Shrinking of clothes means that clothes get smaller after being washed, dried, or exposed to certain conditions. It is usually because the fibers in the fabric get smaller. It is very important to follow the care guidelines that come with the fabric type so that clothes don't shrink. Always read the care label on a clothing to find out how to wash and dry it properly. Fabrics tend to shrink when they get hot, so washing clothes in cold water instead of hot water helps keep the fabric's original size. Using a mild or delicate cycle on the washing machine minimizes agitation.

To prevent clothes from shrinking, follow the 5 steps below. 

1. Check fabric care labels before buying and laundering to ensure you understand the specific washing and drying instructions, and select fabrics that are less prone to shrinkage if it is a concern.
2. Use cold water and correct wash cycles to avoid excessive heat and agitation, which causes fibers to tighten and shrink, while protecting the fabric's colors and quality.
3. Choose tumble dry or air dry settings; avoid using high heat, which causes clothing to shrink; for more delicate textiles, use low or no heat settings to preserve their original size.
4. Avoid overdrying by taking garments out of the dryer when they are still somewhat damp. It helps to prevent excessive heat exposure, which causes the fabric to compress and lose its shape.
5. Consider air drying by putting them flat on a clean surface or hanging them up to dry naturally lowers the chance that they are going to shrink and keeps the fabric's shape over time.

1. Check Fabric Care Labels Before Buying And Laundering

Checking fabric care labels include reading and comprehending the washing, drying, and ironing instructions provided on a clothing label. Making sure to follow the manufacturer's care instructions is very important because it helps keep the clothing from getting damaged, shrinking, or losing its color. The main goal is to keep the quality and durability of the clothing high so that it looks good and fits well over time. Check the care label before buying to see if the upkeep required fits with the way one live. Follow the instructions precisely when laundering, whether it entails washing in cold water, averting high heat, or using a specific wash cycle to maintain the garment's top condition.

2. Use Cold Water And Correct Wash Cycles

Using cold water and correct wash cycles means setting the washing machine to a lower temperature and picking the right cycle for the type of clothing. It is important because it keeps fibers from getting damaged, shrinking, or losing their color. It keeps the clothes in good shape for longer. It is done to make sure that clothes are cleaned well without losing their quality or fit, especially if they are made of fabrics that don't like heat. Set the washing machine to cold water and choose a soft or delicate cycle for delicate fabrics. Choose a normal cycle for stronger fabrics. Always check the care label to find out which wash cycle is best for the clothes.

3. Choose Tumble Dry Or Air Dry Settings

Choosing tumble dry or air dry settings means picking the right way to dry the clothes: using a dryer with a low or no-heat setting (tumble dry) or letting them dry naturally without heat (air dry). Making the choice is very important if opting to keep the clothes in good shape, especially if they are made of delicate or heat-sensitive fabrics. The goal is to keep the clothes' natural size, shape, and quality by drying them without using too much heat or movement. See the care label for drying directions after washing to do it. Choose a low- or no-heat tumble dry setting on the machine, especially for delicate fabrics. Laying clothes flat or putting them up in a well-ventilated area to dry naturally is another option. It lowers the risk of shrinkage and fabric damage.

4. Avoid Overdrying

Avoiding overdrying means making sure clothes don't stay in the dryer for too long, which exposes them to too much heat or dryness. It is important because letting clothes dry too quickly causes them to shrink, lose their elasticity, and get worn out faster, all of which can damage the clothing and shorten its life. The goal is to keep the garment's original fit, feel, and quality by keeping it from being exposed to too much heat. Keep an eye on the drying process and take the clothes out of the dryer while they are still a little damp. Set a timer and check on the clothes every so often to make sure they are not getting too hot, or use a moisture sensor setting if the dryer has one.

5. Consider Air Drying

Consider air drying, which means deciding to let clothes dry naturally outside instead of using a dryer. The method is important because it helps keep clothes from shrinking, getting damaged, and losing their color, all of which happen when dryers use too much heat. Air drying keeps the clothes' natural size, shape, and quality by keeping them away from the stress of heat and tumbling. Lay clothes out flat on a clean, dry surface or hang them on a string or drying rack in a room with good air flow. Spread the clothes out evenly so that they dry evenly and don't get mildew or smelly.

What Are The Common Causes Of Clothes To Shrink?

The common causes of clothes to shrink are listed below. 

• Heat Exposure: High temperatures, like the ones that come from washing in hot water or drying clothes in a hot dryer, make fibers contract, which is called shrinking.
• Agitation: Fibers gets tighter and smaller when they are washed with rough or too much agitation, especially in machines with a high spin cycle.
• Wrong Washing: Using the wrong wash cycles or not following the directions on the care label make clothes shrink. One example is that cleaning soft clothes in hot water makes them shrink.
• Overdrying: Fabrics tend to shrink and lose their shape if they are dried in a dryer that is too hot for too long or because it is too hot inside.
• Fabric Type: Cotton and wool are two fabrics that tend to shrink more than manufactured fibers. Heat and water tend to make natural fibers shrink more easily.
• Temperature of the Water: Blowing dry clothes in hot water makes the fibers contract, which causes them to shrink, especially with natural fabrics.

Does Cold Water Shrink Clothes?

No, cold water does not shrink clothes. Cold water is better than hot water for keeping fabrics from shrinking during cleaning because it makes the fibers less likely to contract.

Can Shrunken Clothes Be Reverse?

No, shrunken clothes cannot be completely reversed. Some ways to try to stretch and return some of the original size are to soak the item in lukewarm water with conditioner or use cloth relaxers. However, these ways on how to unshirnk clothes only partially restore the item and does not fully return it to its original size.

What Are The Types Of Fabrics That Shrink Easily?

The types of fabrics that shrink easily are listed below. 

• Cotton: Cotton fibers tend to shrink, especially when they are wet or dried in hot water or air.
• Wool: Wool like wolf wool is one of the types of fabric that shrink easily because its natural fibers gets very small when they get wet or hot.
• Linen: Linen shrinks when washed in hot water or dried at high temperatures, but it generally shrinks less than cotton.
• Rayon: Rayon fibers are known to shrink, particularly when exposed to hot water or intense heat, because they are not as strong as synthetic fibers.
• Cashmere: Cashmere easily shrinks if it's not taken care of properly, especially when it's washed in hot water or rough.