If you have ever washed your favorite t-shirt only to take it out of the dryer to discover that it now fits your 5-year-old child, you have experienced the agony and regret of shrinking your clothes.

Unfortunately, this happens to thousands of people every day. So today we are going to learn what causes clothes to shrink and how to avoid it in the future!

Why do some clothes shrink after washing?

The fabric content of clothing is the leading cause of shrinkage when washed. Wool, linen, and cotton are more likely to shrink (hence the importance of reading clothing labels!). Excess moisture, heat, and agitation are also factors.

• Fiber content – Some natural fibers, such as wool and cotton, shrink more than others. Wool clothing is prone to felting, a process in which the wool fibers (which are covered in scales) mesh together when exposed to heat and water.
• Excessive moisture – Natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and silk are susceptible to relaxation shrinkage. When these fibers are exposed to water, they swell, causing the garment to shrink in size.
• Heat and agitation – The combination of hot water and agitation from the washer and dryer can occasionally cause consolidation shrinkage. These conditions cause fibers that have been tightly woven and stretched out during the manufacturing process to relax and return to their natural, smaller and shorter shape.

How to Prevent Clothes from Shrinkage?

Always read the labels.

Care instructions are printed on the label of each garment. Following these instructions should prevent your clothing from shrinking. Follow the instructions on the label if it says cold water only or dry clean only!

Hand Wash

Hand Washing helps you avoid the friction and heat exposure that most washers and dryers can cause.

Using Cold Water

If you wash your clothes in cold water, they will shrink the least. However, keep in mind that not all “cold” washes are created equal! Wool should be washed in 40-degree water, and if your cold wash is warmer, you risk shrinking your garment.

Make Use of a Drying Rack

Hanging your clothes to dry is far safer than using a dryer. Save money, power, and clothes!

How to Unshrink Clothes

Do not give up if you have accidentally shrunk your favorite piece of clothing. Sending it to a dry cleaner can help to repair the damage. Dry cleaners have the necessary machinery and heat settings to restore garments to their original condition.

You can also try it at home (this is a great tip for wool). Fill a sink or bathtub halfway with lukewarm water and add a capful of baby shampoo. Allow your garment to soak in the water for about five minutes. The fibers in the clothing are relaxed during this process.

Gently squeeze the clothing to remove any excess moisture, then roll it up in a towel to absorb any remaining moisture. Allow the garment to air dry after gently reshaping it to its original dimensions on a fresh towel.

Avoid Shrunken Clothing at all costs.

Laundry mishaps occur… If you are tired of shrinking your favorite clothes, spending hours doing laundry, and dreading doing laundry every week, you should use a mobile toxin-free laundry service like MFB laundry service.