How to Wash Cotton Properly

Laundry symbols for cotton: symbols you’ll see on cotton labels

Cotton labels often show wash temperature (e.g. wash 30, wash 40), tumble dry low or do not tumble dry, and iron settings. These laundry symbols for cotton help you choose the right cycle and avoid shrinking.

Hot vs cold wash for cotton

Cotton can be washed across a wide range of temperatures, but the right choice depends on colour, construction, and the care label. In general, cold or warm water is safest for daily care; reserve hot washes for when the label allows and you need deeper cleaning or sanitising.

• Cold wash / 30°C (86°F): Ideal for dark or bright colours, new items (to set dye), and lightweight or delicate cotton. When the label shows a wash 30 symbol, use the cold or 30°C setting. Cold water helps prevent fading and shrinking.
• Warm wash / 40°C (104°F): A good default for everyday cotton tees, sheets, and towels. Balances cleaning power with colour and shape retention. Match the wash 40 symbol when it appears on the label.
• Hot wash / 60°C (140°F) and above: Use only when the care label allows—typically for white cottons, towels, bedding, and heavily soiled items. Hot water sanitises and tackles grease, but it also accelerates shrinking and fading, so avoid it for coloured or blended cottons unless the symbol explicitly permits it.

Shrinking prevention

Cotton fibres absorb water and can shrink when exposed to heat in the wash and especially in the dryer. To minimise shrinking:

• Wash in cool or warm water (30–40°C) unless the label calls for hot. Hot water relaxes fibres and encourages shrinkage.
• Dry on low heat or air dry. High-heat tumble drying is the main cause of cotton shrinkage. When the label shows a tumble dry low symbol, use only that setting. When it shows a do not tumble dry symbol, hang or lay flat instead.
• Remove items as soon as they’re dry. Over-drying in a hot drum increases shrinkage and harshness.
• Pre-wash shrinkage: Some cotton (e.g. denim, heavy knits) may shrink in the first wash. If you need a precise fit, wash and dry once before hemming or altering.

Drying tips for cotton

How you dry cotton has a big impact on fit, feel, and wrinkling. Always follow the care label first.

• Tumble dry low: When the label shows a tumble dry low symbol, use the low-heat setting only. It takes longer but reduces shrinkage and is gentler on colours and construction.
• Do not tumble dry: When you see a do not tumble dry symbol, hang dry or lay flat. Common for delicate cotton, knits, and some blends.
• Line drying: Sun and air are kind to cotton and can help reduce creasing. For brights and darks, dry in the shade to limit fading.
• Remove promptly: Take items out of the dryer as soon as they’re dry, or use a cool-down phase to cut wrinkles and over-drying.

Cotton vs cotton blends

Pure cotton and cotton blends behave differently in the wash. Treating them correctly keeps both in good shape.

• 100% cotton: Can usually handle warm and sometimes hot water, and moderate dryer heat, but it will shrink if over-heated. Follow the label; when in doubt, use 30–40°C and low or no heat in the dryer.
• Cotton–polyester blends: Often need cooler washes (30–40°C) and low-heat or no-heat drying. The polyester resists shrinkage, but the cotton in the blend can still shrink, so high heat can cause puckering or distortion. Care labels on blends frequently show wash 30 or wash 40 and tumble dry low or do not tumble dry.
• Cotton–linen, cotton–rayon, etc.: Treat according to the most sensitive fibre. Linen and rayon are often best in cool/warm wash and low heat or air dry, so follow the symbols on the label.

Related symbols on cotton labels

Cotton and cotton-blend care labels often use a small set of symbols. The ones you’ll see most are:

You may also see gentle cycle (lines under the wash tub), bleach symbols, and iron temperature dots. Read the full symbol sequence—wash, bleach, dry, iron—to get the complete care instructions.