Muslin
Caring for what should last
Three materials, three sets of rules. None of them is hard, and they decide whether a thing stays with you for years.
The first wash matters
Before its first wash muslin is flat and stiff. After the first wash the fabric shrinks slightly, and only then does the typical soft crinkle appear. That is not a defect - it is the moment the muslin square becomes itself. After that it softens with every wash.
Washing
In the machine, at 40 degrees, without fabric softener. Softener settles between the layers of gauze and takes away absorbency. After a few washes the square stops absorbing and only spreads moisture over its surface.
Drying and ironing
A tumble dryer is allowed and even helps, because it moves the fibres and lifts the crinkle. Ironing is unnecessary - light creases are a natural feature of this fabric. If you want to, iron at a medium temperature.
Stains
Milk and fruit come out in the sun. Lay the wet muslin square in a bright place for an hour. It works better than bleach and does not damage the weave.
The robe is a different story
Muslin clothing has its own rules. We wash the robe at 30 degrees on a delicates programme and dry it in the air, without a dryer. The frill and the smocking do not tolerate high temperatures or an intensive drum.