News

Key Takeaways

• Check each garment's care label before washing, especially when different types of clothing are in the same load.
• Sort kids' clothes by color and washing requirements to help prevent color transfer and unnecessary wear.
• Choose a suitable detergent and use the recommended amount rather than adding extra detergent.
• Follow the recommended water temperature and wash cycle for each garment.
• Treat stains before washing and check the garment before drying.
• Make sure clothes are completely dry before folding and storing them.

Introduction

Kids' clothes go through a lot. From breakfast spills and playground dirt to grass stains and everyday messes, children's clothing often needs more frequent washing than adult garments. At the same time, many kids' pieces have details such as ruffles, embroidery, buttons, or other decorative elements that deserve a little extra care.

Knowing how to wash kids' clothes properly can help keep everyday outfits clean while reducing unnecessary wear from repeated washing. The process doesn't have to be complicated. With a few simple preparation steps and the right washing, drying, and storage habits, you can take better care of your child's wardrobe.

Whether you're washing baby outfits, everyday play clothes, or special occasion pieces, this guide walks you through the process step by step.

Why Kids' Clothes Need a Different Wash Routine

Children's clothes can pick up food, dirt, sweat, and stains throughout the day, so they often need to be washed more frequently than other garments. But frequent washing doesn't mean every item should be treated the same way.

Repeated exposure to water, detergent, agitation, and heat can gradually affect a garment's color, shape, and overall condition. Using a harsh cycle or unnecessarily high temperature every time may cause more wear than necessary.

The goal isn't simply to wash kids' clothes as aggressively as possible. Instead, you want to clean them effectively while following the care instructions for each garment.

This is particularly important when a child's wardrobe contains different types of clothing. A baby bubble, a bloomer set, a bodysuit, and a dress may have different care requirements depending on their materials and construction. Rather than applying the same drying routine to every item, check each garment's care label and follow the recommended instructions. 

Before You Wash: Prep Steps

A few minutes of preparation can make laundry easier and help prevent color transfer, accidental damage, and missed stains.

Sort by Color & Fabric

Start by separating clothes into broad color groups, such as whites, lights, darks, and brighter colors. If you're washing a new garment and aren't sure whether its color may bleed, consider washing it separately the first time.

You can also sort clothes according to their washing requirements. Garments that call for a delicate cycle shouldn't automatically be placed in the same load as sturdier pieces that can handle more agitation.

Pay attention to the type of clothing as well. For example, the Red Watermelon Ruffle Gingham Bloomer Set and other detailed children's outfits should be checked against their care instructions before being added to a general load.

If you're building or refreshing your child's wardrobe, you can browse Aaria Tees' Kids Clothes collection and make a habit of checking the care instructions for each new piece.

Check Pockets & Remove Detachable Items

Before putting clothes into the washing machine, check pockets for tissues, crayons, small toys, or other objects that could create a mess or potentially damage the garment or machine.

Also look for removable accessories or details that the care instructions tell you to take off before washing. Fasten closures when appropriate and turn garments inside out when recommended.

These small steps take very little time but can prevent avoidable problems during the wash.

Read the Care Label

The care label should be your main reference for how to wash kids' clothes correctly.

Look for instructions about:

• Machine or hand washing
• Recommended water temperature
• Wash cycle
• Bleaching
• Tumble drying
• Air drying
• Ironing or other finishing instructions

When a garment has specific instructions, follow them rather than applying one general washing method to everything. If you're unsure about an item, its care label is a more reliable guide than assuming it can be washed in the same way as the rest of the load.

How to Wash Kids' Clothes, Step by Step

Once the clothes are sorted and prepared, you're ready to start the wash.

When Should You Wash Kids' Clothes?

There isn't one fixed washing schedule that works for every children's garment. How often an item needs washing depends on how it was worn and whether it became dirty, sweaty, stained, or otherwise soiled.

Clothes worn during messy activities may need washing after one use, while an item that was worn briefly and remains clean may not need to be washed immediately.

It's also useful to separate heavily soiled clothing from lightly worn pieces instead of treating every garment exactly the same. Consider the condition of the clothing and follow any specific care recommendations when deciding when to wash it.

Choose the Right Detergent

Kids' clothes can accumulate food, dirt, sweat, and other everyday messes, but using more detergent isn't necessarily the answer. Start with a detergent that's suitable for your laundry and follow the recommended amount on the label.

Using too much detergent can leave residue behind, especially when a washing machine is overloaded. Measure the detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions and make sure the machine has enough space for the clothes to move freely.

For children's wardrobes that include everything from everyday playwear to detailed outfits, a consistent, appropriate washing routine is more useful than simply choosing the strongest detergent available.

Choose the Right Water Temperature & Wash Cycle

Water temperature and wash cycle should be selected according to the garment's care label whenever possible.

For example, a baby piece such as the Navy L/S Flutter Bodysuit should be washed according to its specific care instructions rather than automatically using the same settings as heavier or more durable garments.

