How to Clean Baby Booties: Organic Cotton Care

Quick answer

Wash organic cotton baby booties by hand in cool water with a gentle detergent, then air dry flat away from direct heat. Avoid the washing machine and tumble dryer to preserve the shape and softness.

Step-by-step washing guide

1. Check the care label and remove laces: Look at the bootie's tag for any specific instructions. Untie the herringbone lace and set it aside. This prevents the lace from tangling or pulling on the knit during washing. If the label says 'hand wash only,' never machine wash.
2. Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent: Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of baby-safe or wool-friendly detergent. Submerge the booties and gently squeeze the suds through the fabric. Do not scrub or twist. Let them soak for 10 minutes. Hot water can shrink organic cotton and damage the elastane fleece.
3. Rinse thoroughly without wringing: Drain the soapy water and refill with cool clean water. Swish the booties gently until no suds remain. Press the water out using your palms, then roll the booties in a dry towel to absorb excess moisture. Never wring or twist. Twisting breaks the cotton fibers and distorts the bootie shape.
4. Air dry flat away from heat and sun: Lay the booties flat on a drying rack or a clean towel in a well-ventilated area. Reshape the cuff and sole gently with your fingers. Keep them away from radiators, direct sunlight, and tumble dryers. Direct heat can shrink the organic cotton and stiffen the fabric.
5. Reattach the lace once fully dry: Wait until the booties are completely dry before threading the herringbone lace back through the cuff. This prevents moisture from getting trapped in the lace holes and causing mildew. If the lace is damp, let it air dry separately first.

Products mentioned

• Baby Booties ''Biscuit'' Organic Cotton: Baby Booties ''Biscuit'' Organic Cotton are made from 100% organic cotton with a little elastane fleece for a comfy fit, and have a rib knitted double layered folded cuff and a herringbone lace. The elastane fleece means heat can distort the stretch, so always use cool water and air dry flat.

  

• Baby Ribbed Booties ''Grey Melange'' Organic Cotton: Baby Ribbed Booties ''Grey Melange'' Organic Cotton are also made from 100% organic cotton with a rib knitted double layered folded cuff and a herringbone lace. The ribbed texture can shrink unevenly if agitated, so hand washing is safer than machine cycles.