We have provided a set of straightforward instructions on how to properly clean and care for a 100% cotton T-shirt. By adhering to these 9 rules, you can effectively minimize the natural wear and tear of your T-shirts and extend their longevity.
Minimize Washing Frequency
When it comes to laundry, less is more. To ensure your 100% cotton T-shirt lasts longer and remains durable, it should only be washed when necessary. Although high-quality cotton is resilient, each wash puts stress on its natural fibers, leading to faster aging and fading. Therefore, reducing the frequency of washing is one of the most important tips to extend the lifespan of your favorite tee.
Each wash also has an environmental impact in terms of water and energy usage. Washing less helps reduce personal water consumption and carbon footprint. In Western societies, laundry routines are often based on habit (e.g., washing after every wear) rather than actual need (e.g., washing when the garment is dirty). Washing garments only when necessary is not unhygienic; in fact, it promotes a more sustainable relationship with the environment.
Sort and Wash Similar Colors Together
Match white with white! Washing brighter colors together helps maintain the fresh whiteness of your summer tees. By washing light colors together, you minimize the risk of a white T-shirt turning gray or being dyed by another garment (think pink). Usually, darker colors can be washed together, especially if they have already been laundered a few times.
Sorting your laundry by fabric types further optimizes washing results. Sportswear and workwear may have different washing requirements compared to delicate summer shirts. If unsure about how to wash a new garment, a quick look at the care label will provide guidance.
Wash with Cold Water
A 100% cotton T-shirt does not fare well with heat and can even shrink when washed at high temperatures. Although detergents work better in hotter water, it is crucial to strike a balance between the washing temperature and effective cleaning. Dark-colored T-shirts can typically be washed in completely cold water, but we recommend washing Sanvt’s Perfect White T-Shirt at around 30 degrees Celsius (or up to 40 degrees if necessary).
Washing your white T-shirt at 30 or 40 degrees ensures it remains crisp-looking for a longer time and reduces the risk of unwanted discoloration, such as yellowish marks under the armpits. Additionally, washing at lower temperatures has environmental benefits and lowers energy bills. Reducing the temperature from 40 to 30 degrees can decrease energy consumption by up to 35%.
Wash (and Dry) Inside Out
Washing your T-shirts inside out helps minimize abrasion on the inner side while preserving the visual appearance of the outer surface. This reduces the risk of undesired fuzziness and pilling of the natural cotton.
Similarly, drying T-shirts inside out ensures that any potential fading occurs on the inner side of the garment, leaving the outer surface intact.
Use the Appropriate Amount of Detergent
There are now environmentally-friendly detergents available that are made from natural ingredients and avoid chemical components derived from oil. However, it’s important to remember that even “green detergents” can pollute wastewater and potentially damage clothes if used in excessive amounts, as they may contain various substances. No detergent is completely green, so using more detergent doesn’t necessarily result in cleaner clothes.
The quantity of detergent needed depends on the number of clothes being washed and their level of dirtiness. If you have fewer clothes or lightly soiled garments, less detergent is necessary. In areas with soft water, a smaller amount of detergent can be used.
Avoid Tumble Drying
It’s worth noting that all cotton products naturally shrink to some extent, typically during the drying process. To minimize the risk of shrinkage, it’s advisable to avoid using a tumble dryer and instead air-dry your T-shirts by hanging them. Although tumble drying may be convenient at times, air-drying is the preferred method for T-shirts.
When air-drying, avoid direct sunlight to prevent colors from fading. As mentioned earlier, 100% cotton products are not fond of high heat. Delicate cotton fabrics should be hung over a rail to reduce wrinkling and stretching.
Skipping the use of a dryer not only benefits the durability of your T-shirt but also has a significant environmental impact. Tumble dryers consume up to five times the energy of a standard washing machine, so by avoiding tumble drying completely, you can greatly reduce your household’s carbon footprint.
Iron on the Reverse Side
The propensity of cotton T-shirts to wrinkle may vary depending on the fabric. However, proper handling of T-shirts right after washing can minimize creasing. Giving each garment a gentle stretch or shake can help restore its shape.
Pay extra attention to the neckline and shoulders, avoiding excessive stretching that could distort the T-shirt’s shape. If your washing machine has a “reduce creases” setting, you can utilize it to prevent wrinkles. Lowering the spinning cycle during the washing program also reduces creasing, but it may leave the T-shirt slightly more damp when removed from the machine.
If ironing is necessary, refer to the garment care label for the recommended temperature setting. The number of dots on the iron symbol indicates the heat level that can be used. For instance, the Perfect T-Shirt from SANVT can be ironed at medium heat (two dots).
When ironing, it’s advisable to iron on the reverse side and utilize the steam function of your iron. Adding some moisture to cotton fabrics before ironing will make the fibers smoother and facilitate easier flattening of the garment.
For an even better appearance and a gentler treatment of your T-shirt, consider using a steamer instead of a conventional iron.
Conclusion
Since your T-Shirt is a trustworthy friend in the special occasion, try to take care of it carefully. Moreover, if you haven’t had any, just come to Meet Hank and get one from their latest T-shirt collection this summer right now!
