Cotton is comfortable to use and has excellent breathability and water absorption, so many people love it for clothing and bedding. Also, because it is a natural fiber, some people may have an image that it is gentle on the skin. In this article, for those who don’t know the difference between cotton and cotton, or what kind of material cotton is, I will tell you about the characteristics of cotton, how it differs from cotton, and how to care for it.

Features of cotton material

Cotton has many advantages.

good to the touch

Cotton with a pleasant feel that wraps you in soft comfort. Seed hairs are protective coverings consisting of silky, hair-like strands that are not irritating to the skin. Additionally, the smooth feel is due in part to the fact that the fiber ends are rounded rather than sharp.

The smooth texture is far more pleasant to touch than that of chemical compounds.

highly durable

Among natural materials, cotton is especially resistant to water, so it has the advantage of being easy to care for. The durable cotton can be washed repeatedly, so you can always keep it clean.

high heat resistance

Cotton is also heat resistant. You don’t have to worry about it softening or melting when exposed to heat.

Due to its excellent heat resistance, the fabric will hardly shrink when ironed.

highly absorbent and breathable

Cotton is capable of soaking up moisture and transporting it elsewhere. Cotton can soak up a lot of moisture because to its macaroni-like cross shape and hollow inside.

In addition, it has excellent breathability and does not get stuffy, and it keeps you dry, making it ideal for underwear, innerwear, and summer bedding.

Active in all seasons

The center of the cotton fiber is hollow. As a result, it has low thermal conductivity and is characterized by the fact that it is difficult to release the heat accumulated in clothing and organic bed sheets UK. In winter, you will be able to keep warm without escaping your body temperature. The sun-dried cotton futon stays warm at night because it retains heat.

On the other hand, in the summer, it absorbs and releases sweat, so you can feel dry and comfortable without getting stuffy. Cotton is a material that can be used regardless of the season.

How to care for cotton products?

Even if you find a cotton product that you like, if you take care of it the wrong way, it may lose its color or become fuzzy.

It is important to know and practice the proper care method to use it for a long time.

When using the washing machine

First, check the washing instructions for clothing and bedding made from cotton. The durability and characteristics of cotton vary depending on the variety, how the fabric is knitted, how the yarn is twisted (twisted), and whether it is a blended material.

When using a washing machine, it is necessary to pay attention to the friction of clothes and bedding. You can prevent friction by putting them in a laundry net and then running the washing machine, or by washing them one by one. Using a neutral detergent instead of a mildly alkaline detergent and shortening the dehydration time will reduce the burden on the fibers.

When washing hands

Fill the sink or basin with water and a mild detergent. Put the cotton cloth in it and push it to wash. Finally, dehydrate thoroughly until the detergent is gone.

The key to hand washing is to be gentle and quick. Cotton is highly absorbent and can absorb a lot of water. If you wash it for a long time, the cotton fibers will absorb moisture and expand, and even after drying, the fibers will not return to their original shape and the fabric will shrink.

Especially for cotton fabrics that are washed for the first time, they tend to shrink due to their high water absorption rate. You can prevent shrinkage by soaking it in water for about an hour and then drying it.

Points for drying

It is important to know not only how to wash cotton, but also how to dry it properly. After dehydration, dry it as soon as possible and be careful not to dry it.

If you leave it wet, the shrunken fibers will remain as they are, which may cause wrinkles. You can prevent deformation, shrinkage, and wrinkles by pulling it vertically and horizontally, shaping it, and then drying it. Drying in direct sunlight for a long time may cause discoloration or fading, so we recommend drying in a well-ventilated place in the shade or in a room.

If you use the dryer, be sure to check the washing instructions. If it dries too quickly, it will shrink.

Tips for using an iron

Cotton is resistant to heat and will not be damaged by ironing. However, in some cases, wrinkles can occur.

Lightly pull the cotton fabric vertically and horizontally to adjust the shape. Place the organic bedding sets on the ironing board and iron it with steam if the wrinkles do not go away. If you pull the cotton fabric with the other hand holding the iron while ironing, the wrinkles will be smoothed out.

After ironing, wait for the shape to settle. This is because if you fold it immediately, it will cause wrinkles.