Introduction
Shrinking clothes can be a major problem for those who enjoy wearing their favorite garments for years. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent your clothes from shrinking. This article will provide an overview of common causes of shrinking clothes as well as several tips on how to avoid it.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
One of the best ways to avoid shrinking clothes is to wash them in cold water. Hot water can cause fabric fibers to shrink, making clothes look smaller and feel tighter. Additionally, hot water can also cause colors to fade or bleed, resulting in dull-looking clothes. To get the most out of your laundry, use cold water instead.
When selecting the appropriate water temperature, it’s important to consider the type of fabric you’re washing. Delicate fabrics such as silk and wool should be washed in cold water, while more durable fabrics such as cotton and polyester can be washed in warm or hot water. If you’re unsure of the fabric type, always opt for the lowest temperature setting.
Turn Clothes Inside Out When Washing
Another way to prevent shrinking clothes is to turn them inside out before putting them in the washing machine. This helps protect the fabric from damage caused by the agitation of the machine. Additionally, turning clothes inside out can also help reduce fading and preserve the colors of your garments.
To turn your clothes inside out, start by laying the garment flat on a table or countertop. Then, fold one side of the fabric inwards so that the right side of the fabric is touching the wrong side. Finally, flip the entire garment over so that the right side of the fabric is now facing outwards.
Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine
Overloading the washing machine can be another cause of shrinking clothes. When too many clothes are crammed into the washer, they can rub against each other, causing friction and damaging the fabric fibers. This can lead to clothes shrinking when they are dried.
To ensure that your clothes don’t shrink due to overloading, make sure to only put a few items in the washer at a time. Additionally, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum load size for your particular washing machine.
Use Less Detergent
Using too much detergent can also result in shrinking clothes. Too much detergent can create excess suds which can trap dirt and grime in the fabric fibers. This can lead to clothes becoming stiffer and shrinking when they are dried.
To avoid this problem, it’s important to use the right amount of detergent. Most detergents will have instructions on the packaging indicating the amount of detergent needed for a given load size. Alternatively, you can use a measuring cup to ensure that you’re using the correct amount.
Hang Dry Clothes or Lay Flat to Dry
Finally, it’s important to avoid drying your clothes in a dryer if possible. The heat of a dryer can cause fabric fibers to shrink, resulting in smaller-looking clothes. Instead, try hanging your clothes up to dry or laying them flat on a towel. This will help preserve the shape and size of your garments.
If you absolutely must use a dryer, make sure to select the lowest heat setting available. Additionally, you may want to consider adding a few soft towels to the load. The towels will help absorb the heat and reduce the likelihood of your clothes shrinking.
Conclusion
Shrinking clothes can be a major problem, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the tips outlined above, you can reduce the chances of your clothes shrinking and keep them looking like new for years to come. Remember to wash your clothes in cold water, turn them inside out when washing, avoid overloading the washing machine, use less detergent, and hang or lay flat to dry.
With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your favorite garments looking their best for years to come. So take the time to follow these simple tips and you’ll be glad you did.
