Wearing clean clothes makes you feel good and comfortable, but they sometimes shrink after washing and drying cycles. It happens due to the repeated tumbling and agitation within the dryer, which disrupts the fabric fibers. And let’s be honest, not heeding those “Do not tumble dry” instructions doesn’t help either.
So, how can you avoid it? The answer is easy: professional cleaning! Laundromats employ higher-grade machines with smooth temperature controls and gentler dry cycles to keep your clothes looking brand new. Say goodbye to those dreaded unwanted crop tops!
Why Do Clothes Shrink When Washing and Drying?
Shrinking clothes can be caused by several factors, with heat and agitation being the most significant. When clothes are subjected to high temperatures or constant agitation during washing, the fibers shrink in size. Here are some main reasons why clothes shrink:
- Heat Exposure: Washing or drying clothes in too much heat tightens the fibers and results in shrinkage. Hot water and high heat levels in dryers are the usual culprits!
- Agitation of Washing Machine: Excessive and intense agitation in the washing machine can stress cloth fibers, leading to their contraction. Avoiding strong washing cycles can reduce this risk.
- Fabric Type: Not every fabric reacts the same way when washing and drying. Natural fabrics like cotton are more likely to shrink, and synthetic ones might be more difficult. Knowing your fabric types helps you embrace proper care practices.
- Overuse of Dryers: Overusing a dryer without considering the fabric’s heat resistance is a common cause of shrinkage. Air drying or drying at lower temperatures could be a safer alternative for reduced shrinkage.
Effective Ways to Avoid Shrinking Clothes
Maintaining the size and integrity of your clothes requires considerate laundry care. If you’re using a laundromat, you’ll benefit from commercial-grade machines with precise settings that help minimize shrinkage. With the reasons for clothes shrinking in mind, let’s go over six doable tips that will assist you in protecting your wardrobe.
1. Sort Clothes by Fabric Type
Sorting your laundry before washing is a basic process for maintaining its quality. Various fabrics have different care needs, and washing them together can result in undesirable outcomes. For example, washing a delicate silk top with heavier cotton may damage the silk fibers. To prevent such problems, set aside some time to sort your laundry into groups according to fabric types.
2. Use Cold Water to Wash
The water temperature you use while washing also plays a crucial role in preventing shrinkage. Choosing cold water is especially good for protecting your clothes. Hot water tends to shrink some types of materials, and as a result, your clothes shrink.
Besides avoiding this unwelcome effect, utilizing cold or warm water has other advantages, too. It saves energy, making you lower your environmental footprint and bills. Simply making this minor change to your laundry process can go a long way toward garment durability and sustainability.
3. Gentle Detergents and Softeners
Using laundry detergent and fabric softener greatly determines the life of your clothing. Harsh chemicals in certain detergents have the potential to break down the fibers of fabric with time, making the clothes shrink. To avoid shrinking clothes, use small amounts of laundry detergent and softener when washing to safeguard the integrity of your clothes.
For the best care, laundromats offer gentler wash cycles and expert recommendations on fabric handling to ensure your clothes last longer. The store staff can also advise you on the best washing practices to avoid common shrinkage mistakes and keep your wardrobe looking its best.
4. Air Dry or Tumble Dry Low
Drying techniques are important to avoid clothes shrinking. Air drying, particularly for delicate clothes, is a gentle method to dry and prevent shrinkage. If you use a dryer, ensure you put it on a low-heat setting drying instructions. In addition, excessive heat causes contraction of the fabric, which can result in shrinkage.
5. Turn Clothes Inside Out
It is important to mention the appearance of your garments. Turning garments inside out before washing and drying is an easy but efficient measure. This habit shields the outside surface from external contact with other objects, preventing damage caused by friction. Turning garments inside out also maintains colors and prints, keeping your clothes bright and beautiful for longer.
Read More: How to Keep Your Clothes Fresh Between Laundry Days
6. Use Laundromats
Laundromats provide high-end machines with adjustable settings that avoid fabric shrinkage. Using gentler wash cycles, controlled drying, and professional advice, they are better at preserving your clothing than home appliances. Commercial washers in laundromats also process clothing more effectively with less unnecessary agitation.
Conclusion
Shrinking clothes can be annoying, but with proper laundry practices, you can keep your favorite clothes looking and fitting. From sorting clothes correctly to washing in cold water and mild detergents, making a few adjustments can make a huge difference.
For an even more effective solution, get professional services from a laundromat. With upgraded machines, precise controls, and professional skill, laundromats avoid shrinkage and wear of clothes. Whether you want a quick wash or a complete laundry service, they keep your clothes fresh and clean.
