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How to Prevent Clothes From Shrinking in the Laundry

frustrated man putting a sweater on while noticing it has shrunk in the wash
Think about the last time a much loved jeans or sweater had shrunk in the washer or dryer. Frustrating, right? We’ve all been there, but we don’t have to go back. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the causes of shrinkage and how to prevent it.
 
Heat is not your friend if you’re trying to avoid shrinking your clothes, especially those which are made of natural fibers like cotton, wool and mohair. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can avoid it by simply reducing the heat in your dryer or by using a clothesline. The truth is that your washing machine is equally capable of shrinking your clothes, and not just with the wrong water temperature. Agitation is what causes animal fabrics like wool, mohair and cashmere to shrink, which is why it’s best to have them dry cleaned.
 

Which Fabrics Are Most Prone to Shrinking?

Natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and linen are more likely to shrink because they are more absorbent and can easily lose their shape when exposed to heat. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon are less likely to shrink, making them easier to handle in the laundry. Cotton and wool are particularly prone to shrinking, especially when exposed to hot water or high heat in the dryer. Denim and linen can also shrink, particularly after their first few washes.

Washing Techniques to Prevent Shrinking

 
Cotton, while not an animal fabric, is a natural one and can therefore present certain challenges when trying to prevent shrinkage. Cotton shrinks because of the tension that is applied to its yarn and fabrics during the construction of the clothing. The tension is released by heat from the washer, dryer, steam and even sunlight, which causes the fabric to be reduced to its natural size. This is why most cotton clothing will shrink during its first washing. The best way to avoid shrinkage is to wash them by hand or to use cold water and the delicate cycle of your washing machine. Ideally, your clothes that are made of natural fibers should never see the inside of your dryer. Invest in a couple of folding tables, so you can lay your clothes flat and let them dry on their own. Cotton clothing can be dried on hangers. If you must use the dryer for your cottons, use the lowest heat setting possible.
 
“Oops, I did it again.” Don’t worry…laundry mistakes happen. If you find yourself saying this in the future, consider using the non-wearable clothing for other things around your house. When I was growing up, my mother used old white t-shirts to dust the house. They’re gentle on wood surfaces and will leave them clean and shiny. If you’re looking for a more creative solution for your clothing mishaps, consider turning them into dog clothes. The mother of one of my high school friends once turned a shrunken tube top into an outfit for her portly Pekingese, but my wish for you is that your pets don’t end up with your hand-me-downs.
 
Happy washing!

Drying Methods to Prevent Shrinking

Air drying is the best way to prevent clothes from shrinking. You can hang them on a clothesline or lay them flat to dry naturally. This method avoids the heat from a dryer, which can cause fabrics to shrink. If you have to use a dryer, make sure to set it to the lowest heat setting. High heat is the main cause of shrinking, so using a cooler setting helps protect your clothes.

How to Care for Wool, Cotton, and Denim

Wool: Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and avoid machine drying.
Cotton: Wash with cold water and air dry to prevent shrinkage.
Denim: Turn inside out before washing and dry on low heat to protect the fabric from shrinking.

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