wash to make them shine like new.
