Organic cotton clothes are very different from conventional cotton clothing, wherein the cotton is quickly grown, harvested, and treated with chemical softening agents. These softeners start to wear off after a few washes, creating the perpetual need for fabric softeners continuing a cycle of waste. In comparison, organic clothing is simple to care for – all you need is soap and cold water. Free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, and GMOs, organic cotton is superior, breathable, durable, and gentle on the skin. Furthermore, compared to conventional cotton, it has many more benefits for the farmers, consumers, and the environment. At Priyankara, our organic cotton is ethically sourced and sustainably made into clothing after going through stringent quality checks.
Washing gauidelines
The most basic advice is to read the label instructions. Conventional cotton clothes are generally treated with chemicals to reduce shrinkage due to heat. However, as organic cotton isn’t treated with chemicals, it might shrink slightly. If you read the labels and wash accordingly, you won’t need to worry about your clothes shrinking.
Don’t throw all your clothes together into the wash at once. Even though it will take some extra time to separate your clothes, it will increase their life multifold. This way, you can make the most of every piece of organic cotton clothing, making it better for you and your environment.
Don’t mix and match colours. Separate your light and dark-coloured clothes and then wash them, as this will prevent the darker shades from ruining your white clothes. In addition to this, choose your laundry detergent wisely. Go for mild detergents or specific ones that are suitable for organic cotton, as these will be delicate for your clothes and skin. Turn your clothes inside out before washing and drying; this will help protect them from fading.
Drying and Ironing
In most cases, we tend to drip dry clothes or use the dryer. However, flat drying can be beneficial for maintaining your organic cotton clothes. Drying clothes in fresh air is excellent, but remember to keep dark colours in the shade or dry them for a lesser time to avoid fading. Remember to turn them inside out!
As organic cotton is not pretreated, it isn’t suitable for high heat, so remember to check your iron levels. If the wrinkles aren’t going away, use a little water, and the steam will remove the wrinkles quickly. However, remember not to use old water!
Care for your Washing machine
Even though you run detergent through your washing machine regularly, it isn’t enough for the machine to clean itself. A wide range of chemical cleaning solutions are available, but Priyankara would recommend making your own natural cleaning solution as it is better for your machine and the environment. There are a lot of easy natural cleaning solutions available online, and cleaning your washing machine will further help maintain your clothes better.
Should you use fabric conditioners or softeners?
Don’t use any unnatural conditioners or softeners on organic clothes as organic cotton is made with higher quality cotton, woven into a higher thread count, resulting in a soft material that doesn’t need chemical softeners.
Classic cotton clothing should be able to absorb moisture quickly, as well as dry quickly – this is the reason why it is better for your skin. If you absolutely want to use a fabric softener, it is better to make it at home using a mixture of natural essential oils and white vinegar. Always read labels before purchasing and buy eco-friendly products! In embracing these eco-friendly care practices for your organic cotton garments, you’re ensuring their longevity and quality and aligning with Priyankara’s core commitment to sustainability. Our ethos revolves around crafting apparel that transcends fashion trends, prioritising ethical sourcing, and championing the well-being of both wearers and the planet. Adopting these simple yet impactful care routines contributes to a larger movement toward responsible living and mindful consumption.
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