We have all come across those annoying moments when we retrieve our favorite sweaters or perfectly fitting jeans from the wash with sizes much smaller than expected. Ever ask yourself why things shrink in the dryer or find one of the best ways to prevent shrinking in the wash?
Shrinking clothes is avoidable if you follow the right washing and drying techniques. In this article, we will find out the reasons why clothes shrink, the best laundry hints to prevent shrinking, and the dos and don’ts of washing clothes.
Why Do Clothes Shrink in the Wash?
The primary causes of shrinkage are heat, water, and friction working together. Certain materials such as cotton, wool, and linen which are mainly natural fibers, when saturated and dried up shrink, this happens because they are made of cellulose, the most common naturally occurring sugar in wood, straw, and cotton fibers. Hot water and high-heat drying both cause fabric fibers to draw up and become smaller with every wash. Moreover, washing machines can shake fabric weaves to such an extent that the clothes shrink.
Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and spandex, are generally more resistant to shrinking. However, the issue of shrinkage can still arise if the clothes are washed or dried the wrong way. Finding out the causes of shrinkage is the critical step concerning how to wash clothes without shrinkage.
Which Fabrics Shrink the Most?
Cotton– The effect of shrinkage can be seen vividly in cotton garments, particularly those that are washed at high temperatures and tumble-dried on the high-heat setting.
Wool – This natural material is very shrinkable if it gets hot and humid.Linen – Linens are hard and they shrink once you wash them.
Rayon & Silk – Vulnerable fabrics that go smaller because of the absorption of water.
Polyester and spandex– These are synthetic fabrics which are more likely to resist changes in size. However, the use of the wrong washing and drying methods will still cause shrinking.
How to Avoid Shrinking Clothes in the Wash: Do’s
Read the Care Labels Carefully
- One of the easiest ways to prevent clothes from shrinking in the wash is by checking the care label before tossing garments into the machine.
- Clothing manufacturers include specific washing and drying instructions based on fabric type. If a tag says “cold wash only,” using hot water will likely cause shrinkage. A label that suggests “lay flat to dry” means that using a dryer could damage the material.
- If you’re unsure how to wash a particular item, researching the fabric type can help you determine the safest method.
Use Cold Water Instead of Hot Water
- Hot water is one of the main reasons clothes shrink in the wash. When exposed to high temperatures, fabric fibers tighten, reducing the garment’s size.
- For delicate fabrics like wool, silk, and cotton, cold water keeps the fibers relaxed, preventing them from contracting. If you’re worried about whether cold water cleans clothes effectively, consider using a detergent designed for cold washes, which ensures that dirt and stains are removed without heat.
Choose the Right Wash Cycle
- Not all wash cycles are the same, and selecting the wrong one can increase the chances of shrinkage. A gentle or delicate cycle minimizes agitation, reducing the stress on fabric fibers.
- If you’re washing delicate clothes, using a hand wash setting or a short wash cycle can protect the fabric’s structure. Choosing a low spin speed prevents excess stretching and distortion, helping clothes maintain their original shape.
Air Dry Clothes Whenever Possible
Dryers are one of the biggest culprits behind shrunken clothes. The combination of high heat and tumbling motion causes fibers to contract. To prevent shrinkage, air drying is the best alternative.
Laying clothes flat to dry is the safest method for delicate fabrics like wool and knitwear, as hanging them can cause stretching. For other items, hanging clothes on a drying rack or clothesline helps maintain their shape. If you must use a dryer, selecting a low-heat setting or using the air-dry function reduces the risk of shrinkage.
Use Fabric Softeners & Conditioners
Fabric softeners and conditioners help keep fibers flexible, reducing the likelihood of shrinkage. These products coat the fibers, preventing them from tightening when exposed to heat.
A natural alternative to fabric softener is white vinegar. Adding half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle helps relax fibers, making clothes softer without causing damage. Hair conditioner can also be used to soften wool and delicate fabrics before drying.
How to Avoid Shrinking Clothes in the Wash: Don’ts
Don’t Use Hot Water for Washing
Some individuals have a misconception in their mind that washing clothes in hot water would make them cleaner, however, it is one of the fastest ways to cause shrinkage. Materials like cotton, linen, and wool are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and if washed in the wrong hot temperature, they will shrink a lot. Using the cold or lukewarm water to wash clothes is a single and effective method to keep the quality of fabric and it is found to be very helpful.
Don’t Dry Clothes on High Heat
High temperatures are the prevalent factors initiating shrinkage of the clothes in a dryer. The stimulation of the contraction of the fiber of the material is one of the effects of the high temperature that will permanently reduce the size of the cloth. If you have to use a dryer, select low heat or extract clothes when they are a little wet to lessen the heat settings.
Don’t Overload the Washer or Dryer
Filling a washing machine or dryer to its maximum capacity may seem efficient, but it can lead to excessive friction and heat buildup, which increases the chances of shrinkage. Clothes need room to move freely, so leaving extra space in the machine prevents unnecessary stress on fabrics.
Avoid Using Harsh Detergents
The presence of strong detergents with chemicals that destroy the texture of fabrics over time is one of the major causes of shrinking. The usage of a lighter or eco-friendly detergent instead of a standard one is a good illustration of the potential benefits to both the clothes themselves and the environment. So, it is better to use them instead of standard ones.
Laundry Tips for Shrinking Clothes
If you’ve already shrunk a favorite sweater or shirt, don’t panic—there are ways to restore its shape!
Fix for Cotton & Wool Clothes
- Put some solvent in a basin and add a decent amount of baby shampoo or hair conditioner to it.
- Please be sure to soak the garment for 30 minutes after doing that so that the fibers are relaxed.
- Align the fabric softly to what it was before.
- Put it down to dry even and shape it right away.
Avoiding hot water, high heat drying, and overloaded machines are all suggestions that will guarantee the durability of your favorite outfits and they will always be in good shape. At Laundry Xpress, we know very well that the right fabric care is needed. Our professional laundry services assure your clothes are washed with the right techniques not to shrink, fade, or get damaged.
