5 Powerful Tips To Prevent Clothes From Shrinking

If you've ever taken your favorite shirt or pants out of the dryer and found that they're now getting smaller after a wash cycle, you're not alone. Learn what causes shrinkage and find out how to extend the life cycle of your favorite garment with the following guide.

What Causes Clothes to Shrink?

Agitation and high temperatures in the washing and drying cycle can damage fabrics and cause garments to shrink. Washing fabrics such as cotton, linen, or wool materials with too much force can cause the fibers to tighten and result in shrunken garments. Hot water wash cycles and high-temperature dryer settings can also damage fabrics and cause shrinkage.

Fiber type is the main reason why clothes shrink. Natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen are more likely to shrink due to their moisture absorption properties. Natural animal hair fibers - such as wool and cashmere - also absorb moisture and permanently interlock fibers that make clothing items appear smaller, once wet which can be mistaken for shrinking.

Other reasons why garments may shrink have to do with how much tension the yarns were under when the fabric was woven or knitted or while it was being processed, and the overall quality of the garment. In general, high-quality manufacturers use special finishing and production techniques to prevent shrinkage.

How to Keep Clothes From Shrinking

Apply these tips to help prevent clothes from shrinking!

1. Check the fabric care label before you buy & before washing clothes

The first step to preventing your clothes from shrinking is to follow the washing instructions on your clothes' care labels. Check the care label not only before washing but also before buying new clothes so you know what to do.

Checking the care label for the type of fabric can give you an idea if the garment is prone to shrinking, such as cotton or linen, or if the garment has been "pre-shrunk". Some garments may be "dry clean only" and should not be machine cleaned.

Also, pay attention to the recommended water temperature, wash cycle, and drying instructions. As a general rule, washing clothes in cold water and with low-heat drying can help prevent your clothes from shrinking.

2. Use Cold Water And a Proper Wash Cycle

The way to avoid shrinking clothes is to use cold water. Clothes are much more likely to shrink when exposed to hot water or using a high-temperature dryer.

Washing clothes in cold water really helps to keep your clothes in their original shape. Instead, opt for a gentle cycle and place delicate clothes in a mesh laundry bag for added protection.

When drying, consider low heat or air drying settings. When in doubt, always follow the instructions on your garment's care label.

3. Select The "tumble dry" or "air dry" Setting on The Tumble Dryer.

Drying your clothes on a tumble-dry or air-dry setting can help keep clothes from shrinking by minimizing wear and tear on fabric fibers. Garment care labels will provide instructions on optimal temperature and dryer settings to help avoid shrinkage.

4. Avoid Over-Drying Laundry

Over-drying and exposing your clothes to long cycles of high heat can damage the fabric and cause the clothes to shrink. Instead, opt for a tumble or air-dry setting in shorter intervals to keep clothes in shape.

5. Try Drying Your Clothes In The Sun

Do air-drying clothes help prevent shrinkage? Yes. Instead of using a tumble dryer, consider air drying your clothes in the sun as a fresh and natural drying alternative to help prevent your clothes from shrinking.

How to Turn Shrinking Clothes Around

For some fabrics, you can make your shrunken clothes return to their original shape. Here's what to do if your clothes are shrinking:

• Fill the sink with warm water and two tablespoons of conditioner.
• Soak the clothes for about 30 minutes.
• Remove the clothes and squeeze out as much water as possible.
• Place the clothes on a towel and roll them up to remove excess water.
• Unroll the towel and stretch the clothes as far as possible.
• Let it air dry.

Okay, that's 5 powerful tips to prevent clothes from shrinking. Do you have any other suggestions? Don't hesitate to write down your ideas in the comment section!