Originally Posted by
Jingle
I have bought bleached muslin that had a fabulous feel after I washed it in my usual coldwater Tide. I would never soak new fabric in hot water. If I had known how wonderful it was I would have bought all they had.
I usually do all my laundry in cool to warm water with a cold rinse.
The reason I do the soaking in hot water - I "assume" that the recipients may - or may not - know the "proper" way to wash a quilt - and I do not want them to get an unpleasant surprise if they happen to wash the quilt in hot water.
However - I know that some stains are set with hot water - and I am terrified of bleach, burns, and tears.
I think that it is long agitation in an overloaded machine that makes a fabric look "worn" when washed.
Overloading a dryer also causes abrasion to fabric - and clothing.