How to Wash Clothes Without Shrinking Them

Ever pulled your favorite sweater or shirt out of the dryer, only to realize it’s now two sizes too small? Shrinking is one of the biggest laundry disasters, but it’s totally preventable if you know the right washing methods! And if the damage is already done—don’t panic! There’s a chance we can help unshrink your clothes.

Why Do Clothes Shrink?

👚 High Heat in the Washer or Dryer – Heat tightens fabric fibers, especially cotton and wool.
👖 Agitation in the Wash Cycle – Rough spinning and tumbling cause fibers to contract.
🧥 Not Checking the Fabric Label – Some materials must be air-dried or hand-washed to avoid shrinkage.

How to Prevent Clothes from Shrinking

✔️ Wash in Cold Water – Hot water is the #1 cause of shrinkage. Always use cold water for delicate fabrics.
✔️ Use the Gentle Cycle – Less agitation = less shrinkage.
✔️ Air Dry or Use Low Heat – Instead of tossing clothes in a hot dryer, lay them flat to dry or use the lowest heat setting.
✔️ Read the Fabric Label! – If it says “hand wash only” or “dry clean only”, don’t risk it!

How to Unshrink Clothes (Yes, It’s Possible!)

If your favorite sweater or shirt has already shrunk, try this simple trick before giving up:

1️⃣ Fill a sink or tub with lukewarm water (not hot!) and add a few tablespoons of hair conditioner or baby shampoo.
2️⃣ Let the garment soak for 15-20 minutes—this helps loosen the fibers.
3️⃣ Gently stretch the fabric back to its original size while still damp.
4️⃣ Lay it flat on a towel and reshape it as it dries.

💡 Pro Tip: Some fabrics, like wool and cotton, are more likely to stretch back than synthetics like polyester.

Still Need Help? Bring It to Us!

If you’ve accidentally shrunk a favorite item, bring it to our laundromat, and we’ll take a look! We might be able to gently restore it using professional techniques.

Stop by today—we’re happy to help with laundry mishaps, stain removal, and more! 😊