Clothes Shrink

It happens to everyone—you throw your favorite shirt or jeans in the wash and they come out little. It might be disheartening to realize this, but there are various washing tips and procedures to help you “unshrink” your garments and restore them to their previous state.

Clothes shrink—why?

Understanding what shrinks garments will help you stop it. It depends on the item’s substance. Wool, for example, is stretched during production and shrinks again throughout the laundry cycle due to water, heat, and agitation. This thread change is irreversible, shrinking your beloved outfit. Best method to avoid this issue? Before laundry, read and follow care labels.

This is where you may keep your shrinking garments. Use this method:

• Pour lukewarm water and a capful of mild laundry detergent into a sink or big tub.
• The shrunken clothing should soak for 30 minutes.
• Take the clothes out of the tub and carefully squeeze out the wetness. Do not rinse.
• Flatten clothes on a towel. Roll the towel with the clothes inside and squeeze gently to eliminate water. The object should be moist, not soaked.
• Unfold the clothes on another dry, flat towel. Lay the garment out and gradually stretch it to pre-shrunk size.
• Let clothes air-dry.
• Wash again on a cold, gentle cycle without heat or agitation.

The aforementioned procedure may not cure your shrinking garments, but try these washing ideas.

Check care labels

Reading care labels before washing items is an easy approach to prevent shrinking. Cotton, silk, and pre-shrunk garments are included here. The care label will provide water temperature, laundry cycle, and drying directions.

• Use cold water and adequate wash cycles.
  • A cold, soft cycle with minimal to no heat works best for most garments. Hot heat and excitement shrink garments more. Keep delicates in a mesh washing bag for extra protection.
• Use tumble or air dry to dry.
  • Choose tumble or air dry while drying clothing in the dryer. These dry cycles decrease fabric wear and shrinking.

CREDIT: Allneeds, THELAUNDRYCAFE