Cotton clothes don't need to be hand washed; they can be safely placed in the washing machine, but it's best to wash them on a dedicated program at a temperature no higher than 30 degrees Celsius. It's best to wash them inside out, which will extend color fastness, using good quality detergents. For whites, use detergents designed for whites, and for coloreds, use detergents designed for coloreds. Avoid excessive wringing, as this can distort cotton clothing. To avoid excessive shrinkage, hang the fabric after washing and stretch it as much as possible. Tumble drying is acceptable, and ironing is best on the left side.