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7 Things You Didn't Know About Cotton

7 Things You Didn't Know About Cotton

Posted by The Canningvale Team on 12th Jun 2020

You’re probably aware that cotton is present in everyday household items such as sheets, quilts, clothes and more, but how much do you know about what else it’s used for and what other benefits it has. Here are some interesting facts about cotton that you may not know.

1. It can absorb up to 27 times its own weight

Cotton fibres can hold water up to 27 times their own weight. Products like cotton balls or cotton pads are used because of their fantastic absorbency and the fact that they get stronger when wet. Cotton fibres are also dye absorbent, can stand up against abrasion, wear and high temperatures and they are comfortable against the skin which explains why cotton is so common in bed linen and clothing.


2. It’s good for hot sleepers

There’s a very good reason why most people invest in good quality 100% cotton sheets. It’s because sheets made from cotton are likely help you sleep more comfortably especially if you’re a naturally hot sleeper. It comes down to the fibre itself, because cotton breathes, unlike synthetic fibres, it won’t trap heat underneath your covers. Cotton keeps you cool during the night, making sure your sleep isn’t disrupted by overheating.


3. There’s a global cotton sustainability program

There is now a global not-for-profit organisation called the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). It’s the largest sustainability program in the world and it works to address the negative impacts of mainstream cotton production by supporting the production and sourcing of Better Cotton. They have also provided training to more than 2 million cotton farmers on more sustainable farming practices. Canningvale are members of BCI, along with other key Australian retailers such as Target. At Canningvale we have recently reached our goal which was; By January 2020, 100% of cotton fibre and fabrics sourced for Canningvale products will be more sustainable cotton.


4. American bank notes are made from cotton

The American Paper currency is a blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen giving the currency a distinct look and feel. Although widely described as paper notes, if you think about wet paper, you’d know that it is not at all durable. When moisture enters paper’s fibres, it starts to weaken and will quickly fall apart. Many countries also use cotton as the base for their ‘paper’ money because cotton gets stronger when it gets wet and can absorb and retain waterproof dyes. Money that fades in colour is worthless.


5. Denim, flannelette and terry cloth are made from cotton

Each cotton fabric is made with a different style of weave and fibres of various thicknesses to give it a unique texture and appearance, this is why you may not have realised that everyday fabrics such as denim, flannelette sheets and terry towels are made from cotton. Many of your other favourite fabrics are likely to be made from cotton too. Even velvet, a fabric with a densely woven pile and soft, lush texture, is often woven from cotton fibres.


6. It doesn’t trigger allergies

Cotton is a hypoallergenic fabric which means that it does not cause or trigger allergies. Other synthetic fibres are much more likely to irritate your skin, whether you’re prone to allergies or not.


7. The whole cotton plant can be used

Cotton grows from a seed to a mature plant in about six months. The longer fibres are used to make clothes and homewares items such as sheets and towels. All the products that are 'left over' from the process can be used for other purposes. The seed hulls can be animal food, cotton oil can be used in food products such as mayonnaise, margarine and cooking oil. The leftover lint material often ends up in cotton wool, tampons and felt. 


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