How to Prevent Clothes from Shrinking

Tired of dealing with shrinking clothes? Then you’re at the right place.

In this post, we’ll be going over everything you need to know from fabric-specific guidelines to safe washing and drying instructions. Keep reading to learn more!

Understanding Fabric Types and Shrinkage

Different fabrics will react differently to washing and drying cycles, which can lead to varying degrees of shrinkage. Familiarizing yourself with your clothes’ fibers will allow you to prevent that from happening.

Natural Fibers

Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk are more susceptible to shrinkage due to their sensitivity to heat and agitation. This is because they tend to return to their original state when exposed to high temperatures.

Synthetic Fibers

Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, on the other hand, are more resistant to shrinkage.

This has to do with their man-made nature, which allows them to maintain their shape and size very well through the laundry process.

Blended Fabrics

Blended fabrics are a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. They often combine natural fibers like cotton, wool, or silk with synthetic fibers to achieve improved features such as:

• Enhanced wrinkle resistance

• Washability

• Greater tensile strength

• Resistance to strength loss after repeated industrial washings

For instance, a blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester will have greater tensile strength than fabrics made of 100% cotton.

Pre-Washing Tips to Prevent Shrinkage

Sorting Clothes by Fabric Type

Sorting your clothes will help ensure that each fabric type receives the proper washing care it requires. For example, you can organize your laundry into categories such as delicates or athletic wear.

Pre-Treating Stains

Pre-treating stains will prevent the need for high-heat washing and drying, both of which can lead to shrinkage.

For example, you can pre-treat stains using ACTIVE Detergent. Simply dissolve the powder in water and apply the solution to the spot. For the best results, let it sit on the stain for at least 15-20 minutes before rinsing with water.

Washing Techniques to Avoid Shrinking

Cold Water Washing

Cold water washing is the best option when it comes to preventing shrinkage. Not only will it preserve your clothes’ original size but it will also prevent the fabric from becoming damaged by hot water.

Delicate Wash Cycles

Delicate wash cycles are designed to replicate hand washing and use gentle agitation and slower spin speeds to minimize the risk of shrinkage.

Lower water temperatures are also used to protect fragile fabrics from damage and fading.

Hand Washing

Hand washing is particularly safe as it allows you to gently handle the fabric while controlling the water temperature.

After washing your clothes, gently press the fabric to remove excess water. From there, lay them on a flat surface to dry. That will help maintain their original shape and prevent shrinkage.

Drying Methods to Prevent Shrinkage

Air drying is the simplest and most effective way to prevent your clothes from shrinking.

Line Drying

Line drying is a traditional and effective method of drying your clothes that will prevent shrinkage and maintain fabric quality.

Line drying has other benefits over tumble drying:

• It will minimize damage to clothing fibers, thus extending the lifespan of garments

• UV rays from the sun will naturally disinfect the fabric

Drying Racks

Drying racks are particularly useful for delicate items that are more prone to shrinking or getting damaged in the dryer.

They’re also easy to use, offering a hassle-free alternative to the sometimes complex settings of modern dryers.

Many drying racks can also be folded and stored away, making them a great choice for homes without dedicated laundry rooms.

Seeking Professional Assistance

Fabrics like wool, silk, and cashmere require special care and handling to prevent shrinking. These garments are typically labeled as ‘dry clean only’ and should be taken to the professionals to avoid shrinkage or damage.

When to Choose Dry Cleaning

Certain fabrics such as silk, wool, leather, suede, rayon, velvet, cashmere, and chiffon, should be dry cleaned only.

Large items such as duvets and curtains should also be brought to the professionals as they won’t be able to fit in regular home washing machines.

Benefits of Professional Laundry Services

Professional laundry services offer more than just convenience. They provide specialized care that is less likely to cause shrinkage and fading, prolonging the life of your clothes.

Many places also offer pick-up and delivery services for added convenience.

Storage Tips to Maintain Clothes’ Shape

Proper storage is vital to minimize damage and prevent shrinkage. Ideally, clothes should be sorted and stored based on their fabric type and weight, with heavier items placed at the bottom to preserve the structure of lighter garments.

Choosing to fold or hang your clothes can also make a difference in maintaining their original shape.

As a general rule, structured pieces like jackets, suits, skirts, and dresses should be hung to preserve their form. On the other hand, heavier fabrics, like those used in knitwear, should be folded to avoid the garments stretching out or becoming misshaped due to the weight of the material on the hangers.

Activewear and denim are best folded, as these fabrics are more resilient and can hold their shape well.

Storing Delicate Fabrics

Delicate fabrics require special care. For example, garments with embellished items should be stored flat in canvas storage bags to avoid damage.

For lingerie and hosiery, it’s best to store them in drawers to keep them fresh and prevent damage.

Preventing Your Clothes From Shrinking

By paying attention to fabric types, you can keep your clothes from shrinking and maintain their original fit and shape.

Whether it’s hand washing your delicates, using cold water, or drying your clothes on a drying rack, each step you take will contribute to the longevity of your clothes.

So the next time you do your laundry, keep these tips in mind. After all, your clothes deserve the best care.

Key Takeaways

• Familiarize with fiber types to prevent shrinkage: Natural fibers like cotton and wool shrink with heat, while synthetic fibers like polyester are more resistant

• Implement pre-washing and washing techniques to maintain garment integrity: Sort clothes by fabric type, use cold water and gentle detergent, opt for delicate wash cycles or hand wash when necessary, and avoid excessive heat.

• Air dry or use low heat settings to prevent shrinkage

• Seek dry cleaning for delicate clothes

• Ensure proper storage by folding or hanging based on the fabric type to maintain the clothes’ shape.

How to Prevent Clothes From Shrinking – FAQs

How can I stop my clothes from shrinking?

To prevent your clothes from shrinking, air dry them whenever possible, or use the lowest heat settings on the dryer. And remember, always follow the instructions on your garment’s care tag. Using a mesh laundry bag will also help when washing clothes in the washer.

How do you keep 100% cotton clothes from shrinking?

To keep 100% cotton clothes from shrinking, wash them with cold or lukewarm water, reshape and lay them flat to air-dry, avoiding direct sunlight.

Can you reverse clothes shrinking?

You may be able to reverse the shrinking by soaking the garment in a water and laundry detergent solution, and then gently stretching the fabric back to its original size. Keep in mind, however, that it will not work for all clothes.

What causes clothes to shrink?

Clothes shrink due to exposure to excessive heat during washing or drying cycles; this causes the fabric fibers to tighten and the garment to distort.