Cotton is a cool, breathable, comfortable fiber that can be easily laundered. It's a natural fiber made from the cotton plant's seedpod. The fiber is hollow in the center and looks like a twisted ribbon under a microscope. Cotton can withstand high temperatures, takes dyes well and is very absorbent. Extra-absorbent cotton will retain 24 to 27 times its own weight in water and is stronger when wet than dry.
Cotton is sometimes combed to remove short fibers and make the longer, more prized fibers align more uniformly. This process creates a truly premium product. As well, some cotton is classified as long staple, which means individual fibers can be up to 2-1/2" long. Longer staple lengths make better quality thread, which is often used in high-quality bedding.
Often cotton is blended with other fibers, including polyester, wool and linen. This blends the best properties of each fiber. Here are laundering instructions:
- Wash cotton with any regular detergent.
- Chlorine bleach is safe on cotton whites, but may yellow chemically finished cottons. Use color-safe bleach on dyed cottons.
- Cotton fabrics tend to wrinkle easily and require frequent ironing. Sometimes cotton is treated with a wrinkle-resistant finish to avoid this. A garment's label will indicate if this finish has been applied.
- Use a high heat setting in the dryer. Cotton takes much longer to dry than other less absorbent fibers.
- Cotton can be ironed with a hot iron and does not easily scorch.
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