Washing natural fiber fabrics properly is key to keeping them looking and feeling their best. Different natural fibers have specific care recommendations, so it’s important to know what type of fabric you’re working with. We’ll overview how to wash 11 of the most common natural fiber fabrics: cotton, linen, silk, wool, cashmere, hemp, jute, ramie, sisal, coir, and bamboo. Follow these tips to keep your natural fiber fabrics clean, soft, and lasting for years to come.

Cotton

Cotton is a plant-based fiber that makes fabric soft, breathable, and durable. Follow these tips when washing cotton:

Check Labels

Always check clothing labels for specific washing instructions. Cotton can typically be machine washed and dried, but look for any special care recommendations.

Wash in Cool or Warm Water

Wash cotton fabrics in cool to warm water, up to 104°F. Avoid hot water, which can cause cotton fibers to shrink.

Use a Mild Detergent

Wash cotton with a mild, natural liquid detergent. Powder detergents can leave residue, and harsh detergents can damage fibers.

Go Easy on Agitation

Limit or avoid agitation when washing cotton. Aggressive washing can twist, tear, and damage cotton fibers. Use a gentle cycle or hand wash.

Rinse Thoroughly

Always rinse cotton thoroughly after washing to remove all detergent residue that can fade colors and irritate skin.

Line Dry or Tumble Dry Low

Line drying cotton items helps retain their shape and color vibrancy. If machine drying, use a low heat setting. High heat can damage cotton over time.

Iron on Low Heat

Iron cotton with the iron set between warm and medium. Too much heat can scorch cotton fibers.

By following these tips, you can keep your cotton clothing, sheets, towels, and other items looking and feeling great wash after wash.

Linen

Linen fabric is made from the flax plant and has a natural luster and breathability that gets softer over time. Here’s how to wash linen correctly:

Check the Label

Labels often recommend hand washing or dry cleaning for linen, but machine washing is usually fine if you’re careful. Check for any special instructions.

Wash in Cool Water

Always use the coolest water possible when washing linen, as hot water can damage fibers. Lukewarm water is okay if needed to remove stains.

Limit Agitation

Minimize agitation by using the delicate cycle or washing by hand. Excess motion can pill and tear linen.

Use a Mild Detergent

Wash linen in a gentle soap or detergent formulated for delicates. Harsh detergents strip linen’s natural oils.

Skip the Fabric Softener

Don’t use fabric softener on linen, as it can diminish the signature crispness.

Line Dry

Always line dry linen out of direct sunlight. The heat and tumbling of machine drying can damage fibers.

Iron While Damp

Iron linen while still slightly damp, as the moisture helps prevent wrinkles from setting in. Use a medium-hot iron.

With proper washing methods, linen will become softer and more lustrous over time. Handle it gently for best results.

Silk

Silk has a delicate protein fiber that requires very gentle washing methods. Here are some tips for keeping silk looking its best:

Check the Label

If the garment label says “Dry Clean Only,” take it to a professional. Machine washing risks damaging silk fibers.

Hand Wash

For washable silks, hand wash only using cool water and a tiny amount of mild detergent, like baby shampoo.

Gently Agitate

When hand washing, gently press and turn the garment. Do not rub, twist, or ring silk.

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse silk under cool running water until all soap residue is removed. Leftover detergents can weaken fibers.

Roll or Line Dry

Roll silk in a towel to absorb moisture, then lay flat on a drying rack out of direct light. Do not wring twist.

Iron Inside Out

Iron washed silk garments inside out on a low setting while still slightly damp. Use a press cloth.

With delicate care, silk can last for many years. Harsh treatment like machine washing and high heat will cause it to deteriorate quickly.

Wool

Wool fabric comes from the fleece of sheep and is warm, soft, and durable. Follow these tips when laundering wool:

Read the Label

Check if the item is washable or must be dry cleaned. Washable wool can be machine washed if done carefully.

Use Cool Water

Wash wool sweaters, dresses, suits, and other garments in the coolest water possible. Hot water causes wool to shrink and felt.

Use Wool Detergent

Special wool detergents are formulated to protect wool’s fibers. Alternately use a tiny bit of mild soap.

Skip the Agitator

Washing machines with central agitators can pull and damage wool. Use a front loading machine or turn off the agitator.

Soak Before Washing

Before washing, soak wool in lukewarm water with detergent to gently loosen dirt. This prevents agitation damage.

Lay Flat to Dry

Dry wool garments lying completely flat, without hanging them. This helps them retain their shape.

With proper handling, wool provides comfort and durability for many years. Harsh washing shrinks wool and shortens its lifespan.

Cashmere

Cashmere is a soft, fine wool that requires extra care when laundering. Here are some tips:

Hand Wash

Hand wash cashmere sweaters, scarves, coats, and shawls. Machine washing risks shrinking or felting the delicate fibers.

Use Cool Water

Wash cashmere in cold or lukewarm water to prevent shrinkage, never hot. Check the water temperature.

Limit Detergent

Use a tiny bit of gentle soap or cashmere shampoo – about a teaspoon per garment. Too much detergent damages fibers.

