Children’s clothes face a unique kind of punishment: grass stains, paint, ice lolly drips, and mud. But with the right habits, the pieces they love most can stay soft, bright, and beautiful for far longer — and even be passed down to younger siblings.
1. Read the Label First (Every Time)
Care labels are your first line of defence. Before washing anything for the first time, take 30 seconds to check the label.
Key symbols to know:
- A tub with a number = maximum wash temperature
- A hand in a tub = hand wash only
- A square with a circle = tumble dry (dots indicate heat level)
- An iron with dots = ironing temperature
2. Tackle Stains Immediately
The golden rule: act fast. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Blot (don’t rub) with cold water and a little mild detergent as soon as you notice it.
Common stain solutions:
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Grass stains: Pre-treat with white vinegar or liquid detergent, leave 15 minutes, then wash as normal
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Food and fruit: Cold water rinse immediately, then cool cycle — hot water sets the stain
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Mud: Let it dry completely, brush off excess, then wash
- Pen or paint: Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad before washing
3. Wash at the Right Temperature
Most children’s cotton and jersey pieces wash beautifully at 30–40°C — cool enough to protect fibres and colours while still getting things clean. A cooler wash also protects prints and embroidered details, keeping them sharp wash after wash.
4. Turn Printed Pieces Inside Out
Before washing printed tees, patterned sets, or embroidered items, turn them inside out. This simple step protects the print from friction and dramatically extends the life of the design.
5. Use a Gentle, Child-Safe Detergent
Opt for a mild, non-biological detergent free from harsh fragrances and enzymes. This is gentler on skin and kinder to delicate fabrics like waffle knit and smocked cotton.
6. Be Careful with the Tumble Dryer
Tumble drying is the fastest way to shrink cotton and wear out elastic waistbands. Where possible, air dry children’s clothing — especially knitwear, smocked pieces, and anything with tulle. If you do tumble dry, use low heat and remove while slightly damp.
7. Store Clothes Properly Between Seasons
Wash everything before storing — even invisible stains will set permanently over time
Store in breathable cotton bags rather than plastic boxes where possible
Add lavender sachets to deter moths naturally
Label boxes by size and season for easy retrieval
8. Know When to Repair vs. Replace
A loose button, a tiny hole, or a fading colour doesn’t mean a garment is finished. A quick stitch or an iron-on patch can extend the life of a loved piece by months — and kids often love it even more once it’s been mended.
Unforgettable tip: All our pieces are designed to be washed and worn repeatedly without losing shape or colour. Cool wash, inside out, air dry = pieces that last season after season.