Question from KA
It seems as it there are 2 major sources of chemicals surrounding non-organic cotton: the chemicals (pesticides) used in the fields and the chemicals used in processing. If & when you use non-organic cotton products- particularly clothing-can BOTH types of chemicals be removed by washing? Does this take several washings?
Debra’s Answer
It depends on what’s on the cotton.
Cotton FABRIC does not have pesticide residues even if pesticides have been used in growing. This has been lab tested in Germany. Cotton batting does have pesticide residues.
All cotton fabric has a cornstarch based finish called sizing. This will wash right out.
Permanent press cotton has a formaldehyde finish that emits formaldehyde. It is so difficult to remove that I recommend not using permanent press cotton.