Gently Press and Rinse

Press cashmere up and down to clean. Do not rub, twist, or wring. Rinse thoroughly in cool water.

Reshape and Dry Flat

Gently press water out with a towel, reshape garment, and lay flat to dry. Blocking the fibers helps prevent shrinkage.

Steam Rather than Iron

Avoid ironing cashmere. The heat and pressure can flatten fibers. Steam over the garment instead to smooth wrinkles.

With proper handling, cashmere can last for generations. Machine washing, hot water, and high heat cause this delicate fabric to shrink, pill, and lose softness.

Hemp

Hemp fabric is known for its durability, breathability, and natural sheen. Follow these tips when laundering hemp:

Check the Label

Hemp fabric is usually machine washable but always check the label to confirm care instructions for individual items.

Use Cool Water

Wash hemp fabric in cool water to prevent shrinking. Warm water is okay for heavily soiled loads. Avoid hot temperatures.

Choose a Gentle Cycle

Use the delicate or gentle cycle to limit agitation that can tear hemp fibers. Or, hand wash.

Use a Mild Detergent

Clean hemp with a natural liquid laundry soap. Skip fabric softeners and dryer sheets that leave residue.

Line Dry

Hang hemp items to air dry to prevent shrinking. Tumble dry on low if needed.

With proper care, hemp fabric becomes softer over time while retaining its durable strength. Harsh treatment makes it stiff, misshapen, and faded.

Jute

Jute is a natural plant fiber used to make burlap, rope, and textiles. Here are some tips for cleaning jute:

Check the Label

Labels may recommend spot treating, hand washing, or dry cleaning. Machine washing heavyweight jute risks damaging the fabric.

Wash in Cool Water

When machine washing lighter jute fabrics, always use cold water to prevent shrinking, fading, and tearing.

Limit Agitation

Use the delicate cycle and skip the wash and spin motions that excessively pull and twist jute fibers.

Use a Gentle Detergent

Clean with minimal amounts of a mild laundry soap. Do not use bleach or fabric softeners.

Line Dry

Always hang jute items to fully air dry. Machine drying, even on low, can damage and shrink the fabric.

With proper care, lightweight jute fabrics remain durable yet soft for many years. Harsh treatment causes fibers to become brittle and brake.

Ramie

Ramie fabric is made from natural fibers of a nettle plant. Follow these tips when laundering ramie:

Check the Label

Labels may recommend dry cleaning or hand washing to protect the luster and feel of ramie fabric. Machine wash with care if permitted.

Use a Gentle Cycle

Wash ramie fabric using the delicate or gentle cycle to minimize agitation that can loosen fibers. Or hand wash.

Use Cool Water

Always wash ramie in cold water to prevent damage to fibers. Warm water is okay for heavily soiled clothes.

Limit Detergent

Use minimal amounts of a gentle laundry soap. Harsh detergents strip the natural oils in ramie.

Line Dry

Hang ramie garments to fully air dry instead of machine drying to prevent shrinking.

Lightly Iron on Low

If needed, lightly iron ramie on the cool setting while still slightly damp. Too much heat can scorch fibers.

With proper washing methods, ramie fabric retains its breathable feel and delicate drape for many years. Harsh treatment causes pilling and deterioration.

Sisal

Sisal is a stiff, strong plant fiber used to make rope, rugs, and coarse textiles. Here are some tips for cleaning sisal:

Check Labels

Labels may advise spot cleaning only. Machine washing can fray and destroy sisal’s coarse fibers. Hand wash with care if machine washing is needed.

Use Cool Water

Wash sisal in the coolest water possible. Hot water causes fibers to shrink and become brittle.

Limit Agitation

Aggressive washing tears sisal fibers. Use the delicate cycle and avoid wash motions. Hand wash for best results.

Use a Gentle Cleaner

Clean with minimal amounts of gentle, natural detergent. Do not use bleach, which damages fibers.

Air Dry

Always air dry sisal fabrics out of direct sunlight instead of machine drying in order to avoid heat damage and shrinkage.

With careful cleaning by hand, sisal fabrics and ropes retain their strength and coarse, natural look for many years. Harsh mechanical washing and high heat destroy fibers.

Coir

Coir comes from coconut husks and is made into strong, resistant fiber products. Here’s how to clean them:

Check the Label

Labels often recommend spot treating coir products. Excessive washing deteriorates the coarse fibers.

Hand Wash

Gently hand wash coir fabrics in cool water using minimal mild detergent if needed. Do not machine wash.

Limit Agitation

Do not rub, wring, or twist coir items during washing. Gently press and soak the fibers instead.

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse coir thoroughly after washing to remove all soap residue that can cause stiffness.

Air Dry

Always allow coir to fully air dry out of direct sunlight rather than machine drying, which degrades fibers.

Spot Clean

For solid coir items like ropes, doormats, and scrub brushes, spot clean soiled areas rather than fully immersing in water if possible.

Coir’s stiffness helps the fiber resist water absorption and retain shape. With minimal washing, coir products can remain intact for many years.

Bamboo

Bamboo fabric is soft, breathable, and antimicrobial. Follow these tips when laundering:

Check the Label

Bamboo is typically machine washable but always check care labels of individual items for any special instructions.

