Laundry & Care Guide
Organic fibers are grown without synthetic finishes, so they behave a little differently than the resin-coated sheets and towels most people are used to. Cared for correctly, they get softer with every wash and last for years. Here is exactly how — by fabric, with the why behind each step.
The 30-second version
- Wash cold or warm (max 105°F / 40°C) on a normal or gentle cycle.
- Use half the detergent you think you need, and choose a gentle, fragrance-free, low-pH formula.
- Never use fabric softener or dryer sheets. They coat organic fibers with a waxy film that kills absorbency and breathability.
- Skip chlorine bleach. Use oxygen-based brighteners if you need them.
- Tumble dry low and pull items out slightly damp, or line dry.
- Wash new items before first use to remove loom dust and bloom the weave.
Quick reference by fabric
| Fabric | Wash | Dry | Iron |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percale sheets | Cold/warm, gentle | Low, remove damp | Warm for crispness (optional) |
| Sateen sheets | Cold, gentle | Low | Not needed |
| Linen | Cool, gentle | Low or line dry | Embrace the wrinkles |
| Flannel | Warm, gentle | Low — never high | No |
| Towels & bath | Warm, normal | Low–medium | No |
| Blankets & throws | Cold, gentle | Low, or air dry | No |
Sheets & bedding
Wash your sheets every 7–10 days. Use cold or warm water on a gentle cycle, and don’t overload the machine — fibers need room to move to get clean and stay soft. Wash sheets separately from towels and clothing with zippers or hooks, which abrade the weave and cause pilling.
Percale is a crisp, cool, matte one-over-one-under weave. It wrinkles a little; if you like that hotel-crisp finish, iron warm or pull it from the dryer slightly damp and smooth onto the bed. Sateen is a silkier, warmer, lustrous weave — it resists wrinkles and rarely needs ironing. Flannel is brushed for warmth; always dry on low, because high heat mats the nap and shortens its life.
Towels & bath
New organic towels start their life less absorbent because the cotton still carries natural oils and a little bloom from the loom. Absorbency peaks after about 3–5 washes — this is normal, not a defect. Wash warm on a normal cycle, tumble dry low to medium, and never use fabric softener (the single biggest cause of towels that “stop absorbing”). An occasional warm wash with a half-cup of white vinegar and no detergent strips any buildup and revives fluffiness.
Blankets, throws & quilts
Wash cold on gentle, on its own. Air drying or tumble drying on low best preserves the hand-feel and prevents shrinkage. For heavier woven throws, lay flat to dry to keep their shape.
What to use — and what to never use
Detergent: a gentle, fragrance-free, low-pH liquid (look for plant-derived, free of optical brighteners and enzymes if your skin is sensitive). Use about half the dose on the bottle — excess detergent doesn’t rinse out and leaves a stiff residue.
Never use fabric softener or dryer sheets. They work by depositing a hydrophobic, waxy coating — exactly the opposite of what you want on breathable organic cotton, linen, or towels. Over time they trap odor and reduce moisture-wicking. For softness, use wool dryer balls instead.
Skip chlorine bleach, which weakens cotton fibers and yellows them over time. For whites and brightening, use an oxygen-based (percarbonate) brightener.
Drying & storage
Low heat is the rule. High heat is the number-one cause of shrinkage and worn-out fibers. Remove items while slightly damp to minimize wrinkles and heat stress, then finish on the bed, rack, or line. Store bedding and towels in a cool, dry, breathable space — a cotton storage bag, not a plastic bin, which can trap humidity and cause mildew. Avoid cedar blocks in direct contact with fabric.
Stain first aid
- Act fast and blot — never rub. Rubbing drives the stain into the weave.
- Coffee, tea, wine: rinse from the back with cold water, then pre-treat with a little oxygen brightener.
- Blood: cold water only — hot water sets it.
- Oil & body oils: a small amount of dish soap worked in gently, then wash warm.
- Always confirm the stain is fully gone before drying — heat sets whatever is left.
Frequently asked
Will my sheets shrink?
Organic cotton can relax 2–4% in the first wash — which is why our sizing is cut to account for it. Washing cold and drying low keeps shrinkage minimal.
Why are my new towels not very absorbent?
Natural cotton oils and loom bloom need a few washes to rinse away. Absorbency peaks after 3–5 washes. Skip fabric softener and you’ll never lose it.
How often should I wash bedding?
Sheets and pillowcases every 7–10 days; duvet covers every 2–4 weeks; protectors monthly.
Can I use the dryer?
Yes — on low. High heat is what damages organic fibers, not the dryer itself. Wool dryer balls speed drying and add softness without chemicals.
Questions about a specific item? Email info@iorganic.com and our team will help.