Quick answer

Wash muslin cloths, bibs, and washcloths in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, then air-dry or tumble dry on low. Avoid hot water, high heat, and fabric softener—these are the main causes of shrinkage and stiffness. For best results, wash separately from heavy items like towels or jeans.

Why muslin shrinks and how to prevent it

Muslin is a loosely woven cotton fabric that can shrink when exposed to heat and agitation. The weave tightens during washing, especially in hot water or high dryer heat. To prevent shrinking, always use cold water and low heat. Check the care label: if it says cold wash and tumble dry low, follow that. If unsure, err on the side of caution—cold water and air-drying are safest.

Sorting and preparing your baby's cloths

Before washing, sort muslin items separately from heavier fabrics like towels, blankets, or clothing with zippers. Heavy items can abrade the delicate muslin fibers, causing pilling and wear. Also, fasten any snaps or closures to prevent snagging. For bibs with snaps, like the graphic bib | halloween cat, close the snaps before washing to avoid them catching on other items.

Choosing the right detergent

Use a mild, liquid detergent free of dyes, fragrances, and optical brighteners. Harsh chemicals can break down cotton fibers over time, leading to premature wear. Avoid fabric softener and dryer sheets—they coat the fibers, reducing absorbency and softness. If you want extra softness, add a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle; it naturally softens and removes detergent residue.

Washing and drying step by step

Set your washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Use a small amount of detergent—too much can leave residue that stiffens fabric. After washing, either air-dry by laying flat or hanging, or tumble dry on the lowest heat setting. Remove items promptly when the dryer stops to prevent wrinkles. If air-drying, reshape the cloths while damp to maintain their size.

Keeping muslin soft over time

Muslin naturally softens with each wash, but only if you avoid harsh treatments. Skip bleach and oxygen cleaners unless absolutely necessary; they can weaken fibers. If stains occur, pretreat with a gentle stain remover before washing. Over time, proper care will keep your muslin cloths, bibs, and washcloths soft and absorbent for many uses.

Step-by-step washing guide

  1. 1. Check the care label: Look for washing instructions on your muslin items. If it says cold wash and tumble dry low, follow that. If there's no label, use cold water and air-dry to be safe. Common mistake: assuming all baby cloths can be washed the same way. Always check first.
  2. 2. Pretreat stains: Apply a small amount of mild detergent or a gentle stain remover directly to stains. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing. Checkpoint: avoid rubbing harshly, which can damage muslin fibers.
  3. 3. Sort and load: Wash muslin items separately from heavy fabrics. Fasten snaps and close any hooks to prevent snagging. Common mistake: overloading the machine. Leave room for items to move freely.
  4. 4. Wash on gentle cycle: Use cold water and a gentle cycle. Add mild detergent—no fabric softener or bleach. Checkpoint: if your machine has a extra rinse option, use it to remove detergent residue.
  5. 5. Dry with care: Air-dry by laying flat or hanging. If using a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove promptly. Common mistake: over-drying. Muslin can shrink if left in the dryer too long.

Product facts

  • lounge pants | scarlet red: 100% organic cotton, tagless for itch-free comfort, non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes, lead/nickel free snaps with coconut inserts, ethically made in India. These lounge pants are made from organic cotton, which is gentle on sensitive skin and can be washed with your muslin items using the same gentle care.
  • graphic bib | halloween cat: 100% organic cotton, non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes, lead/nickel free snaps with coconut inserts, ethically made in India. This bib is made from organic cotton, so it requires the same gentle washing as muslin to prevent shrinkage and maintain softness.