Handmade crochet pieces are made to be used and loved every day, from dishcloths and washcloths to baskets and coasters.

The good news? Caring for crochet is easy. With a little gentle treatment, your pieces will stay soft, clean and in shape for a long time.

These are the same care steps I recommend for every handmade piece in my shop.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

---

1. Use a Gentle Detergent

Harsh detergents and bleach can weaken cotton fibres and fade colours over time.

A mild, gentle detergent keeps crochet soft and helps colours stay bright.

What to look for:

• Mild or gentle formula
• Free from bleach
• Suitable for delicates or natural fibres
• Fragrance-free if you have sensitive skin

👉 [Shop gentle unscented detergents on Amazon]

Affiliate link — I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying purchase.

---

2. Wash in a Mesh Laundry Bag

If you machine wash your crochet, a mesh laundry bag protects it from snagging on zips, buttons and other clothes.

It also keeps small pieces like face scrubbies and coasters together so nothing gets lost.

What to look for:

• A fine mesh that won't catch on stitches
• A secure zip closure
  
• Durability 

👉 [See mesh laundry bags on Amazon]

Affiliate link — I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying purchase.

---

3. Lay Flat to Dry

Tumble drying can shrink cotton and pull crochet out of shape.

Instead, gently squeeze out extra water (don't wring), reshape the piece and lay it flat to dry.

A flat mesh drying rack lets air flow all around, so pieces dry evenly and keep their shape.

What to look for:

• A flat, breathable mesh surface
• Enough space for larger pieces
• Stackable or foldable for easy storage

👉 [Browse flat drying racks on Amazon]

Affiliate link — I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying purchase.

---

4. Reshape While Damp

Crochet is easiest to reshape while it's still damp.

Gently pat baskets, coasters and washcloths back into shape before leaving them to dry. For baskets, you can stuff them lightly with a towel so they hold their form.

---

5. Remove Lint and Pilling

With regular use, cotton can develop small bobbles or fuzz.

A fabric shaver or lint remover gently tidies the surface and keeps pieces looking fresh.

👉 [Find fabric shavers on Amazon]

Affiliate link — I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying purchase.

---

6. Store Clean and Dry

Always make sure crochet is completely dry before putting it away, to prevent mildew and odours.

Breathable fabric storage bags or boxes keep pieces dust-free while letting air circulate. Avoid sealed plastic for long-term storage.

👉 [Explore breathable storage bags on Amazon]

Affiliate link — I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying purchase.

---

Quick Care Checklist

• Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, or hand wash
• Use a mild detergent
• Do not bleach
• Do not tumble dry
• Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry
• Store clean, dry and in a breathable bag

---

Looking for Handmade Crochet for Your Home?

Every piece in my shop is handmade in small batches from cotton, designed to be used, washed and loved again and again.

👉 Explore my handmade crochet collections

---

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Any Amazon links in this article are affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.