Yes cotton can shrink in the dryer if you don’t take the proper precautions before drying.
To prevent this from happening you’ll want to read the care instructions for the item before throwing it in the dryer.
Many items are pre-shrunk but there are some that aren’t or that can still shrink in the dryer.
Because of this it’s important to pay attention to the care instructions.
How to Prevent Cotton from Shrinking in the Dryer
If you want to make sure that your cotton items don’t shrink in the dryer there are a few steps you can take to ensure that they stay in their original shape and size.
First you’ll want to make sure that you wash the item on a gentle cycle and with cold water.
Hot water can cause the fibers to shrink.
Secondly you should avoid using a dryer sheet or fabric softener as these can also cause the item to shrink.
Finally you should always hang dry your items instead of using a dryer.
What Causes Cotton to Shrink?
The main cause of cotton shrinking in the dryer is heat.
When cotton is exposed to a heat source such as the high temperatures of a dryer it will contract and become smaller in size.
This is due to the fact that cotton fibers are made up of long chains of molecules which become shorter when heated.
How Can You Minimize Cotton Shrinkage?
The best way to minimize cotton shrinkage is to wash your clothes in cold water and dry them on low heat.
If you’re looking to preserve the shape and size of cotton clothes it is important to follow the directions on the clothing label.
Additionally you can also use a laundry detergent that is designed for delicates which can help to keep your clothes looking their best.
Another way to prevent shrinkage is to hang your clothes to dry.
This will ensure that your clothes are not exposed to any direct heat source which is the main cause of shrinkage.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! Cotton does shrink in the dryer but there are a few steps you can take to help minimize the amount of shrinkage.
Taking the time to read and follow the instructions on the clothing labels using a laundry detergent for delicates and hanging your clothes to dry can all help to keep your cotton clothes looking their best for a longer period of time.