Use Cool Water

Wash bamboo fabric in cool water temperatures to prevent shrinkage and maintain softness. Warm water is okay for heavily soiled loads.

Choose a Delicate Cycle

Use the delicate or gentle cycle to wash bamboo. Limiting agitation helps prevent pilling. Or, hand wash.

Pick a Gentle Detergent

Wash bamboo with a tiny amount of mild laundry soap. Skip fabric softeners that can diminish absorbency.

Line Dry

Lay bamboo flat or hang up to air dry. Tumble dry on low if needed. High heat can damage fibers.

Lightly Iron on Low

If ironing, choose the cool setting and avoid pressing heavily to prevent flattening bamboo’s loft.

With proper laundering, bamboo fabric retains its softness, sheen, and breathability for many years. Harsh treatment causes pilling, shrinkage, and coarseness.

Conclusion

Caring for natural fiber fabrics properly helps maintain their unique properties and extend their lifespan. Always check garment labels for specific instructions and wash gently using mild, natural detergents. Avoid excessive heat, agitation, and harsh chemicals that damage delicate fibers like linen, silk, wool, and cashmere. With the right methods, your natural fiber fabrics can remain soft, vibrant, and durable for generations to come.

How to Wash Cotton

Cotton is a versatile and durable natural fiber fabric that can be washed thoroughly while retaining its softness and breathability. Follow these tips when laundering cotton items:

Check the Care Label

While cotton is typically machine washable, always check the garment’s care label for any special washing instructions.

Wash in Cool to Warm Water

For most cotton loads, washing in cool to lukewarm water is recommended. Using water up to 104°F helps lift dirt and stains without risking shrinkage. Avoid hot water settings.

Use a Mild Liquid Detergent

Wash cotton with a gentle natural laundry detergent, preferably in liquid form. Harsh detergents strip natural oils while powders can leave residue.

Select a Gentle Cycle

Opt for the delicate or permanent press cycle, which minimizes agitation. Excess motion and friction can damage cotton fibers. Handwashing also works well.

Rinse Thoroughly

After washing cotton, it’s crucial to rinse out all traces of detergent residue to avoid skin irritation and prevent fabrics from prematurely fading.

Air Dry When Possible

Line drying cotton items helps retain the fabric’s softness and color vibrancy. Machine drying can be rough on fibers.

Iron Inside Out at Medium Heat

Turn cotton garments inside out before ironing to prevent shine marks. Cotton can withstand a warm iron setting. Take care not to scorch the fabric.

By following these gentle cleaning methods, your cotton clothes, sheets, towels, and other items will stay soft and colorful for many years. Harsh washing causes cotton textiles to deteriorate prematurely.

How to Wash Linen

Linen is a lightweight, breathable fabric made from flax fibers that softens wonderfully over time. Here are some top tips for washing linen correctly:

Check the Care Label

While linen can usually tolerate machine washing, always check the garment’s label for specific instructions. Hand wash delicates if recommended.

Wash in Cool Water

Linen should be washed in the coolest water possible to avoid fiber damage from high heat. Lukewarm water can lift stubborn stains if needed.

Use a Mild Laundry Detergent

Clean linen with a small amount of gentle soap or detergent made for delicates. Harsh chemicals deplete linen’s natural oils.

Select a Delicate Cycle

Wash linen using the delicate or hand wash cycle option to minimize rough agitation that can tear fibers.

Line Dry Outdoors

Always line dry linen pieces outdoors to prevent shrinkage caused by machine drying. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Iron Lightly on Medium Heat

Linen can be ironed at a medium heat setting while still slightly damp. Too much heat can scorch the fabric.

With the proper gentle care, linen fabrics become softer and more lustrous over time while retaining their signature crispness.

How to Wash Silk

Silk has delicate protein fibers that require very gentle washing methods. Follow these tips for keeping silk looking beautiful:

Check the Garment’s Label

If the label says “Dry Clean Only,” take the item to a professional cleaner. Machine washing risks damaging silk fibers.

Hand Wash Using Cool Water

For washable silks, hand wash only using cold or lukewarm water and a tiny bit of mild soap like baby shampoo or sensitive skin body wash.

Agitate Very Gently

When hand washing, gently press and soak the silk item without rubbing, twisting or scrubbing the delicate fabric.

Rinse Thoroughly Under Cool Water

After washing silk, rinse thoroughly under cold running water until all traces of detergent are gone. Soap residue deteriorates fibers.

Roll or Line Dry

After pressing out excess moisture with a towel, lay flat on a rack or roll in a towel to dry. Do not hang silk items.

Steam or Iron Inside Out

Avoid ironing silk garments. If needed, iron inside out at the lowest setting while slightly damp, using a press cloth.

With extremely gentle cleaning and handling, washable silk items can last for many years without shrinking, fading, or unraveling.

How to Wash Wool

Wool fabric is naturally stain and dirt resistant, but occasional laundering is needed. Here are some tips for safely washing wool:

Check Garment Labels

Look for “hand wash” or “dry clean only” indicators before attempting to machine wash wool. Washable wools can be done at home carefully