Sometimes it's hard to find clothes that are comfortable, make you look cool, and at the same time fit your body. So, when you have such a shirt, you definitely want to keep the size unchanged. By following proper washing and drying techniques and understanding what to do when your clothes shrivel up accidentally, you can keep your clothes looking new and fitting.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Washing Clothes Properly
Step 1. Wash the clothes in cold water so they don't shrivel
Set the washing machine temperature to “cold” or “cold”. Many detergents are made specifically for washing in cold water. So, washing clothes using cold water will still make clothes clean.
As a bonus, washing in cold water requires less energy and can therefore reduce electricity bills
Step 2. Use the “soft” or “delicate” feature to maintain the size and shape of the clothes
This feature uses low agitation (less movement and kneading) and a slower, shorter cycle of draining the water so that the garment remains the same shape and size as when you bought it.
Sometimes these cycles automatically use warm water. Use the controls on your machine to change that setting to a cold wash
Step 3. Hand wash cotton, linen, and silk to prevent them from shriveling
You only need laundry detergent and water. This process does take time and effort, but hand washing is the best option to prevent the clothes from shriveling and keeping their shape.
Step 4. Take wool and cashmere clothes to the dry cleaners
The label on the garment will provide information about the type of fabric. If your clothes are made of cashmere or wool, even if it's just a little, it's best to take your clothes to a dry cleaner for proper care.
Any stirring motion can cause animal-based ingredients to shrivel. So it's better to pay a professional laundromat to take care of these clothes
Method 2 of 3: Drying Clothes Carefully
Step 1. Use the lowest heat setting on the dryer
The less heat you use, the less shrinkage. If you forget to change this setting and your engine temperature is medium or high, chances are your clothes will shrivel.
Some dryers even have an air drying option. This feature uses no heat at all and dries clothes with just a motion. However, this choice takes a long time. So, make sure you use this option if the laundry is small
Step 2. Remove the clothes from the dryer while they are still damp
Drying clothes in the dryer for 15-20 minutes helps speed up the drying process. However, it's a good idea to take your clothes out while they're still damp to prevent them from drying out too much and shriveling up.
Hang clothes on a drying rack or lay them on a flat surface until they are completely dry
Step 3. Dry the clothes naturally
After washing, hang the clothes on a wand or drying rack indoors or on an outdoor clothesline. This method is energy efficient and will ensure that your clothes won't shrivel up when they dry.
- This is a good choice if you wash several sensitive clothes at once and/or don't have enough flat space to put the clothes.
- If you are drying clothes outdoors, make sure not to hang the wool in direct sunlight to prevent it from wrinkling. Do not hang clothes outside when the wind is strong or there is a storm to prevent the clothes from spreading or getting damaged.
Method 3 of 3: Following Good Laundry Practices
Step 1. Follow the washing instructions on the clothing label
These washing and drying instructions are specifically made for the material of your garment. These instructions will help you care for your clothes properly.
Step 2. Sort clothes by type of material before washing
If using a washing machine, after sorting by color, separate cotton, linen, and silk. This will cut time. It is easier to sort through clothes that are at risk of shriveling when the clothes are dry than after they are wet.
One trick you can do is to use a different laundry basket for sensitive clothes. This way, the clothes are already separated when you are going to wash
Step 3. Remove the laundry from the dryer as soon as the process is complete
This will reduce the initial wrinkles so you don't have to iron or use the permanent press cycle in the dryer, which can cause your clothes to shrivel even more.
