We've all experienced the frustration of taking a favorite item out of the washer or dryer and discovering it has shrunk. Shrunken clothing is not only an inconvenience, but it can also represent a waste of money if the item is no longer wearable. Therefore, it's essential to know how to properly care for our clothes to extend their lifespan. Today, we'll tell you all about why this happens and give you five effective tricks to
prevent clothes from shrinking .
Why do clothes shrink in the washing machine and dryer?
Understanding why clothes shrink is the first step to preventing it. Here we explain the main reasons so you can take them into account and avoid them when washing and drying your clothes.
Fibers
Some natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, are more prone to shrinkage than others. When these fibers come into contact with heat or moisture, they clump together, causing the fabric to shrink.
Cotton , although less dramatically,
can also shrink noticeably due to its absorbent nature .
Excess humidity
Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk can suffer from something called "relaxation shrinkage." This occurs when absorbent fibers are exposed to water,
causing them to swell and shrink the garment's size . It's a natural process of fibers returning to their original, smaller shape after contact with moisture.
Heat and agitation
The combination of hot water and the agitation generated by household appliances reinforces shrinkage. During washing and drying, these conditions cause
the fibers, which are tightly woven and stretched during manufacturing, to release this tension and return to their natural shape : smaller and shorter.
How to Prevent Clothes from Shrinking: 5 Tricks to Keep in Mind
To keep your clothes in perfect condition and prevent shrinkage, it's essential to follow certain practical tips during washing and drying. Here are five effective tricks to preserve the size and shape of your favorite garments.
Pay attention to the washing labels on your clothes.
The
washing symbols on labels are an essential guide for caring for our clothes. These labels indicate the maximum temperature at which the garment should be washed, whether it can be machine dried, and other specific care instructions.
Following these instructions is the first step to preventing clothing shrinkage .
Take into account the type of garment you are going to wash
Not all garments should be washed the same way. Underwear,
especially if it's made of delicate materials like cotton or microfiber , requires special care. Washing these garments on a delicate cycle and in a laundry bag can help protect them and prevent shrinkage.
In another of our articles, we gave you specific tips on
how to wash Abanderado underwear to keep it in perfect condition for much longer.
Use cold water and appropriate washing programs
Cold water is much gentler on natural fibers than hot water.
Using cold wash programs reduces the risk of shrinkage . These programs are also generally gentler, helping to maintain the garments' original shape and size.
Avoid intensive washing cycles, very fast spin cycles and high temperature drying.
Heavy wash cycles and very fast spin cycles can
cause unnecessary wear on clothing fibers, contributing to shrinkage . Opt for gentler cycles and avoid high-temperature drying. High dryer temperatures are one of the biggest culprits of shrinkage.
Avoid the dryer, it is better to dry clothes at a low temperature or in the air.
Whenever possible, avoid the dryer.
Air-drying clothes is much safer for the fibers and helps maintain the garments' original size . If you must use the dryer, use a low heat setting and remove still-damp garments to finish air-drying.
How to recover clothes that have shrunk in the washing machine or dryer?
If your clothes have already shrunk, all is not lost. There are ways to try to restore them to their original size. It's important
not to stretch the garment as it comes out of the washer or dryer , as this will only break the fabric fibers. Here are some techniques for restoring shrunken clothes.
Baby shampoo and fabric softener
This trick involves filling a bowl with warm water and adding a little baby shampoo or fabric softener. Submerge the shrunken garment and let it soak for about 30 minutes. Then, without rinsing, gently stretch the garment while it's still wet.
The shampoo and fabric softener will help relax the fibers , making it easier to stretch.
Baking soda and vinegar
For this method, mix a solution of baking soda with warm water in a bowl. Soak the shrunken garment in the solution and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, rinse with a mixture of water and white vinegar.
The baking soda helps loosen the fibers, while the vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener .
Vinegar and hair mask
Mix white vinegar with water and add a small amount of hair mask. Soak the shrunken garment in this mixture and let it sit for 30 minutes.
The hair mask will help soften the fibers of the garment , making it easier to stretch back to its original size. After soaking, gently stretch the garment and let it air dry.
Milk for wool garments
If a wool garment has shrunk, milk can help soften the fibers. Fill a container with
cold milk and submerge the garment. Let it
soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour . Squeeze out excess milk and gently stretch the garment. Rinse with cold water and let it dry flat.
In short, preventing clothes from shrinking is a matter of paying attention to the details: follow the washing instructions on the labels, pay attention to the water temperature, opt for gentle wash cycles, and avoid the dryer whenever possible. If a garment has already shrunk, there are methods that can help you return it to its original size without damaging the fibers. With these tips, you can enjoy your favorite delicate items for much longer.
