How to Wash Muslin Cloths and Cuddle Cloths Without Shrinking

Quick answer

Wash muslin and cuddle cloths in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, then air-dry flat or line-dry away from direct heat. Skip the dryer and fabric softener. Heat and agitation are the two main causes of shrinking, so controlling both keeps the weave soft and the size stable.

Why muslin and cuddle cloths shrink differently

Muslin is a loose, open weave, so the yarns can move and tighten when exposed to heat or friction. Cuddle cloths, especially plush ones, have a knit backing that can mat or distort if washed too hot. Both benefit from the same low-heat approach, but plush needs extra care to stay fluffy.

Always check the care label first. If a cuddle cloth is made from recycled polyester plush, as many are, it will tolerate cool water well but can pill if rubbed against rough fabrics. Wash it separately from towels or items with zippers.

Sort and pretreat before washing

Separate muslin and cuddle cloths from heavier items like denim or towels. Pretreat stains with a small amount of mild detergent and cold water, using a soft cloth to dab rather than rub. For milk or spit-up, rinse in cold water first; hot water can set protein stains.

Turn printed or striped items inside out to protect the surface. If a cuddle cloth has a plastic or wooden teether attachment, remove it if possible; if not, hand wash around it.

Choose the right detergent and cycle

Use a mild, liquid detergent free of dyes and perfumes. Powder detergents can leave residue in thick muslin layers. Avoid fabric softener and dryer sheets, which coat fibers and reduce absorbency and softness over time.

Set your machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with a low spin speed. If your machine has a hand-wash setting, that is ideal. For very small loads, add a couple of clean white towels to balance the drum, but keep them colorfast.

Drying without heat

Air-drying is the safest way to prevent shrinking. Lay muslin flat on a drying rack or line-dry it in the shade. Direct sunlight can fade colors, and a hot radiator can shrink the weave. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove items while still slightly damp.

To soften air-dried muslin, give it a quick shake and stretch gently by hand while damp. This relaxes the fibers without heat.

Storing and refreshing between washes

Store clean cloths folded in a dry drawer or basket. Avoid airtight plastic bins, which can trap moisture and cause musty smells. For quick refreshes between washes, hang the cloth in a well-ventilated area or steam it lightly with an iron on the lowest setting, holding the iron a few inches away.

If a cuddle cloth becomes flattened, a gentle hand wash and air-dry usually restores the pile. Do not brush or comb the plush.

Step-by-step gentle wash routine

1. Check the label and sort: Read the care tag for any specific limits. Sort muslin and cuddle cloths away from heavy items like jeans or towels that can abrade the surface. Mistake to avoid: tossing everything in one load. Separate by fabric weight and color.
2. Pretreat stains with cold water: Dab a small amount of mild detergent onto stains and let sit for 5–10 minutes. Rinse with cold water before washing. Checkpoint: never use hot water on milk or spit-up stains; it sets them.
3. Wash on a cold, gentle cycle: Use a mild, liquid detergent and select a delicate or hand-wash cycle with low spin. Skip fabric softener and bleach. Mistake to avoid: overloading the machine. Cloths need room to move without friction.
4. Air-dry flat or line-dry in shade: Lay muslin flat on a rack or hang it away from direct sun and heat. If using a dryer, choose the lowest heat and remove while slightly damp. Checkpoint: heat is the main cause of shrinking. When in doubt, air-dry.
5. Stretch and store: While still damp, gently stretch muslin back into shape. Store folded in a dry, ventilated drawer. Next step: if a cuddle cloth feels flat, a quick hand wash and air-dry restores the pile.

Product care notes

• Roy Rabbit Cuddle Cloth - Mist: Made from soft 100% GRS-certified recycled post-consumer polyester plush. Recycled polyester plush is durable but can pill if washed with rough fabrics. Wash it separately on a gentle cycle and air-dry to keep the surface smooth.
• Birk Grow Striped Pyjamas Jumpsuit - Y/D Sandy / Pale tuscany stripe: Crafted from breathable organic cotton with a touch of elastane, this soft and stretchy all-in-one pyjama offers a gentle, flexible fit that moves with your child. Elastane can degrade with high heat, so wash this pyjama in cold water and air-dry to maintain stretch and fit.
• Gro Striped Baby lift - Y/D stripe: Blue wave/creme de la creme: The cover is made of the softest organic cotton adorned with cheerful prints which can be removed and washed. Removable covers make it easy to wash the fabric without washing the entire lift. Follow the same cold, gentle routine to prevent shrinking.