The pure cotton four-piece set is soft and comfortable, but after washing it several times, the originally soft fabric becomes harder and harder, making it uncomfortable to cover. Why does this happen?
The reason why the pure cotton four-piece set becomes hard
1. Alkaline detergent residue
Cotton has alkali resistance. Generally, diluted alkali will not react to cotton at room temperature. Alkaline detergents contain hydroxide, which will react with calcium and magnesium ions in the water to form hydroxide precipitates. These Precipitated particles will adhere to the cotton cloth, and the cotton cloth will become harder and harder over time.
Therefore, when cleaning a pure cotton four-piece set, multiple rinses are required. It is recommended to use neutral detergent. Generally, there will be instructions on the outer packaging of detergent to avoid the risk of alkaline detergent making the pure cotton four-piece set hard at the source.
2. Softener is cleaned
Pure cotton bedding is generally softened with silicone oil before leaving the factory. After pure cotton bedding is washed many times, the silicone oil will be slowly washed away, and the elasticity, softness and fluffiness of the fabric will be reduced, so the bedding will become harder with more washing.
3. Bedding washed too much
If the sheets and quilt covers are washed too much, the cotton fibers will age and lose their original shape and elasticity. As the fiber strength becomes lower, cotton fibers break and fall off easily, and can no longer remain soft.
4. Exposed bedding
Pure cotton bedding is a bit hard when it is first dried, but it will return to softness after a few days of sleeping. When exposed to the sun, the water in the cotton fibers evaporates quickly, and the calcium and magnesium precipitates that adhere to the cotton cloth precipitate, causing the cotton fibers to harden, causing the fabric to dry out and become hard. Although pure cotton bedding will become soft after being covered for a few days, it is best not to expose it to the sun. Exposure to the sun will accelerate the oxidation of the cotton, causing problems such as whitening and fading.
How to make bedding soft again？
1. Dissolve with white vinegar
Dilute edible white vinegar and water according to the ratio of 3ml white vinegar and 1kg water. After washing the bedding, soak it in the white vinegar diluent for about 5 minutes, take it out and wring it out, and dry it in a cool and ventilated place.
2. Soak bedding in softener
Softener can neutralize alkaline residues in detergents, reduce friction between fibers, enhance fiber mobility, restore the original smoothness, extension, compression and other properties of cotton fibers, making cotton fabrics more comfortable. Restores softness and fluffiness.