Muslin has a reputation for getting softer with every wash — which is true, but only if you're washing it the right way. Wash it wrong, and you'll end up with pilling, shrinkage, or fabric that fades and thins out far faster than it should. Here's how to actually care for muslin so it lasts through every stage it's meant for.
Quick Reference: Muslin Care at a Glance
| Care Step | Do This | Avoid This |
|---|---|---|
| Before first use | Wash once to remove finishing agents and kick off softening | Using straight out of the packaging |
| Water temperature | Cool or lukewarm water | Hot water (causes shrinkage, weakens fibers) |
| Detergent | Mild, fragrance-free, baby-safe detergent | Harsh detergents, bleach, strong enzymes |
| Fabric softener | Skip it entirely | Fabric softener or dryer sheets (reduces breathability) |
| Wash cycle | Gentle or delicate cycle | Normal or heavy-duty cycle |
| Washing with other items | Wash separately, especially in early cycles | Washing with zippers, velcro, or dark fabrics |
| Removing excess water | Gently press between towels | Wringing or twisting the fabric |
| Drying | Air dry in shade | Direct, prolonged sunlight |
| Dryer (if used) | Low heat setting only | High heat |
| Frequency | Wash often — even daily in early weeks | Letting it sit damp before rewashing |
| Storage | Fold flat in a drawer or basket | Leaving damp or cramped for long periods |
Before the First Wash
Muslin should always be washed once before its first use, even if it looks and feels clean straight out of the packaging. This first wash removes any residual sizing or finishing agents from manufacturing and kicks off the natural softening process muslin is known for. Skipping this step is one of the most common reasons muslin feels stiffer than expected early on.
Washing Muslin the Right Way
Use cool or lukewarm water. Hot water is the single biggest cause of shrinkage and fading in muslin. Cool to lukewarm water keeps the fibers intact and the colors from washing out prematurely.
Choose a gentle, mild detergent. Baby skin is sensitive, and muslin's open weave means it absorbs whatever it's washed in more readily than tighter-woven fabrics. A mild, fragrance-free detergent designed for baby clothes is the safer choice — it protects both the fabric and your baby's skin.
Wash separately for the first few cycles. Muslin can shed a small amount of lint in early washes, especially if it's a lighter or lighter-colored piece. Washing it apart from other clothing (particularly dark fabrics or anything with velcro or zippers) avoids snagging and lint transfer.
Skip the fabric softener. It sounds counterintuitive, since fabric softener promises exactly what muslin is known for — softness. In practice, fabric softener coats the fibers and actually reduces muslin's natural breathability over time, which defeats the purpose of choosing it in the first place. Muslin softens on its own with regular washing; it doesn't need help.
Use a gentle or delicate cycle if machine washing. Muslin can typically go in the machine, but a gentle cycle reduces the wear and tear that a normal or heavy cycle can cause over dozens of washes.
Never wring or twist it. After washing, resist the urge to wring muslin out the way you might a towel. Twisting and wringing stretches and distorts the loose weave that makes muslin what it is. Instead, gently press the item between two clean, dry towels to remove excess water.
Drying Muslin Properly
Air dry whenever possible. Muslin dries quickly thanks to its open weave — usually within an hour or two in the shade — which makes air drying both practical and the gentlest option for the fabric.
Avoid direct, prolonged sunlight. A little sunlight helps with natural disinfecting, but leaving muslin out in harsh sun for extended periods can fade colors and weaken fibers over time. Shade drying is the safer habit.
If using a dryer, use low heat. High heat is hard on any natural fiber, and muslin is no exception. A low, gentle dryer setting works if you're short on time, but air drying remains the better long-term habit.
Storing Muslin Between Uses
Muslin stores well folded flat in a drawer or basket. Because it's lightweight and doesn't hold shape the way structured fabrics do, it doesn't need hanging — folding it also helps you spot any items that need a wash before their next use, since muslin shows dirt and stains a little more visibly than heavier fabrics.
How Often Should You Wash Muslin?
Given how frequently muslin gets used — swaddling, burping, wiping, wearing — expect to wash it often, sometimes daily in the early newborn weeks. This is exactly why most parents keep several muslin pieces in rotation rather than relying on just one or two; it lets each piece air dry properly between uses instead of being rewashed while still slightly damp.
Why Proper Care Matters More With Muslin Than Other Fabrics
Muslin's open weave is what makes it breathable and gentle on a baby's skin — but that same loose weave means it responds more visibly to how it's cared for. Washed correctly, muslin gets noticeably softer and more comfortable with every use, often outlasting tighter-woven fabrics that stay stiff no matter how many times they're washed. Washed carelessly, that same openness makes it prone to pilling, thinning, and premature wear.
A little care early on is what makes muslin worth choosing in the first place.
Building or replenishing your muslin collection? Explore Mulberro's Muslin Collection — bedding and clothing designed to soften beautifully with proper care, wash after wash.
