Is there any way to make cotton t-shirts softer?

Question

I had this really great comfy t-shirt and the first time I washed it, it got all scratchy. I am so dissapointed because I love that t-shirt :(

Answer 1

When you wash your clothes use water softener (baking soda is the cheapest way to go and just as effective, in very hard water you use 1 to 11/2 cups) then you use much less detergent as well.
You can use a good fabric softener either in the washer or the dryer and when it comes out of the dryer put your iron on the hottest temp and with a spray bottle of water spritz the shirt down and press it. Don't really iron it. ( just in case you don't know the difference between ironing and pressing) in pressing you don't move the iron back and forth over the fabric you lay it on an area for a minute and move it to another area.

Hard water contains alot of minerals. In the wash, the water softens and raises the fibers of the material it lifts dirt out but at the same time in hard water those fibers are lifted and raised and made to stand straight with mineral buildup on the thread strands. So water softener causes those heavy minerals to fall to the bottom of the tub away from the clothes. So you use less detergent and the clothes come cleaner and softer from that alone. But then you might want a fabric softener anyway. But when the clothes are dried in the dryer, the fabric is dried as it was washed and those fabric strands that were raised out of place cause the itch and wrinkles. So pressing with steam straightens those strands out and makes them go back into place like when you bought it.

Pay special attention though if the shirt has that rubbery or glittery kind of decorating on it you will want to turn the garment inside out to lightly press that area if its a silk screened image you can press it normally
If there is beading or sequins on your clothing better to hand wash or use the gentle cycle with very little detergent and baking soda to soften the water. then let it hang dry or lay flat to dry if you are afraid it will stretch out of shape.

Good Laundering.

Answer 2

Fabric softener and lots of it! Don't get the cheap stuff. Sometimes generic products are just as good but not when it comes to this. Some of the best I have found is Downy and Snuggle...the latter being my favorite. It also helps if you use those dryer balls. Do you know what mean? They are hard spikey rubber balls and are usually blue in color. They are supposed to act as a natural alternative for fabric softener. You can buy them in many catalogs and online stores. I have also seen them at Linens and Things. They are one of those "As Seen On TV" products. I would imagine if you use both methods you will be cuddling up in a cloud of cotton comfort! Also...don't line dry the item. It tends to make the fabric hard and crunchy. Take care and I hope you have an amazing day!

One last thought....this is a bit off subject but I wanted to tell you that if you love when your clothes have an amazing scent to them and you enjoy them being extra clean use Gain Joyfull Expressions laundry detergent. It is the best I have found. I love it and swear by it!

Answer 3

Fabric Softener

Answer 4

Fabric Softner

Answer 5

washing a lot in hot water can help. There may be sizing (some chemical) on the stiff shirts - that will eventually wash off. Not all cotton fibers feel the same - i think it has to do with whether it is a long cotton fiber or a short cotton fiber.

Answer 6

Fabric softener. Like Downey.

Answer 7

Make Shirts Soft

Answer 8

Glue or tape cotton balls all over the inside and outside of it. It'll be so much softer than it ever was before.

Answer 9

Wash them lots of times and use fabric softener

Answer 10

Try adding a half cup of white vinager when washing it. It acts like a natural fabric softener. It won't smell like vinager, either, if you only use a half cup.