It’s happened to all of us. We pull out a shirt or dress from the back of our closet that we haven’t worn in a while, and it’s just a little too small.
We try to stretch it out, but it just doesn’t seem to want to go back to its original size.
So what do you do when your clothes start shrinking? You can unshrink them with fabric softener!
In this article, we will talk about how to use fabric softener to unshrink your favorite clothes!
But first let’s talk about the basics.
Table of Contents
What Is Fabric Softener and What Are Its Benefits?
Fabric softener is a fabric conditioner that is typically used to soften clothes and towels. It can also be used to reduce static cling, wrinkles, and lint which can make fabric less likely to cling to your body.
In addition, fabric softener can help to reduce wrinkles by making fabric more resilient. The chemicals in fabric softener help to fill in the gaps between fabric fibers, making them less likely to crease or wrinkle. As a result, fabric softener can keep your clothes looking newer for longer.
Fabric softener works by coating fabric fibers with a thin layer of chemicals. These chemicals interact with the fabric to make it softer and more pliable.
Fabric softener is available in both liquid and dryer sheet form.
How to Unshrink Clothes with Fabric Softener?
It’s happened to the best of us – you wash your clothes and they come out of the dryer shrunken! But don’t despair, there is a way to unshrink them. All you need is some fabric softener or hair conditioner.
Fill your sink halfway with lukewarm water and add 1/3 cup of fabric softener or hair conditioner (You can use baby shampoo). Allow it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes while you wait. It’s possible that the garment will have to be stretched in order for it to return to its initial size.
While stretching make sure the fabric is still slightly wet. If it gets dry to quickly you can use a spray bottle to moisturize it and continue stretching the fabric.
After that simply drain the water and rinse the item in cold water after you’re done. This will work on cashmere, wool sweaters.
So there you have it, a simple way to unshrink clothes with fabric softener.
You can also watch this video tutorial below to learn more about unshrinking your clothes:
Tips for Preventing Clothes from Shrinking in The Future
One of the most frustrating experiences is pulling a favorite shirt out of the dryer only to find it has shrunk.
While it’s impossible to guarantee that your clothes will never shrink, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk.
Here are a few tips for preventing clothes from shrinking in the future:
It’s important to know how to read washing labels in order to properly care for your clothes
The fabric content label will tell you what the garment is made of and what kind of care is required.
For example, a shirt that is 100% cotton will shrink more than a shirt that is 50% cotton and 50% polyester.
Knowing these important facts and instructions, you can now take steps to prevent future shrinkage. One of the most important things to remember is to always follow the washing instructions on the garment’s label.
Wash the clothing item in cold or warm water
Most people are familiar with the problem of clothes shrinkage- it’s one of the most frustrating challenges of doing laundry. Washing your clothing in hot water can often cause fabric to contract, leading to a less than perfect fit.
To avoid this problem, always wash your clothes in cold or lukewarm water. You can also add fabric softener to the wash cycle, which will help to prevent shrinkage and keep your clothes looking and feeling their best. With a little care, you can keep your clothes looking great wash after wash.
If you must use hot water, be sure to select the delicate cycle on your washing machine. In general, it’s best to avoid using the dryer whenever possible as the high heat can cause shrinkage.
If you do need to use the dryer, opt for the lowest heat setting and remove the clothing item as soon as the cycle is complete.
Hang drying is always the best way to go
When it comes to drying your clothes, hang drying or air dry is always the best way to go. Not only does it prevents your clothes from shrinking, but it also removes excess water more effectively and protects your fabric from damage. The heat from the dryer can cause fabric to break down over time, making it more likely to tear or snag.
In addition, fabric softener can also lead to fabric breakdown. By hanging your clothes up to dry, you can help them last longer and stay in better condition.
Not only will this help avoid shrinkage, but it will also prolong the life of your clothes. If you don’t have the time or space to hang dry your clothes, be sure to select the delicate cycle on your dryer and remove the clothing item as soon as the cycle is complete.
The washing mode should be gentle and not too harsh
Make sure you wash your clothes in a gentle cycle. This will help to prevent any damage to the fabric.
When clothes are exposed to harsh washing conditions, the fabrics can contract and become misshapen.
If you want to protect your clothes and keep them looking their best, it’s important to be mindful of the washing conditions you subject them to. Harsh cycles can cause fabrics to contract and become misshapen, so it’s always best to use a gentler setting if possible.
This is especially important for delicate items like lingerie or silks. In addition, using a mild detergent and avoiding bleach will help keep your clothes looking newer for longer.
With a few simple precautions, you can keep your wardrobe in excellent condition for many years to come.
Conclusion
Shrinking clothes can be a frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can unshrink your clothes in no time. And if you want to prevent them from shrinking in the future, just remember to use fabric softener every time you wash them. Thanks for following along!
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