Before starting the machine:

1. Check the care labels.

2. Select the recommended water temperature.

3. Choose the appropriate wash cycle.

4. Avoid overloading the machine.

5. Add the recommended amount of detergent.

6. Start the wash.

If several garments have significantly different requirements, separate them into different loads rather than choosing a harsher setting simply to accommodate everything at once.

How to Treat Stains Before Washing

Treating stains before washing can make them easier to deal with and reduce the temptation to repeatedly wash a garment on a harsher cycle.

Start by removing any excess material from the surface without rubbing it further into the fabric. Then follow an appropriate stain-treatment method for the type of stain and the garment.

A simple process is:

Remove excess → Pre-treat → Wait as directed → Wash → Check the stain

Always consider the garment's care instructions before applying a stain remover. If you're using a separate stain-treatment product, follow its directions as well.

Most importantly, check the garment after washing and before drying. If the stain is still visible, repeat the appropriate treatment rather than immediately putting the item into a hot dryer. Heat can make some stains more difficult to remove.

How to Dry Kids' Clothes Without Damaging Them

Washing is only part of the laundry process. Drying your child's clothes properly can also help maintain their shape and condition.

Air-Drying vs. Machine Drying

Whether a garment should be air-dried or machine-dried depends on its care label.

For pieces that can be tumble dried, use the recommended dryer setting rather than automatically choosing the highest heat. For garments that should be air-dried, follow the label's instructions and give them enough space to dry completely.

Reshape garments gently while they're still damp if the care instructions allow it. This can help them retain their intended shape as they dry.

For children's clothes with ruffles, embroidery, or other decorative details such as the Georgia Embroidery Stripe Bubble, following the care instructions can help maintain their shape and appearance. When in doubt, choose the gentler drying method recommended on the label rather than applying the same approach to every garment. 

When to Avoid High Heat

High heat isn't appropriate for every garment. Depending on the material and construction, excessive heat may contribute to shrinking, shape changes, or premature wear.

Always check the drying instructions before putting kids' clothes into a dryer. If a garment says not to tumble dry, don't put it in the dryer simply because the rest of the load can handle it.

Once clothes are dry, fold or hang them promptly rather than leaving them in the dryer or laundry basket for an extended period. This can help reduce wrinkles and keeps clean clothes separate from the next load of laundry. 

Storage Tips to Keep Clothes Looking New

Proper storage helps keep freshly washed clothes clean, organized, and ready to wear.

First, make sure everything is completely dry before folding or putting it away. Storing damp clothing can lead to unpleasant odors and other problems.

Then choose the storage method based on the garment:

• Fold everyday tops, leggings, and similar pieces neatly in drawers.
• Hang garments that wrinkle easily or are better kept on a hanger.
• Organize baby clothes by size so outgrown pieces don't get mixed with current ones.
• Store seasonal clothing separately when practical.
• Avoid overcrowding drawers or closets.

Size organization is particularly useful for children's wardrobes because kids can outgrow clothes quickly. Keeping different sizes separate makes it easier to see what your child currently wears and prevents unnecessary handling of pieces that are being saved for later.

You can also keep a small basket or designated area for clothes that need washing. This helps prevent worn pieces from being mixed with clean clothes and makes sorting the next laundry load easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Wash Kids' Clothes With Adult Clothes?

Yes, in many cases, but it depends on the garments and their care requirements. If adult and children's clothes can be washed under the same conditions, they may be combined. However, heavily soiled items, delicate garments, or pieces with special washing instructions are often better separated.

What Temperature Should I Wash Kids' Clothes At?

There isn't one temperature that works for every garment. Always check the care label and follow the recommended temperature. Choosing a hotter setting isn't automatically better, and unnecessary heat may cause additional wear.

Should I Wash New Kids' Clothes Before Wearing Them?

Washing new clothes before the first wear can be a practical step, particularly for garments that will be worn directly against the skin. When washing a new piece for the first time, follow its care instructions and pay attention to any recommendations about color or washing temperature.

How Often Should Kids' Clothes Be Washed?

It depends on the garment and how it was worn. Clothes that are visibly dirty, stained, sweaty, or otherwise soiled generally need washing sooner than pieces that were only worn briefly and remain clean. Consider the garment's condition rather than following a rigid schedule for every item.

Conclusion

Knowing how to wash kids' clothes doesn't require a complicated laundry routine. Start by sorting garments, checking pockets and care labels, and separating items with different washing requirements. Then choose the appropriate detergent, water temperature, and wash cycle, treating stains before washing whenever necessary.

After washing, follow the recommended drying method and make sure every item is completely dry before storing it. With these simple habits, you can keep your child's wardrobe clean and organized while taking better care of the clothes they wear every day.

For more children's clothing to add to your little one's wardrobe, explore the Kids Clothes collection at Aaria Tees.