Doing laundry might seem like the easiest thing to do, but in truth, a lot of things can go wrong and cost you your favorite clothing. There are many instances when you put clothing inside the washing machine and when the washing is complete you find out it has diminished by 2-3 sizes. Shrinking is a big laundry problem that has haunted people for many years now. But, what you don’t know is that this mistake can be fixed through some simple changes in the washing habits as well as staying aware of the factors that contribute to the shrinking of clothes. So, let us talk about these issues today.
Why do clothes shrink in the washing machine?
Most people remain unaware of the factors that contribute to the shrinking of clothes. There are several reasons for this, and they include – excess moisture, heat and fiber content. Let us take a look at each of these.
- Fiber Content: There are certain natural fibers, such as cotton and wool that have a higher affinity towards shrinking. Woolen fibers are covered with scales and once these scales come in contact with heat or moisture they mesh together. And this causes shrinking. Additionally, cotton and woolen fibers can soak in a lot of excess water and this can contribute towards shrinking.
- Excess of Moisture: Many natural fibers such as silk, linen, and cotton are affected by a condition known as relaxation shrinkage. Such a condition occurs when your clothes with such absorbent fibers are exposed water, whereby the fibers swell and the overall size of your garment decreases.
- Heat Absorption: There are certain fibers that are tightly woven and stretched out during their manufacturing process. When exposed to hot water the tension in the fibers is released causing consolidated shrinkage. In such a condition the clothes return back to their normal, smaller and shorter shapes.
Tips to stop shrinking of clothes
We understand that it is easy to accidentally shrink your clothes during laundry. However, you can stop this blunder from happening by following some simple tips. So, keep the following in mind before you put your clothes in a washing machine:
- Check the Labels: Each garment carries two critical pieces of information: care instructions and fiber type. You should pay close attention to the labels before washing clothes. This small step ensures proper care and prevents stretching. The manufacturer also provides specific washing information for the garment such as dry cleaning, hand washing, and line drying.
- Maintain the right water temperature: Water that is too hot can relax the tension in fibers, causing shrinkage. Certain fabrics such as wool and cotton should be invariably washed in cold water. Some clothing with this type of fabric is “pre-shrunk” and is less likely to shrink when washed with cold water.
- Do not over-dry: There are some clothes that should not be dried inside the washing machine, as they are meant for air drying. Additionally, you should avoid running your clothes through more than one drying cycle, to minimize the chances of shrinking.
It is also essential to choose a detergent powder that is not too harsh on the fiber of your clothes. Safed detergent powder is the right choice in this regard.