How to Soften Stiff Cotton Baby Clothes | Ugly Bugs

New cotton can feel stiff because of the finish on the fabric or detergent left in the fibres. Washing it a few times with a small amount of detergent and an extra rinse usually brings the softness back.

Why does cotton baby clothing feel stiff?

Cotton often carries a light finish from manufacturing, and that can make a brand new garment feel crisp. Stiffness can also come from detergent that hasn’t rinsed out, hard water, or a washing machine that is packed too full to rinse properly.

How to soften stiff cotton baby clothes

1. Wash before the first wear. Follow the care label and use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.
2. Use less detergent than you think you need. Too much leaves residue in the fabric, which makes it feel rough.
3. Add an extra rinse. This is the single most helpful step for stiff cotton.
4. Leave the machine room to work. Clothes need space to move through the water. A half-full drum rinses better than a packed one.
5. Skip fabric softener. It can coat the fibres and make fabric less absorbent over time, and a gentle wash and rinse works well without it.
6. Dry gently. Give each garment a good shake while it is damp, then line dry in the shade or tumble dry on low if the label allows it.

Keep washing, because cotton gets softer

Cotton tends to soften with every wash, so a garment that feels firm at first is often much softer after three or four. Muslin in particular tends to soften quickly. If a piece still feels stiff after a few washes, check that you are using less detergent and giving it a full rinse.

What to avoid

Hot washes, bleach and very high tumble dryer heat can all damage cotton fibres. They can also cause shrinking and fading, so stick to the temperature on the label.

Care for every garment

Our full guide covers washing, drying and storing 100% cotton baby clothing, so it’s worth bookmarking: read our complete guide to caring for 100% cotton baby clothing.

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