Natural fabrics are not fussy, but they do respond to how you treat them. A cotton throw that gets the right care will soften beautifully over ten years. The same throw, neglected or abused, will pill and thin in two. Here is what we have learned from fifteen years of making, using, and repairing these textiles.
Washing Cotton
Cotton is forgiving. It can handle a machine wash without complaint, provided you keep the temperature reasonable. We recommend 30 to 40 degrees Celsius for everyday loads. Hot water is fine occasionally for whites, but repeated high-temperature washes break down the fibres faster than necessary.
Use a mild, liquid detergent without optical brighteners. Those brighteners coat the fabric in a UV-reactive layer that makes it look whiter under artificial light -- but they build up over time and stiffen the cloth. A simple plant-based detergent does the job without the residue.
Avoid fabric softener entirely. It coats fibres with a thin silicone layer that reduces absorbency and traps odours. Cotton naturally softens with repeated washing and does not need chemical help.
Washing Linen
Linen wrinkles. That is not a flaw; it is the nature of the fibre. If you cannot make peace with a few creases, linen might not be your fabric. That said, most wrinkles fall out when the cloth is draped or gently steamed.
Machine wash on a gentle cycle at 30 to 40 degrees. Do not overload the drum -- linen needs room to move in the water. Cramming it in with a heavy load leads to hard creases that can be difficult to press out.
Caring for Indigo-Dyed Pieces
Indigo is a surface dye. It sits on the fibre rather than penetrating it the way synthetic reactive dyes do. This means it will release a small amount of excess pigment for the first few washes. That is normal and expected.
For the first three washes, wash your indigo pieces alone or with other dark blues. After that, they should be stable enough to go in with your regular load.
Cold water helps. High temperatures open the fibre structure and allow more pigment to escape. Keep indigo pieces at 30 degrees or below, and wash them inside out if possible. Avoid chlorine bleach entirely -- it will strip the dye in a single wash.
Sun fading is gradual and, in our opinion, attractive. Many of our customers prefer the lighter, worn character that develops after a year of use. If you want to preserve the original depth, store indigo textiles away from direct sunlight when not in use.
Drying
Air drying is always best for natural fabrics. Tumble dryers work, but the heat and mechanical agitation cause faster wear. If you do use a dryer, choose a low or no-heat setting and remove the items while slightly damp to reduce wrinkling.
For flat textiles like throws and blankets, drying flat on a rack prevents stretching. Hang drying works well for lighter pieces like napkins and tea towels. Avoid direct sun for coloured items -- the UV will gradually fade any natural dye.
Stain Removal
Act fast. The sooner you treat a stain, the less likely it is to set. For most food and drink stains on cotton or linen:
- Blot (do not rub) with a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid.
- Rinse the area from the back with cold water to push the stain out rather than deeper in.
- Apply a small amount of liquid detergent directly to the spot and let it sit for ten minutes.
- Wash as normal.
For oil-based stains, sprinkle the area with cornstarch or baking soda and let it absorb for an hour before brushing off and washing. For rust or tannin stains, a paste of lemon juice and salt left in the sun for an afternoon will often lift the mark without damaging the fabric.
Never use bleach on naturally dyed textiles. If a stain will not come out with gentle treatment, leave it. Character marks are part of living with natural cloth.
Storage
The enemies of stored textiles are moisture, mould, and moths. A clean, dry, dark cupboard is ideal. Fold items loosely -- tight folds left for months create permanent creases in linen.
Avoid plastic bags or sealed containers. Fabrics need airflow. If you must cover them, use a cotton pillowcase or muslin wrap. A lavender sachet or cedar block deters moths without the chemical smell of mothballs.
Refold stored textiles every few months along different lines to prevent creases from setting.
When Things Wear Out
Good fabric does not die all at once. A hem might fray, a seam might open, or a thin spot might appear after years of use. These are repairable. A simple needle and thread can extend the life of a textile by several more years.
If a piece is truly past its useful life, consider cutting it into cleaning rags, handkerchiefs, or patches. Natural fibres are also fully compostable -- cotton and linen will break down in a home compost heap within a few months.
We also accept returns of any Cotton & Indigo product for responsible recycling, regardless of its condition or age. Just post it back and we will make sure it finds a second life.