How to Wash GOTS Muslin Cloths Without Shrinking Them

Quick answer

Wash GOTS muslin cloths in cold water (up to 30°C/86°F) on a gentle cycle with a mild, fragrance-free detergent. Avoid hot water, high heat, and fabric softener. Tumble dry on low or air-dry flat. This routine prevents the fiber contraction that causes shrinking and keeps the muslin soft and absorbent.

Why GOTS Muslin Shrinks and How to Prevent It

Muslin is a loosely woven cotton fabric. When exposed to heat and agitation, the cotton fibers contract, and the weave tightens, causing the cloth to shrink. GOTS-certified organic cotton is no different—it's still cotton. The certification guarantees organic farming and processing standards, not shrink resistance. To prevent shrinking, control three things: water temperature, mechanical action, and drying heat. Keep all three low, and your muslin will retain its size and softness.

Step-by-Step Washing Instructions

• Sort and pretreat: Separate muslin from heavy items like towels or jeans. Pretreat stains with a small amount of mild detergent and cold water. Mistake to avoid: scrubbing vigorously, which distorts the weave.
• Choose the right cycle: Use a gentle or delicate cycle with a low spin speed. Checkpoint: if your machine has a hand-wash setting, use it.
• Select temperature and detergent: Wash in cold water (up to 30°C/86°F). Use a mild, liquid detergent free of dyes and fragrances. Avoid fabric softener and bleach. Mistake to avoid: hot water, which causes immediate shrinkage.
• Dry with care: Tumble dry on low heat or air-dry flat. If line-drying, avoid direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent fading. Checkpoint: remove from dryer while slightly damp to minimize wrinkles.
• Store properly: Fold and store in a dry place. Avoid pressing with a hot iron; if needed, use a cool iron on the reverse side.

Temperature and Detergent Cheat Sheet

Water temperature: cold (up to 30°C/86°F). Detergent: mild, liquid, free of dyes and fragrances. Bleach: never. Fabric softener: never—it coats fibers and reduces absorbency. Drying: low tumble or air-dry. Iron: cool setting on reverse if necessary. Following this cheat sheet each wash will keep your muslin cloths soft and true to size.

How to Keep Muslin Cloths Soft Over Time

Muslin naturally becomes softer with each wash as the fibers relax. To maintain softness, avoid over-drying and skip fabric softener. If your water is hard, add a water softener ball or a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle—this helps remove detergent residue that can make cloths feel stiff. After washing, give the cloth a good shake before drying to fluff the fibers.

Wash-Day Steps for GOTS Muslin Cloths

1. Sort and pretreat: Separate muslin from heavy items like towels or jeans. Pretreat stains with a small amount of mild detergent and cold water. Mistake to avoid: scrubbing vigorously, which distorts the weave.
2. Choose the right cycle: Use a gentle or delicate cycle with a low spin speed. If your machine has a hand-wash setting, use it. Checkpoint: a gentle cycle reduces agitation that can shrink fibers.
3. Select temperature and detergent: Wash in cold water (up to 30°C/86°F). Use a mild, liquid detergent free of dyes and fragrances. Avoid fabric softener and bleach. Mistake to avoid: hot water, which causes immediate shrinkage.
4. Dry with care: Tumble dry on low heat or air-dry flat. If line-drying, avoid direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent fading. Checkpoint: remove from dryer while slightly damp to minimize wrinkles.
5. Store properly: Fold and store in a dry place. Avoid pressing with a hot iron; if needed, use a cool iron on the reverse side. Next step: enjoy your soft, well-cared-for muslin cloths.

Product facts

• Muslin Cloth, 2-pack - GOTS - Blush: Soft muslin cloth in 100% premium organic, GOTS-certified cotton with lovely Cam Cam prints. The muslin cloths have many functions. Perfect for the changing table, the pram or to cuddle with. After wash, the muslin will get a slightly textured look. The GOTS certification means the cotton is organic, but it still requires careful washing to prevent shrinkage. The textured look after washing is normal and part of the fabric's character.