Bacati JournalFabric & Care

    How to Wash Cotton Muslin So It Stays Soft

    Muslin gets softer with every wash — if you treat it right. The full laundry routine for baby blankets, swaddles and sheets.

    June 9, 2026By Bacati

    Cotton muslin is the rare fabric that improves with laundering. The open weave relaxes a little every cycle, which is why a well-loved swaddle feels nothing like a new one.

    The routine

    1. Wash before first use. It removes manufacturing residue and starts the softening.
    2. Warm or cold water, gentle cycle. Hot water is unnecessary and shortens the life of printed color.
    3. Mild, fragrance-free detergent. Baby-specific is fine, but "free and clear" is the actual requirement.
    4. No fabric softener, ever. It coats fibers with a waxy film that reduces absorbency and dulls prints. Half a cup of white vinegar in the rinse does the softening job without the coating.
    5. Tumble dry low. High heat is the main cause of shrinkage and puckered seams. Remove while slightly damp for the softest hand.
    6. Skip the bleach. For stains, pre-treat with an enzyme stain remover and sun-dry — daylight is remarkably good on milk and fruit stains.

    Wash separately at first

    Run new printed items on their own for the first two cycles. Deep colors release a little excess dye early on, and this keeps it off your white sheets.

    Storage

    Fold and store in a breathable basket or open shelf rather than sealed plastic — cotton needs air, and long-term plastic storage can leave a musty smell and yellow the fibers.