Knowing how to wash 98 cotton 2 spandex will help you extend the life of your garments. Cotton and spandex blends are popular for their comfort and stretch, but they also require special care to maintain their quality. This step-by-step guide takes you through the process so you can keep your clothes looking as good as new.
Table of Contents
Materials You Will Need
Laundry detergent (mild)
Cold water
Washing machine or sink
Preparation
Before diving into the actual process of washing 98 cotton 2 spandex, the first thing you need to do is prepare your clothes for washing. Proper preparation is vital for optimal cleaning and longevity of the fabric.
Sort Your Laundry: Begin by sorting your laundry into separate piles. Cotton-spandex blend clothing should be in its own pile, separated from other fabrics like wool or polyester. Different fabrics have different washing needs, and mixing them can harm their quality.
Check for Stains: Carefully examine each garment for any stains or spots. If you find any, you might want to apply a pre-treatment stain remover. You can also gently rub a small amount of mild laundry detergent on the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
Turn Inside Out: It’s a good idea to turn your cotton-spandex clothing inside out. This helps to preserve the fabric’s colors and prevent excessive wear and tear during the washing process.
Machine Washing
Machine washing is a convenient method for cleaning your 98 cotton 2 spandex blend clothes. But it’s important to follow these steps carefully to avoid damaging the fabric.
Set to Gentle Cycle: Turn your washing machine dial to the setting for a gentle or delicate cycle. This ensures the machine uses a lower spin speed, which is gentler on the fabric.
Use Cold Water: Fill the machine with cold water. Cold water not only conserves energy but also prevents the spandex in the blend from losing its elasticity.
Add Mild Laundry Detergent: Pour a capful of mild laundry detergent into the machine. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents as these can weaken the spandex fibers.
Load the Clothes: Place your sorted, inside-out cotton-spandex blend clothes into the washing machine drum. Do not overload the machine as this can cause excessive friction that wears out the fabric.
Start the Cycle: Close the washing machine lid or door and start the gentle cycle.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is an alternative method that’s gentler on the fabric, especially for items that are particularly delicate.
Fill a Sink with Cold Water: Use the sink or a basin and fill it with cold water.
Add Detergent: Add a teaspoon of mild laundry detergent to the water and mix until it dissolves.
Submerge the Clothes: Place your cotton-spandex blend clothes in the water, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Agitate the Fabric: Use your hands to gently move the fabric around in the water. Avoid twisting or wringing the fabric as this can stretch out the spandex.
Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and fill the sink with cold water again. Rinse the clothes until all soap is removed.
Drying
Proper drying is a crucial step when you’re washing 98 cotton 2 spandex. Incorrect drying can result in shrunken or misshapen clothes.
Air Drying: The best way to dry your cotton-spandex blend clothes is to air dry them. Lay the garment flat on a clean towel, reshaping it as you go. Alternatively, you can hang the garment on a clothesline or drying rack.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: While air drying, avoid placing the clothes in direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause colors to fade and can even weaken the fabric over time.
Do Not Wring: Avoid wringing out the fabric, as this will stretch out the spandex and potentially deform the garment.
Optional Tumble Dry: If you absolutely must use a dryer, make sure to set it on the lowest heat setting and remove the garment while it’s still slightly damp to prevent over-drying.
For more articles on how to wash, click here: How to Wash: Your Comprehensive Guide to Clothing and Fashion Care
Conclusion: How to Wash 98 Cotton 2 Spandex
Taking care of your garments made of 98% cotton and 2% spandex blend doesn’t have to be a challenging task. Understanding how to wash 98 cotton 2 spandex properly can significantly extend the life of your favorite pieces of clothing.
From sorting your laundry and checking for stains in the preparation phase to choosing between machine and hand washing, each step is integral to maintaining the quality of your clothes. And let’s not forget the importance of proper drying techniques, which can make or break the overall condition of your garment.
By adhering to these step-by-step guidelines, you can ensure that your cotton-spandex blend clothing remains as vibrant, comfortable, and stretchy as the day you bought them. With a little time and attention, you can enjoy the best of what this versatile fabric blend has to offer for years to come.
