How to Care for Muslin Hooded Baby Towels and Washcloths
By Bassinets ,Baby Cribs,Crib Mattress,SleepSacks,Swaddles | HALO | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Tips & Care
A simple wash-and-dry routine that keeps muslin hooded baby towels and washcloths soft, absorbent, and gentle on skin—without shrinking or wear.
Quick answer
Wash muslin hooded baby towels and washcloths in warm water with a mild, fragrance-free detergent, then tumble dry low or line dry. Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets—they coat the fibers and reduce absorbency.
Why muslin needs a gentler routine
Muslin is a loosely woven cotton fabric, so it dries quickly and feels light against a baby's skin. That same openness means it can snag on zippers or hook-and-loop fasteners in the wash, and high heat can cause cotton to shrink over time.
You do not need a separate detergent for baby towels, but you do need to avoid anything that leaves a residue. Fabric softener, dryer sheets, and oversudsing detergents can coat the fibers and make the towel feel less absorbent, even if it still looks clean.
When to wash and when to replace
Wash bath towels and washcloths after every one to two uses, and always after a bath where they sat damp. Hooded towels can stay damp in the hood longer than you expect, so hang them open to dry before they go in the hamper.
Replace towels when the fabric feels stiff, thin, or rough even after washing, or when the edges fray. Muslin washcloths that have lost their softness are usually past the point where a care tweak will bring them back.
Step-by-step muslin towel and washcloth care
- Pre-treat stains before washing: Rinse spit-up or food stains with cool water and apply a small amount of mild detergent directly to the spot. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing. Avoid hot water on protein stains like spit-up—it can set the stain.
- Sort and check fasteners: Wash towels and washcloths separately from items with zippers, hooks, or hook-and-loop tape. Close any fasteners on other laundry before adding it to the load. A quick check of the hamper prevents snags that turn into holes.
- Choose a mild detergent and warm water: Use a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent and a warm water cycle. Do not add fabric softener or dryer sheets. If towels still feel stiff after washing, reduce the detergent amount rather than adding softener.
- Dry low or line dry: Tumble dry on low heat, or line dry. If you use a dryer, remove the towels while they are still slightly damp and smooth them flat. High heat is the most common cause of shrinkage and stiffness in cotton muslin.
- Store dry and unfolded: Make sure hoods and folds are completely dry before storing. Keep towels and washcloths in a dry, ventilated spot rather than a closed damp bathroom cabinet. A slightly damp hood can develop a musty smell that is hard to remove later.
Product facts
- essentials cotton muslin hooded towels 2 pack: Made of plush cotton terry with a cotton muslin hood. The two fabrics may dry at different rates, so open the hood fully before hanging or drying.
essentials cotton muslin hooded towels 2 pack - organic cotton muslin oversized washcloths 3 pack: Made from 100% organic cotton muslin and oversized for washing wiggly fingers and toes. The larger size gives you room to fold and wash without scrunching, which helps the cloth stay flat and wear evenly.
organic cotton muslin oversized washcloths 3 pack
