Muslin is one of the most rewarding fabrics to own — but only if you wash it the right way. Treated well, muslin gets softer with every cycle. Treated badly, it shrinks, dulls, or pills.
The good news is that muslin care is forgiving and the rules are simple. This guide explains how to wash muslin fabric. It also covers dryer use. It explains how to care for muslin baby blankets and muslin dresses. It also lists common mistakes that can shorten the life of the fabric.
For background on what muslin actually is, see our complete muslin fabric guide.
Why muslin softens over time
Muslin's open weave is what makes it special — and what makes it improve with washing. Each wash gently relaxes the cotton fibers and breaks down any residual stiffness from manufacturing. A muslin dress or throw that feels just-bought-soft on day one will feel almost broken-in by month six. That's not wear and tear; that's the fabric doing what it's designed to do.
Before first wash: what to know
A few things to expect with new muslin:
- Slight shrinkage is normal. Most muslin shrinks 3–5% on the first wash. Quality pieces are pre-shrunk, but some movement is still possible.
- Color may bleed slightly on dyed muslin (especially darker tones). Wash the first time separately.
- The fabric will feel different after the first wash. Crisper out of the package, noticeably softer afterward. Don't judge a muslin piece until it's been through one cycle.
How to wash muslin fabric — step by step
1. Sort by color. Wash darks with darks, lights with lights, especially for the first 2–3 washes.
2. Use cold or lukewarm water. Hot water shrinks muslin and breaks down fibers faster than necessary.
3. Choose a mild detergent. Skip anything with bleach or strong enzymes. Plant-based or gentle detergents work best.
4. Skip fabric softener. This is the most common mistake. Muslin softens naturally, and softener leaves a residue that dulls the open weave over time. You'll actually get *less* softness with softener than without.
5. Wash on a normal or delicate cycle. Muslin is sturdier than people assume — you don't need to baby it.
6. Wash inside out for dyed pieces, especially for the first few cycles.
Can you tumble dry muslin blankets?
Yes, but with caveats. Tumble drying muslin is fine on **low heat**. High heat is what causes problems — it shrinks the fabric, sets in wrinkles aggressively, and shortens the lifespan.
Air drying is always the best option. Muslin air-dries quickly. Its open weave lets moisture move out fast. Air-dried muslin keeps its drape better than tumble-dried muslin.
If you're air drying, dry flat or on a padded hanger. Avoid pegs that leave dents in the fabric.
How to iron muslin (and when not to)
Most of the time, you don't need to. Muslin's natural soft crinkle is part of its character — and one of the things people love about it. Ironing flattens that texture, which can make the piece look stiffer and less expensive than it actually is.
If you need to iron for a special occasion:
- Iron on low heat with steam.
- Iron while the fabric is slightly damp — it smooths more easily.
- Iron on the wrong side to preserve any surface finish.
Storing muslin between seasons
Fold flat in a dry, dark place. Cotton fabrics don't need to hang — and hanging muslin for long periods can stretch out shoulders and necklines on dresses. A linen storage bag or a clean cotton pillowcase works well. Avoid plastic storage bins for long-term storage; they trap moisture.
How to wash muslin baby blankets and swaddles
Baby muslin gets washed more often than any other muslin item in the house, so the care matters.
- Use a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent. Babies have sensitive skin and traces of detergent residue can irritate.
- Wash before first use. New muslin can carry residue from manufacturing — always wash before wrapping a newborn.
- Skip dryer sheets and softener entirely. Both leave chemical residue that defeats muslin's natural skin-friendliness.
- Wash at 30–40°C (cool–warm) for hygiene. Cold is fine for everyday washing; warm cycles every few washes help reset any buildup.
Shop our baby muslin blankets for pieces designed for this routine.
How to wash muslin dresses and clothing
- Wash inside out Protects color and any surface details.
- Cold water, mild detergent, gentle cycle.
- Air dry on a hanger or laid flat. Avoid the dryer if possible — muslin dresses keep their drape better when air-dried.
- Don't iron unless necessary. The relaxed crinkle is part of the look.
Browse our muslin dresses, muslin tops, muslin pants, muslin robes, and muslin loungewear for pieces that follow this care routine.
How to wash muslin throw blankets
- Wash alone or with similar-weight items. Throws are heavier when wet and can damage smaller items on agitation.
- Cold or lukewarm water, mild detergent.
- Tumble dry low if needed, but lay flat to dry when possible — preserves shape and weave structure.
See our full range of muslin throw blankets.
Common mistakes that damage muslin
1. Hot water. Causes shrinkage and weakens fibers.
2. Fabric softener. Dulls the natural weave and reduces softness over time. Counterintuitive but true.
3. High-heat tumble drying. Shrinks, wrinkles, and shortens lifespan.
4. Bleach. Eats the fibers and yellows the fabric over time, even on white muslin.
5. Over-ironing. Flattens the texture that makes muslin muslin.
6. Storing damp. Muslin needs to be fully dry before folding; damp storage causes mildew.
7. Washing with heavy items. Throwing muslin in with jeans or towels can rough up the surface.