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Have your clothes shrunk after washing? Do not rush to get rid of them, they can still return to their original form. This happens due to non-compliance with the temperature regime.
How to wash and iron each item is indicated on the clothing label. But if you thoughtlessly throw mixed laundry into the drum and start the main mode, sooner or later the problem of a shrunken sweater or jacket will affect you. What to do in this case, read below.
Why do things shrink after washing
If the clothes have decreased after washing, this happened for a reason, but for certain reasons:
- Spin speed set too high. For example, delicate and woolen fabrics should not be subjected to strong spinning, as they lose their shape.
- The inattention of the user to the advice of the clothing manufacturer leads to an incorrect setting of the water temperature. Consequently, a dress or jeans shrink, decreasing in size.
As a result of exposure to high temperatures, the fabric loses its properties. Therefore, it is important to know which tissues shrink the most. These include silk products.
If you don’t know how much shrinks and whether the clothes shrink at all (if there is no label on it), then choose a washing program with a low temperature.
Cotton and wool products can also shrink after washing in a machine, but if you choose the wrong mode, they can become several sizes smaller.
Many, especially natural fabrics, such as knitwear, coarse calico, viscose, polyester, acrylic, cashmere, linen, are subject to shrinkage.
How to restore shrunken things
What to do if the clothes have sat down, and how to return them to their original form, worries most of those who have encountered a problem. There are several different options for how to return the previous size to clothes. It all depends on the type of fabric.
How to stretch cotton
Shirts, T-shirts, cotton curtains shrink due to inappropriate washing and drying temperatures. But, fortunately, linen can be restored. Proceed in sequence:
- Fill the basin with lukewarm water. After collecting 10 liters of water, add 3 tablespoons of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Soak laundry for 30 minutes. You can also take a sponge and wipe the surface of the fabric for some time, contributing to better stretching.
- Lay a towel on a flat surface and place the laundry on it. Start manually stretching the clothes in problem areas. Leave it to dry like this.
- There is another option when, after getting wet, the clothes are sent to the wash at a low temperature. After that, drying is switched on for 30 minutes. Thus, you can wash the thing so that it stretches.
How to reshape woolen clothes
Sweaters, dresses, wool coats – all this underwear has the property of shrinkage if the wrong washing mode is chosen. Also, poor-quality, hard powder affects the fabric. Modern machines have programs for washing wool, where the spin is set to the minimum.
Can wool clothes be restored? It is possible, following our recommendations.
1 method. Add shampoo or conditioner to a bowl of warm water. Soak a wool sweater in there for 30 minutes. After a thorough rinse in cool water, lay the item on a flat surface and stretch.
2 method. In a container of water (5 liters), pour 3 tablespoons of ammonia and 1 tablespoon of vodka with turpentine. Leave the item to soak for an hour.
3 method. After getting wet in warm water, the clothes are wrapped in a towel. After the coat or jumper gives up moisture, it is hung upright until completely dry.
You can use a mannequin or a flat surface to dry wool clothes. Start stretching the fabric from above, gradually moving down so that the thing does not deform.
Rescue knitwear
Knitted trousers, shorts, T-shirt can also be restored.
Option 1. Dip the jacket in warm water for 15 minutes, then load it into the washer and turn on the spin cycle. Drying should take place in a vertical position with further ironing.
Option 2. Soak the item in warm water for 30 minutes. Lay on a towel, which is then rolled up. Leave the folded roll for 20-30 minutes. After taking out the clothes, iron with an iron until completely dry.
Pull clothes out of viscose
Practical and comfortable viscose is used for sewing blouses, dresses, coats. The method of its restoration is similar to knitwear. You can also use the steam function on the iron, stretching the laundry in the right places. You can dry clothes on a mannequin or on yourself, so clothes retain their shape better.
Reanimate a polyester jacket
Outerwear is often made from this fabric. If she suddenly sits down, stretching the wet thing on a towel or steaming with an iron will help to correct the situation.
We warn the problem
To avoid problems with loss of shape, you need to follow simple rules:
- Always pay attention to badges and labels on clothing. You can try to return the form to things, but this does not always work out. Clothing may be deformed.
- There is a special mode for washing delicate (satin, silk) and woolen products. Or use a manual program.
- The water temperature should not exceed 30-40 degrees.
- Spin should be absent or at the minimum mark.
- Use products for the specific type of fabric.
Follow some simple rules, and you will not have to worry about the appearance and size of your clothes.