In a world where sustainability and eco-consciousness are becoming increasingly important, organic kids' clothing is gaining popularity among parents. Here, at Little Hedonist, we are obviously big fans of that change - for the babies, kids, and the Earth!
Not only are organic kids clothes made from natural materials, they are also safer for your child's delicate skin and better for the environment. However, to ensure the longevity of organic kids' clothes, proper care is essential. Let's look at 10 tips about washing and drying your organic kids' clothes to keep them looking new and feeling soft for longer.
Why Choose Organic Kids Clothes?
Before diving into the details of washing and drying organic kids' clothes, let's quickly explore why organic clothes are worth the investment.
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Safe for Your Child's Skin: Certified organic kids' clothes are made from natural materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp. These materials are free from harmful chemicals, making them perfect for children with sensitive skin.
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Environmentally Friendly: Unlike conventional clothing, organic kids' clothes are produced using sustainable farming practices that minimize the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. By choosing organic brands that are open about the sustainable provenance of their fabrics, you are making a positive impact on the environment.
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Longevity and Durability: With proper care, organic kids' clothes can last longer than their conventional counterparts. The quality and length of organic fiber means that they are able to sustain longer use, harder play, and more washes. By following the right washing and drying techniques, you can maintain the quality and softness of these garments for years to come.
Washing Organic Kids Clothes: Step-by-Step Guide
Washing organic kids' clothes may seem straightforward, but with a few important tips, you will ensure that your garments remain in top condition, and you get multiple years (and kids) of use.
Tip 1: Read the Care Label
Before washing any organic kids clothes, always check the care label for specific instructions from the manufacturer. This label provides valuable information about the fabric and any special care requirements, such as maximum water temperature and drying specification.
Tip 2: Sort Clothes by Color and Fabric
Separate your organic kids' clothes into different piles based on color and fabric type. This will prevent darker colors from bleeding onto lighter fabrics and ensure that each garment receives the appropriate care. At the very least, we recommend washing dark colors together, separated from light colors.
Step 3: Use a Mild Detergent
Opt for a gentle, eco-friendly detergent that is free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Look for detergents specifically formulated for sensitive skin to minimize the risk of irritation, especially in children with eczema or allergies.
Step 4: Choose the Right Water Temperature
Most organic kids' clothes can be washed in cold or warm water. However, always refer to the care label for specific temperature recommendations. Washing in cold water can help preserve colors and prevent shrinkage.
Step 5: Turn Clothes Inside Out
Before placing your kids' organic clothes in the washing machine, turn them inside out. This will help protect delicate fabrics and threads, and prevent fading or pilling on the outside.
If you purchase certified-organic cotton clothes from brands like Little Hedonist, you can rest assured that we use the strongest and longest cotton fiber we can find, and neither pilling, stretching, or fading will occur, no matter your washing style!
Step 6: Use a Gentle Cycle
Opt for a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine to prevent damage to the fabric. Avoid using harsh cycles or heavy agitation, as this can cause unnecessary wear and tear.
Step 7: Skip the Fabric Softener
While fabric softener may seem like a good idea, it can actually leave behind a residue that can irritate sensitive skin, especially in young children, or those with sensitive skin. Instead, add a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften clothes naturally and remove any detergent residue.
Step 8: Air Dry Whenever Possible
Whenever possible, air dry your organic kids' clothes to preserve the integrity of the fabric and reduce energy consumption. Hang clothes on a drying rack or clothesline away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Step 9: Use a Low Heat Setting
If you need to use a dryer, choose a low heat setting to prevent shrinkage and damage to the fabric. Remove clothes from the dryer while they are still slightly damp to reduce wrinkles and make ironing easier.
Hint: we don't do ironing over here :) Little Hedonist clothes do not wrinkle easily and folding them straight out of the dryer solves wrinkling requirements 99% of the time!
Step 10: Iron Carefully
If necessary, use a low heat setting on your iron to remove any wrinkles from your organic kids' clothes. Always iron clothes inside out to prevent damage to the fabric.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Washing and Drying Your Organic Kids Clothes
While washing and drying organic kids clothes is pretty simple, a few common mistakes can damage your investments and shorten the clothes' lifespan.
Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
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Using Harsh Detergents: Avoid detergents that contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, or optical brighteners, as these can irritate sensitive skin and damage the fabric. You are investing in OEKO-Tex-certified clothes to ensure your kids' clothes are free from harsh chemicals, so make sure not to add those back up into the mix during your wash cycles.
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Overloading the Washing Machine: Overloading the washing machine can prevent clothes from getting properly cleaned and increase wear and tear on the fabric. Be sure to leave enough space for water and detergent to circulate freely.
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Skipping the Care Label: Always read the care label before washing any garment. Ignoring the manufacturer's instructions can result in damage to the fabric or its dyes, and void any warranty or guarantee.
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Using High Heat: High heat can cause organic fabrics to shrink, fade, and become damaged. Always use a low heat setting when drying organic kids' clothes to preserve their quality and softness.
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Skipping the Rinse Cycle: Skipping the rinse cycle can leave behind detergent residue, which can irritate sensitive skin and cause fabrics to become stiff and scratchy. Be sure to thoroughly rinse clothes to remove any soap residue.
Answering Your Questions About Washing Organic Kids Clothes
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Can I Wash Organic Kids Clothes with Regular Detergent?
- While you can technically wash organic kids' clothes with regular detergent, we recommend using a gentle, eco-friendly detergent that is free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.
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How Often Should I Wash Organic Kids Clothes?
- How often you wash organic kids' clothes will depend on how often they are worn and how dirty they get. In general, on hot days, it may be a good idea to wash tops after every wear to remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria, while bottoms can last multiple wears.
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Can I Use Bleach on Organic Kids Clothes?
- Bleach can damage organic fabrics and cause them to become discolored and weakened over time. Additionally, bleach can very toxic and damaging to babies' and children's skin. It is best to avoid using bleach and opt for gentler, more eco-friendly stain removers instead.
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Should I Wash Organic Kids Clothes Separately?
- It is not necessary to wash organic kids' clothes separately from adults' clothes, as long as you separate colors to prevent darker ones from bleeding onto lighter fabrics. It is more important to wash similar fabrics together to help prevent damage to delicate fabrics.
Conclusion
With proper washing and drying care, organic kids' clothes can last for years, providing your children with comfortable, safe, and eco-friendly clothing options, making an excellent option for pass-me downs between siblings, cousins, and friends.
By following the washing and drying tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your organic kids' clothes remain soft, vibrant, and in top condition for years to come. Remember to always read the care label, use gentle detergents, and avoid high heat to preserve the integrity of the fabric and reduce your environmental impact.
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Sources:
The Soil Association. Why Is Organic Important When It Comes To What We Wear. Retrieved from https://www.soilassociation.org/organic-living/fashion-textiles
GoClean. Washing Baby Clothes. (). Retrieved from https://www.goclean.com/washing-baby-clothes.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). Retrieved from https://www.global-standard.org/the-standard/general-description.html
Green America. Ditch Your Dryer. Retrieved from https://www.greenamerica.org/green-living/ditch-your-dryer
EcoParent. Four Ways To Tell You Have A Baby. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.ecoparent.ca/eco-home/four-ways-tell-you-have-baby
The Spruce. All About Washing New Clothes. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/wash-new-clothes-before-wearing-2146345
