3 Ways to Shrink Clothes

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3 Ways to Shrink Clothes
3 Ways to Shrink Clothes

Video: 3 Ways to Shrink Clothes

Video: 3 Ways to Shrink Clothes
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Shrinking large clothes at home can be tricky, as each garment shrinks differently. In addition, it is important to take precautions to avoid damaging or shrinking them too much. However, sometimes the best option is to discard the clothes that no longer fit and buy new ones.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Shrinking New Clothes

Shrink Clothes Step 1
Shrink Clothes Step 1

Step 1. Read clothing labels

Different fibers, such as wool and cotton, shrink in different ways, so you must first determine the material of the garment before washing it. Wool, for example, is a delicate material and very susceptible to shrinkage in the dryer. Cotton, on the other hand, is stronger and will shrink in the dryer set at a higher temperature. Silk generally shrinks about 8% to 10% on washing.

Make sure the laundry is pre-washed. New clothes usually shrink on the first wash. However, pre-laundered clothes tend to stay the same size and may need to be refurbished

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Step 2. Wash clothes in hot water

This can be done manually or in the washing machine.

  • Boil a pot of water if you decide to wash your clothes by hand. Then place it in the water and let it boil for several minutes before removing the pan from the heat.
  • Do not use fabric softener.
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Step 3. Put the laundry in the dryer

For items made from cotton, set the dryer on high and check it periodically to see if the laundry has reached the desired size. When this happens, remove the piece from the dryer and set it to air dry to prevent it from shrinking further.

  • Leave the laundry in the dryer longer if you want to shrink it further.
  • Wool and polyester clothing should dry at medium temperature until completely dry.
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Step 4. Try on the garment to determine if it has reached the desired size

One advantage of fixing the size of clothes is the possibility of shrinking them more or making them wider if they are too tight.

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Step 5. Repeat the process until you reach the desired size

Note that the piece will shrink more during the first wash. If you want to make it even smaller, consider renovating it.

Method 2 of 3: Shrinking the pre-washed clothes

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Step 1. Wash clothes in hot water

Avoid using any type of fabric softener or other product that can slow down the shrinking process.

Regardless of whether the garment is pre-shrunk, that doesn't mean it can't be shrunk further

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Step 2. Dry at high temperature

Select the longest cycle available on the dryer for the highest level of shrinkage. However, be careful not to overdo it and end up damaging laundry in very hot dryers.

  • Dry cotton clothes on a high temperature.
  • Dry wool or polyester clothing at medium temperature.
Shrink Clothes Step 8
Shrink Clothes Step 8

Step 3. Try reshaping the part

Since pre-washed or pre-shrunk clothes usually don't change size and shape, you may need to redo.

When possible, it is preferable to reform the piece rather than shrink it, especially if you want to shorten the length without reducing the width. Also, don't forget that fabric quality can be damaged using the washer and dryer

Method 3 of 3: Preventing Clothes from Getting Loose

Shrink Clothes Step 9
Shrink Clothes Step 9

Step 1. Avoid extending the piece to dry it

Using a clothesline for this purpose will likely stretch the fabric. To avoid this, go to a laundry and dry your clothes well. However, this can ruin your intention to shrink the garment if it has previously been washed using high heat.

Shrink Clothes Step 10
Shrink Clothes Step 10

Step 2. Do not hang wool sweaters

Any thick wool-based fabric, such as coats, should not be hung in the closet. In this way, this type of material stretches easily because of the weight.

Shrink Clothes Step 11
Shrink Clothes Step 11

Step 3. Use a dry cleaning product when recommended

Even though some people think they can shrink clothes on their own, their elasticity can be damaged when drying at home. Furthermore, the elasticity should not change with domestic drying techniques.

Dry cleaning to increase the longevity and size of certain delicate garments and garments

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Step 4. Close buttons and zippers before washing

If you leave them loose, the laundry can get caught during the wash, which can loosen it. Prevent this from happening by paying attention to the condition of the clothes before putting them to be washed.

Tips

  • Cotton shrinks very quickly on the first wash, so periodically check cotton garments as they dry so they don't get too small.
  • Do not put leather or fur in the washing machine or dryer. To shrink these types of pieces, the best bet is to reform them.
  • Always read labels on clothing for washing instructions.

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