After washing your favorite clothes, you may find that they have shrunk. Here’s how to deal with it and how to prevent clothes from shrinking in the future.
Why Clothes Shrink
Some fabrics, especially natural fibers, are more prone to shrinkage if not handled carefully:
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Cotton (including denim and muslin)
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Wool (including flannel and cashmere)
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Linen
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Silk
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Viscose
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Rayon
These fabrics shrink mainly because their fibers are sensitive to high water temperatures or heat from dryers, which causes the threads to tighten.
Fabrics less prone to shrinkage include nylon, polyester, and spandex, which are tightly woven and chemically treated.
How to Prevent Clothes from Shrinking
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Check the care label: Always follow washing, drying, and ironing instructions.
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Pre-treat stains with water: Handle small stains before washing to avoid excessive washing.
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Use colder water: Wash clothes in cold or warm water, ideally around 30°C (86°F), unless higher temperatures are required for hygiene purposes.
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Wash only when necessary: Clothes like jeans, suits, and jackets don’t need daily washing. Refresh them with ironing or airing out.
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Follow drying instructions carefully: Avoid high heat in dryers and prolonged sunlight. Air drying on hangers or flat surfaces is often gentler, especially for knits.
Does Laundry Detergent Cause Shrinking?
No, shrinking is mainly caused by temperature and washing cycles, not detergents. Using mild detergents and following fabric-specific instructions (like wool detergent for wool) helps reduce shrinkage.
Caring for Delicate Fabrics
Delicate fabrics require:
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Cold water washing
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Minimal or no spinning
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Mesh laundry bags for protection
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Dry cleaning if recommended
How to Store Clothes to Prevent Shrinking
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Store in temperature-controlled rooms, not attics or garages.
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Avoid humid areas like bathrooms.
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Use storage boxes or garment bags to protect from insects.
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Keep away from direct sunlight, which can cause yellowing and shrinkage.
How to Fix Shrunk Clothes
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Cotton or wool: Soak in lukewarm water with ⅓ cup of regular hair conditioner, gently stretch to original shape, then air dry.
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Silk: Steam with an iron and gently reshape. Professional dry cleaners can also help restore shrinkage.
Tips for Cotton Fabrics
Wash 100% cotton in cold water and air dry. Be aware that steam ironing may cause slight shrinkage depending on duration and intensity.
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