Quick answer

Wash cotton muslin hooded towels and washcloths in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, then tumble dry low or air dry. Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets, which coat the fibers and reduce absorbency. This routine prevents most shrinking and keeps the muslin soft wash after wash.

Why muslin towels and washcloths shrink (and what you can control)

Cotton muslin is a loosely woven fabric that relaxes and tightens when exposed to heat and agitation. The main causes of shrinking are hot water, high dryer heat, and overloading the machine, which increases friction. You cannot reverse shrinkage once it happens, but you can prevent it by keeping temperatures low and agitation gentle.

Muslin washcloths with multiple absorbent layers, like the Essentials Cotton Muslin Washcloths 3 Pack, may shrink slightly more at the edges because of the layered construction. The same care rules apply: cold wash, low dry, no softener.

What you need before you start

Gather a mild liquid detergent free of dyes and perfumes, a mesh laundry bag for washcloths, and a clean towel for blotting if you air dry. Check the care label on your specific towels; the instructions below are a safe default for cotton muslin, but always follow the manufacturer's label if it differs.

Separate muslin items from towels with zippers, hooks, or rough textures that can snag the loose weave. Wash muslin with other soft cottons or alone.

How often to wash baby bath towels and washcloths

Wash hooded towels after every two to three baths, or sooner if they stay damp or smell musty. Washcloths should be washed after every use because they contact soap, skin, and sometimes diaper area bacteria. If your baby has sensitive skin or a rash, use a fresh washcloth each time.

Hanging towels to dry fully between baths reduces mildew and lets you go longer between washes without odor.

Step-by-step washing routine

  1. 1. Pre-treat stains and sort: Rinse spit-up or diaper cream off promptly with cold water. For set-in stains, apply a small amount of mild detergent and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing. Sort muslin separately from items with zippers, velcro, or rough edges. Checkpoint: never rub stain remover harshly into the muslin; blot instead to avoid pulling the weave.
  2. 2. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle: Use the gentle or delicate cycle with cold water and a mild liquid detergent. Add an extra rinse if your machine has that option. Do not overload the drum; muslin needs room to move without friction. Common mistake: using hot water or a heavy-duty cycle, which accelerates shrinking and wear.
  3. 3. Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets: Fabric softener and dryer sheets leave a waxy coating on cotton fibers that reduces absorbency. If you want extra softness, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead. Checkpoint: if towels feel slick or repel water, you likely have softener buildup; rewash with vinegar and no softener.
  4. 4. Dry on low heat or air dry: Tumble dry on the lowest heat setting until just damp, then hang or lay flat to finish drying. If you prefer full machine drying, remove items promptly when the cycle ends. High heat is the number one cause of shrinking. Common mistake: leaving towels in a hot dryer after the cycle stops, which bakes in wrinkles and shrinkage.
  5. 5. Store dry and breathable: Once fully dry, fold and store in a dry cabinet or drawer. Do not store damp towels in a closed hamper; trapped moisture causes mildew and musty odors. Next step: if towels feel stiff after air drying, tumble on low for 5 minutes with a clean dry towel to soften.

Muslin products that fit this routine

  • essentials cotton muslin hooded towels 2 pack: Made of plush cotton terry with a cotton muslin hood, these hooded towels are super absorbent, smooth on the skin, and stay soft wash after wash. The terry body holds more water than plain muslin, so it needs the same low-heat care to stay soft and absorbent.
  • essential cotton muslin washcloths 3 pack: These cotton muslin washcloths are made with 3 absorbent layers and stay soft wash after wash. Layered muslin can trap detergent if you use too much, so rinse well and skip softener to keep them gentle on delicate skin.