How to Wash Muslin: A Simple Care Routine for Baby Blankets and More

Quick answer

Wash muslin in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild, fragrance-free detergent. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, and either air-dry or tumble dry on low. This keeps the fabric soft, breathable, and safe for your baby's sensitive skin.

Muslin is a lightweight, breathable fabric that gets softer with each wash, making it a favorite for baby blankets, swaddles, and clothing. But its delicate weave means it needs a little extra care to stay in good shape.

Whether you're dealing with spit-up, diaper leaks, or just regular freshening up, a consistent washing routine will help your muslin items last through countless naps and cuddles. Here's how to do it right.

Sort and pretreat stains

Before washing, separate muslin from heavy items like towels or jeans that can snag the fabric. Check for stains and treat them right away—muslin stains can set if left too long. For milk or formula stains, rinse with cold water and apply a small amount of mild detergent or a stain remover formulated for baby fabrics. Gently rub the fabric together and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before washing.

A common mistake is using hot water on protein-based stains like milk, which can cook the stain into the fabric. Always start with cold water for pretreatment.

• Wash muslin separately from items with zippers, hooks, or velcro to prevent pulls.

Choose the right detergent

Babies have sensitive skin, so use a mild, liquid detergent that's free of dyes and fragrances. Powder detergents can leave residue in the tight weave of muslin, making it stiff. If your baby has eczema or very sensitive skin, look for a detergent labeled hypoallergenic or specifically for baby laundry.

Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets—they coat the fibers and reduce muslin's breathability and absorbency. They can also irritate sensitive skin. If you want extra softness, add a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead; it naturally softens without residue.

• Never use bleach or chlorine-based whiteners, which weaken muslin fibers over time.

Wash on a gentle cycle

Set your washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Cold water is less likely to shrink the fabric and is gentler on the fibers. If you're washing a single muslin blanket, add a few other soft items like baby onesies to balance the load, but don't overload the machine—muslin needs room to move freely.

For hand washing, fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the muslin and gently squeeze the water through the fabric. Avoid wringing or twisting, which can stretch the weave. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.

• Check the care label first—some muslin items may have specific instructions.

Drying and storing

After washing, gently squeeze out excess water—don't wring. To air-dry, lay the muslin flat on a clean towel or hang it over a drying rack. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, as it can fade colors. If you're short on time, tumble dry on low heat. High heat can shrink muslin and make it feel rough.

Once dry, store muslin in a cool, dry place. Fold it loosely to avoid creases. If you're storing for a long period, keep it away from damp areas to prevent mildew. Muslin gets softer with each wash, so don't worry if it feels a bit stiff at first—it will soften over time.

• If muslin feels stiff after air-drying, tumble it on low for 10 minutes with a clean tennis ball to fluff it up.

Your step-by-step muslin care routine

1. Pretreat stains with cold water: Rinse milk or food stains with cold water and apply a mild detergent. Let sit for 10–15 minutes. Checkpoint: never use hot water on protein stains—it sets them.
2. Wash with mild detergent on gentle cycle: Use cold water and a fragrance-free, dye-free liquid detergent. Avoid fabric softener and bleach. Checkpoint: if your machine has a delicate cycle, use it to prevent snags.
3. Air-dry or tumble on low: Lay flat or hang to dry. If using a dryer, choose low heat and remove promptly. Checkpoint: high heat shrinks muslin and makes it feel rough.

Muslin-friendly products from our store

• Wally the Watermelon Baby T-shirt: Made from 100% soft cotton (OEKO-TEX® certified) with a round neckline and front snap closure for easy dressing. Cotton muslin and cotton clothing can be washed together on a gentle cycle, saving you time while keeping both fabrics soft and safe.
• Coco the Coconut Baby Teether: A fruit-shaped baby teether that also works as a bath toy and sensory play toy. Teethers often end up in the wash along with muslin blankets; this one is easy to rinse and air-dry, so it won't damage your muslin load.

With a simple routine, your muslin blankets and clothing will stay soft, breathable, and ready for everyday use. A little care goes a long way in keeping these essentials gentle on your baby's skin.