Even the most skilled laundry enthusiasts occasionally make mistakes in cleaning, such as dealing with bleach spots and pink laundry mishaps. However, the most frequent laundry error may be inadvertently shrinking our beloved cotton garments. Shrunken clothing is a common issue, and it’s left us with countless misshapen t-shirts. Thankfully, there’s still hope when accidental heat damage has occurred.
Fabric specialist Suzanne Holmes from Cotton Incorporated explains that cotton, being a natural and breathable fiber, can shrink when exposed to heat.
Should you end up with a shirt that’s too small, soak the damaged piece thoroughly in water. Holmes advises gently stretching the damp shirt on a flat surface or a drying rack to reach the preferred size. “Secure the shirt in position using household items like heavy jars or cans,” Holmes recommends. Be cautious during this process, as excessive pulling can distort the garment’s shape. Once the shirt has reached the desired size, allow it to air dry.
If your favorite white T-shirts and other garments continue to shrink with each wash, Holmes suggests removing cotton items from the dryer while they’re still moist and air-drying them the remainder of the way. This not only preserves the quality of your clothing but also helps conserve energy.
The most crucial laundry tip we can all benefit from is to always check a clothing item’s label before washing it. “When shopping for clothes, choose quality cotton pieces that fit well,” Holmes advises. “And make sure to read and follow the care instructions meticulously to keep your cotton items looking newer for longer.”
