A versatile fabric, strong and easy to care for. Comes in such a variety of weaves and finishes that it is essential to follow any instructions that come with the material. Used for almost anything — upholstery, clothing, fabrics, curtains — it also comes in a variety of mixes with synthetic fibres. Can have special finishes to make it waterproof or flameproof.
White cotton can be boiled to keep it white.
Cotton shirts and blouses may have a ‘dressing’ in the fabric which will form a scum when the detergent gets to it. You can remove a lot of the dressing by soaking the garment in cold water for 30 minutes before putting it in the washing machine.
Most colorfast cottons will stand a hot water wash. However, even colorfast cottons sometimes bleed slightly at every wash so it is safest to wash them separately. Detergent, not soap, should be used on flame-resistant finishes.
