Question from green-earth
Hi Debra,
Do you know anything about the natural oils present in organic cotton towels? I need new facial towels and was looking into getting organic. However, what has turned me off is that many stores selling it have stated their organic towels require 5 or 6 washings to get the natural oils out of the cotton. This concerns me because I don’t want these oils/residues ending up in my washer, nor do I want on my skin if I don’t wash them enough. It might cause an allergy? Plus it’s kind of a pain to go through so much effort. Do you know much about these oils/residues? I personally think these companies should sell their towels already washed and ready to use.
Debra’s Answer
Well, I agree with you. There’s no reason why a consumer should have to wash a textile product that many times before using it.
Some people do have allergic reactions to the natural oils in organic cotton. But it’s not toxic.
You might want to contact Loop Organics or Coyuchi – they have great customer service and will likely be able to answer your question; I’m curious, too. Never knew about this!
Vinegar and hot water are good for getting the natural cotton oils out.
I don’t think I have MCS but definitely autoimmune and highly sensitive skin. I’ve been using a set of org towels for years with no prob. Consider this – almost every plant and food source has natural oils in (coconut,sesame seeds,etc.) including our skin. Non-organic cotton is one of the most heavily pesticided products – which would rather be trying to get out of your fabric, natural oils (not sure there is any need for this, they just might be less absorptive at first) or toxic pesticides?