How to Save A Shrunken Sweater

February 1, 2023
Lyndsee Onstott

So you shrunk your favorite sweater…what are you going to do? Don’t worry, there’s hope for your cozy, winter friend.

Why Sweaters Shrink?

Sweater shrinkage happens when the fabric fibers contract due to heat or moisture. This is especially common with natural fibers like wool, cotton, or linen. Shrinkage can also occur from the movement during washing or drying. The tighter the weave of the fabric, the more likely it is to shrink when exposed to heat or moisture.

Supplies needed:

Baby Shampoo (or gentle conditioner)
Warm water
Bucket (or bathtub)
Clothes pins (or heavy objects)
Patience

Time to Unshrink Your Sweater

Fill a bucket or your bathtub with WARM water. Not scorching hot water – warm to the touch.
Add the Baby Shampoo or Conditioner. Use a good amount (about ¼ cup per gallon of water). Stir it around so that it makes a nice, cloudy mixture.n
Soak your sweater for 30 minutes or more. Like tangles in your hair, the mixture will loosen the fabric and make them stretchable but not breakable.
Take the sweater out and remove the excess water. DO NOT WRING YOUR SWEATER. Press the sweater against the sides of your tub or sink to get rid of the extra water. You want the sweater damp….not dripping wet.
Lay the sweater out on a dry towel.
Let the stretching begin! Carefully stretch your sweater back to shape by pulling the outer edges. Use clothes pins or heavy objects to keep the stretch in place.
Air dry your sweater…..48 hours and voila! Your sweater is back to normal, mostly.

Preventing Sweater Shrinkage in the Future

1. The Importance of Reading Care Labels

One of the best ways to avoid future sweater shrinkage is to always check the care labels. The manufacturer’s instructions will provide the best guidance on how to wash and dry your sweater to prevent it from shrinking.

2. Proper Washing Techniques

To prevent shrinkage, always wash your sweaters in cold or lukewarm water. Use a gentle cycle if you’re using a washing machine. Handwashing is often the safest method, especially for delicate fabrics like wool. Always avoid hot water and harsh detergents.

3. Storing Sweaters Correctly

Proper storage is also crucial in maintaining the shape and size of your sweater. Avoid hanging sweaters, as this can cause them to stretch out. Instead, fold them neatly and store them in a cool, dry place. For wool sweaters, consider using garment bags to protect them from dust and moths.

Things to note:

Learn from your mistakes and always check labels before washing or drying items.

This process might need to be repeated a few times until your garment has been truly restored
you could also wear your sweater in the tub and soak with it on, pulling to the original shape. Pour yourself a glass of wine and now you and your sweater are relaxing. Two birds!

You obviously do not understand how to do laundry and therefore should call Laundry Care.

Laundry Care laundry service is available to residential and business clientele in over 50 locations across the country including: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland Laundry Service, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Fort Worth, Houston, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Lexington, Louisville, Madison, Minneapolis, Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, San Antonio, Seattle, Tampa, Tucson, Washington DC –and more. Visit our locations page to locate Laundry Care laundry service near me! Ready to be “Laundry-Free”? Let us do your laundry EXACTLY as you like!

Lyndsee Onstott

Lyndsee Onstott is the Marketing Manager at Laundry Care, with a deep-rooted history as one of the company’s original care providers. Her journey from hands-on laundry care to strategic marketing gives her unique insights into the service and its customers. Lyndsee's commitment to delivering convenience and quality has helped Laundry Care become a trusted service for busy professionals and families nationwide. Today, she combines her firsthand experience with a passion for customer-focused marketing, ensuring that Laundry Care meets the evolving needs of its clients.

Laundry Care wash and fold laundry service is available to residential and business clientele in over 50 locations across the country including: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland Laundry Service, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Fort Worth, Houston, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Lexington, Louisville, Madison, Minneapolis, Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, San Antonio, Seattle, Tampa, Tucson, Washington DC –and more. Visit our locations page to locate Laundry Care laundry service near me!

Ready to be “Laundry-Free”? Let us do your laundry EXACTLY as you like!

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