We’ve all experienced the frustration of accidentally shrinking a favorite shirt or pair of jeans.
While some shrinkage is normal with repeated washing and drying, there are ways to minimize clothing shrinkage and keep your wardrobe looking its best.
This article will explore 10 helpful tips to stop your clothes from shrinking.
Tip #1: Follow Garment Care Instructions
The easiest way to prevent shrinkage is to follow the care instructions on clothing labels.
Symbols indicate whether an item should be machine washed, hand washed, dry cleaned, or line dried.
Ignoring these instructions is a common cause of shrinkage.
So check tags and wash garments in cold water on a gentle cycle if machine washing.
Tip #2: Wash in Cold Water
Warm or hot water can cause fibers to relax and shrink.
Wash clothes in the coolest water possible – even cold water can provide an effective cleaning.
Just be sure to use a detergent suitable for cold water washing.
Bleach and other additives like fabric softener should also be avoided as they can contribute to shrinkage over time.
Tip #3: Skip the Dryer
The heat and tumbling action of dryers cause fibers to tighten and shrink.
Let clothing and fabrics air dry naturally instead.
Hang or lay flat to dry on top of a towel.
Not only will air drying prevent shrinkage, but it also helps clothes retain their shape and last longer.
Tip #4: Wash Less Frequently
Frequent washing, especially in hot water, increases the chances of shrinkage.
Try to wash full loads and only launder them when truly dirty.
Spot clean between washings as needed.
Washing less overall will extend the life of clothing.
Tip #5: Pre-Treat Stains
Heavily soiled items require harsher wash cycles and detergents to get them clean, which can lead to shrinkage.
Pretreat stains and soils with a stain remover before washing.
This allows you to wash in gentler cycles.
Tip #6: Skip Fabric Softener
While it makes clothes smell nice, fabric softener and dryer sheets coat fibers leading to a tightening effect over time.
They contain chemicals that can diminish the elasticity of fabrics as well.
Skip the softener to avoid potential shrinkage issues.
Tip #7: Reshape While Damp
If delicate clothing does happen to shrink slightly, reshape it while still damp.
Gently stretch and smooth the fabric back to its original dimensions and lay flat to complete drying.
Doing this helps reset the fibers.
Tip #8: Invest in a Mesh Wash Bag
A mesh laundry bag keeps bras, sweaters, and other delicates from stretching and snagging during the wash.
The gentle cushioning action helps minimize friction that can cause shrinkage.
Mesh bags are inexpensive and reusable.
Tip #9: Skip the Dry Cleaner
Commercial dry cleaning uses harsh chemicals that can cause shrinkage over time.
Handle dry clean only items with care and air dry whenever possible.
If dry cleaner washing is needed, let the garment finish entirely air drying before placing back on the hanger.
Tip #10: Store Properly Between Wearings
Improper storage between wears can stretch fibers out of shape, setting up clothes for potential shrinkage.
Refold and hang or lay flat after wearing.
Use felt hangers for heavy sweaters rather than wire hangers.
And avoid overstuffed drawers which strain fabrics.
Conclusion:
Shrinking clothes can be incredibly frustrating, but is often preventable.
Follow garment care labels, wash in cold water, and air dry to keep your wardrobe looking its best.
Pre-treating stains, using a mesh bag, and proper storage techniques also help minimize shrinkage over time.
With some simple tweaks to your laundry routine, you can keep your clothes like-new for longer.