How to Restore Shrunken Clothes After a Laundry Mishap

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Oops! You’ve done it again. That beloved cashmere sweater that fit perfectly is now shrunk to a size suitable for a doll. And those favorite jeans that hugged you just right? After a few rounds in the dryer, they now resemble something from a cartoon! Mistakes happen, and it’s important to know how to salvage your laundry.

First, let’s understand why clothes shrink. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, silk, and linen are particularly susceptible to shrinking when exposed to high temperatures, while synthetic fabrics such as polyester don’t shrink as much. This is because natural fibers are more vulnerable to heat, which can cause their fibers to retract. For future reference, the experts at Whirlpool recommend washing clothes on a gentle cycle and using cool water to help maintain their size. Remember to avoid heavy-duty cycles that can further stress the fabric, and opt for delicate cycles instead.

However, if you find yourself with shrunken garments, don’t worry! Here’s how to unshrink different types of fabric:

For Cotton Clothes:

Good news! Unshrinking cotton is fairly straightforward. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a couple of tablespoons of baby shampoo or conditioner. Let the shrunken garment soak for about 30 minutes to loosen the fibers. After that, rinse and lay the garment flat on a towel, rolling it up to absorb excess water. Carefully stretch the fabric back to its original size and allow it to air dry.

For Polyester:

You can unshrink synthetic fibers too! Use the same method as for cotton: mix a tablespoon of conditioner with warm water and soak the polyester fabric for 30-45 minutes. Then gently stretch it back to its original shape.

For Cashmere:

If you own a cashmere piece, you have a couple of options. You can repeat the cotton steps, or, as stylist Alex Harper suggests, dampen the sweater’s top half with cold water using a spray bottle and lay it flat on a towel. Stretch the shoulders wide and place a book covered in plastic or a towel to hold them in position overnight. This method can help reshape your sweater effectively.

For Denim:

To unshrink jeans, dampen them and slide into them while they dry to stretch back into shape. If you need more stretch, soak them in baby shampoo or conditioner, wring out excess moisture, and then wear them to mold them comfortably.

FAQs:

Does ironing help unshrink clothes?
Yes! The heat and weight of an iron can assist in stretching out shrunken fabric. Use the steam setting or spray water on the fabric before pressing.

Does drying on low heat prevent shrinkage?
Not necessarily. The heat can still cause some shrinkage, so consider a method of drying that allows for air drying after a brief spin in the dryer.

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Summary:

In summary, accidents with laundry can happen to anyone. Understanding how to unshrink clothes, whether they’re made from cotton, polyester, cashmere, or denim, can save your favorite outfits. By using gentle methods like soaking in water with soap and stretching, you can often restore your garments back to their original size.

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