How to Take Care of 100% Cotton Sweatshirts

By: M.H. Dyer

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Soft, warm, comfortable and durable,100 percent cotton sweatshirts have matured from loose-fitting garments reserved solely for working out at the gym or relaxing around the house. Today's stylish sweatshirts, available in a nearly endless selection of colors and styles, are often dressed up enough for the office or a casual evening out. Although 100 percent cotton is an easy-care fabric, cotton sweatshirts require particular handling to prevent shrinking and wrinkling.

Step 1

Turn your cotton sweatshirt inside out and then wash the sweatshirt on your machine's gentle setting. Use cool water and regular laundry detergent. Wash your sweatshirt with similar colors to prevent dyes from bleeding from dark garments to light garments.

Step 2

Add nonchlorine, all-fabric bleach to the water if the sweatshirt is badly soiled or stained. Use the product according to the directions on the label -- usually one capful of liquid or one scoop of dry product is sufficient. Fill the machine with water and mix nonchlorinated bleach and detergent thoroughly into the water before adding the sweatshirt.