Temperature Guidelines by Fabric Type
What this tool is for: Find the optimal washing temperature for different baby clothing fabrics to prevent damage, shrinkage, and maintain fabric quality.
How It Works
Select a temperature range below to see which baby clothing fabrics are safe to wash at that temperature. Each fabric card shows the recommended temperature range and specific care tips.
Cold (15-30°C)
Warm (30-40°C)
Hot (40-60°C)
Cotton
Most common baby clothing fabric
15-40°C (59-104°F)
• Versatile and durable
• Cold water preserves colors
• Warm water for better cleaning
• Cold water preserves colors
• Warm water for better cleaning
Bamboo
Soft, hypoallergenic baby fabric
15-30°C (59-86°F)
• Very gentle cycle only
• Naturally antibacterial
• Air dry to prevent shrinkage
• Naturally antibacterial
• Air dry to prevent shrinkage
Wool
Warm, natural fiber for baby sweaters
15-30°C (59-86°F)
• Hand wash or wool cycle
• Never use hot water
• Lay flat to dry
• Never use hot water
• Lay flat to dry
Silk
Delicate fabric for special occasions
15-30°C (59-86°F)
• Hand wash recommended
• Use silk-specific detergent
• Never wring or twist
• Use silk-specific detergent
• Never wring or twist
Synthetic Blends
Polyester, nylon, spandex mixes
15-40°C (59-104°F)
• Check care label first
• Usually machine washable
• Low heat drying recommended
• Usually machine washable
• Low heat drying recommended
Cloth Diapers
Reusable diapers and inserts
40-60°C (104-140°F)
• Hot water kills bacteria
• Pre-rinse heavily soiled
• Wash separately from clothes
• Pre-rinse heavily soiled
• Wash separately from clothes
Linen
Breathable natural fiber
15-40°C (59-104°F)
• Expect natural wrinkles
• Iron while slightly damp
• Gets softer with each wash
• Iron while slightly damp
• Gets softer with each wash
Fleece
Warm synthetic fabric for sleepwear
15-30°C (59-86°F)
• Never use fabric softener
• Wash inside out
• Low heat or air dry only
• Wash inside out
• Low heat or air dry only