How to Wash Muslin Cloths Without Shrinking Them

Quick answer

Wash muslin cloths in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, then air-dry or tumble on the lowest heat setting. High heat is the main cause of muslin cloth shrinking, so keep both washing and drying temperatures low. A little shrinkage after the first wash is normal for woven cotton, but you can minimize it by avoiding hot water and a hot dryer.

Muslin cloths are one of the hardest-working items in a baby's day: they wipe spills, cushion the changing table, and become a cuddle companion. That constant use means frequent washing, and frequent washing is where muslin cloth shrinking usually starts. The good news is that a simple, consistent routine keeps them soft and close to their original size.

This guide walks through the exact steps for washing baby muslin, including organic muslin cloth washing, so your cloths stay gentle on skin and last through countless cycles. The same method works for a Muslin Cloth, 2-pack - GOTS Camel and similar muslin pieces from Cam Cam Copenhagen.

Why muslin shrinks and how to prevent it

Muslin is a woven cotton fabric, and woven cotton can contract when it meets heat and agitation. The fibers relax and tighten during the first few washes, which is why a brand-new cloth may feel slightly smaller after its first trip through the laundry. This is a natural property of the fabric, not a defect, and it is usually most noticeable after the very first wash.

The biggest controllable factor is temperature. Hot water and a hot dryer accelerate shrinkage, while cold water and low heat keep the fabric closer to its original dimensions. Gentle agitation also helps, because rough tumbling can distort the weave. If you want to keep muslin soft, treat it more like a delicate than a towel.

• Check the care label first. If a specific temperature is given, follow it over general advice.
• New muslin cloths often shrink slightly on the first wash; this is normal and not a sign of poor quality.

What you need before you start

You do not need special equipment, but a few basics make the process easier. A mild, fragrance-free detergent is the safest choice for baby items, especially if your baby has sensitive skin. Avoid detergents with bleach or optical brighteners, which can dull the colors in printed muslin over time.

If you use a washing machine, choose a gentle or delicate cycle. If you wash by hand, a clean sink or basin works fine. A mesh laundry bag is helpful for very small items or if you are washing muslin alongside other laundry with zippers or hooks that could snag the weave.

• Mild, fragrance-free detergent
• Mesh laundry bag (optional but useful)
• Clean basin if hand-washing

How to wash muslin cloths step by step

Start by checking the label and separating muslin from heavy items like towels or jeans. Heavier fabrics create more friction in the wash, which can rough up the muslin surface. If you are washing a Muslin Cloth, 2-pack - GOTS Camel, you can wash both cloths together; they are the same fabric and colorway, so there is no risk of dye transfer between them.

Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and the amount of detergent recommended for a small load. If you are hand-washing, gently squeeze the water through the fabric rather than scrubbing it against itself. Rinse until the water runs clear, then press the water out instead of wringing. Wringing twists the fibers and can set wrinkles that are hard to remove later.

• Wash similar colors together to avoid any dye transfer.
• Skip fabric softener. It coats the fibers and reduces the muslin's natural absorbency.

Drying muslin without shrinking it

Air-drying is the gentlest option. Lay the cloths flat on a drying rack or hang them in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. Direct sun can fade prints over time, so a shaded area is better for anything with a pattern. If you need to use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the cloths while they are still slightly damp.

Over-drying is a common mistake. Leaving muslin in a hot dryer until it is bone-dry stresses the fibers and increases the chance of shrinkage. If you tumble-dry, check the cloths after a short cycle and pull them out early. The slightly damp stage is also the best time to reshape them by hand.

• Air-dry when possible; it is the safest way to prevent shrinking.
• If using a dryer, low heat and short cycles are key.
• Remove while slightly damp and reshape by hand.

Keeping muslin soft over time

Muslin tends to get softer with each wash, but only if you avoid the habits that roughen it. Fabric softener and dryer sheets leave a residue that makes the fabric feel coated rather than soft, and they reduce absorbency. A small amount of white vinegar in the rinse cycle can help remove detergent residue naturally, but check the care label first.

After washing, a gentle shake before drying helps the weave settle evenly. Once dry, fold or store the cloths loosely rather than compressing them tightly, which can create deep creases. For printed muslin like the Wash Cloth, 4 pack - GOTS Mix Classic Stripes Camel, Camel, storing them flat or loosely folded keeps the prints looking their best.

• Avoid fabric softener and dryer sheets.
• A little white vinegar in the rinse can help remove residue.
• Store loosely to prevent deep creases.

Your muslin washing routine at a glance

1. Check the label and sort: Read the care label and wash muslin separately from heavy items like towels or jeans. Checkpoint: if the label says cold wash, follow it.
2. Use cold water and mild detergent: Choose a gentle cycle or hand-wash in cold water with a mild, fragrance-free detergent. Skip fabric softener. Mistake to avoid: hot water is the fastest route to muslin cloth shrinking.
3. Rinse and press, do not wring: Rinse until the water runs clear, then press the water out gently with your hands or a clean towel. Wringing twists the fibers and makes wrinkles harder to remove.
4. Air-dry or tumble on low: Lay flat or hang in a shaded spot. If using a dryer, choose the lowest heat and remove while slightly damp. Checkpoint: over-drying is a common cause of shrinkage.
5. Reshape and store loosely: Smooth the cloths by hand while damp, then fold or store them loosely once dry. This keeps the weave even and the muslin soft for the next use.

Muslin products and what their care means

• Muslin Cloth, 2-pack - GOTS Camel: Soft muslin cloth in 100% premium organic, GOTS-certified cotton with lovely Cam Cam prints. After wash, the muslin will get a slightly textured look. The GOTS certification means the cotton meets organic standards, and the slightly textured look after washing is expected, not a sign of damage. This is why cold washing and low drying heat are worth the extra care.
• Wash Cloth, 4 pack - GOTS Mix Classic Stripes Camel, Camel: Four wash cloths per pack, soft muslin fabric, featuring 2 x 2 Cam Cam Copenhagen prints in Classic Stripes Camel and Camel colorways. With four cloths in two prints, you can rotate them so each one gets a rest between washes. Washing them together in cold water keeps the colors consistent across the set.

A simple cold-wash, low-heat routine is all it takes to keep muslin cloths soft and close to their original size. Treat them gently, skip the fabric softener, and they will stay comfortable for your baby and ready for whatever the day brings.