Thanks to modern technology, everyday tasks like washing laundry have become very easy.Funnily enough, even though the work itself has decreased, technological advancements come with other complications. For example, some clothing often shrinks after being mechanically washed, especially clothes made from wool fibers.To know how your piece of clothing shrinks and stretches, it’s important to understand the reasons why fabrics react differently to heat. Various heat settings can affect all kinds of fibers like cotton, wool, silk, and woven materials. Fabric shrinkage is related to the natural fibers of a cloth, which react in certain ways when exposed to water. Garments made of cotton or wool are more likely to shrink after completing an entire wash cycle, including air drying. Laundry has become an everyday task, something that is often done weekly. With the advent of washing machines and clothes dryers, the process may leave an unpleasant shrink or stretch that affects your favorite shirt, pants, or other garments.There are several methods by which synthetic or natural fibers shrink or become stretched out. Shrinking clothes is not a new phenomenon. There are three main ways in which your garments shrink when fresh out of the dryer. These are felting shrinkage, relax shrinkage, and consolidation shrinkage. Any kind of unwanted alteration to clothing would probably irritate just about any person, so knowing how to prevent shrinking is valuable information. This article will address how various heat settings can trigger agitation and tension in different clothing fabrics, like those made of polymer or wool.If you are enjoying this article, why not also read about why do my clothes smell after washing, and why do things float here on Kidadl?What causes certain materials to shrink when washed?There are a lot of reasons as to why certain fibers shrink more in water. Some are prone to shrinking because of the role temperature plays in the process.The simple answer involves basic principles regarding fibers, heat temperature, and agitation. Hot water can play a measured role in the stretching of a shirt or the shrinkage of a favorite wool sweater. Some fibers are more prone to it, like cotton, linen, or other synthetic fibers. When washing these fabrics in hot water, their fibers are pulled, so they tend to stretch under stress. This causes tension that affects the entire material of the garment. Once the washer and dryer process is complete, the fibers of materials like wool and cotton tend to relax. This returns the garment to its original shape, almost like an attempt to return to its natural state. Because a wool garment is made of animal hair, the fibers will remain microscopically twisted. This occurs for other animal-sourced fibers as well. The material fibers tighten together and completely change their form and shape. Such hot water wash cycles will not only cause your clothes to shrink, they can also convert the entire material into very rough, itchy clothing, which is no longer fit to wear.Helpful shopping tips can you time and money. Make sure to look for the right kind of garment and fabric blend, because doing so can keep you from encountering unnecessary stress. Fabrics labeled as ‘pre-shrunk’ will not become unusually stretched or shrunken after washing. Shrinkage is more likely to happen with clothing that is made of cotton or other fibers such as wool; natural fibers are prone to stretching and lose structural integrity after being process in both the washer and dryer.Do clothes shrink in the washer or dryer?The simple way to answer this question is, ‘yes.’ Clothes will shrink in both of these situations. Cotton fabric exposed to hot washing water and high dryer heat settings can break down fiber scales. Those high temperatures will cause the clothing to shrink.The same thing can happen when you put your woven clothes in hot water. Any washing cycle with heat settings can cause your clothing to shrink. However, there are some clothes that will shrink more on a heavy-duty heat wash cycle than others. Your cotton shirt or woven sweater can easily lose its fiber scales and shrink down in such cycles. It’s important to wear fabrics with appropriate labels, such as ‘pre-shrunk.’ That way, you won’t have to worry about possible shrinkage.How do you prevent clothes from shrinking?There is a simple and easy way to keep your clothes from shrinking without sacrificing a good wash. There is no need to worry about damaging the fabric!Using cold water and low heat or air dry settings can give your clothing some extra life, without risking damage to their natural shape and size. Isn’t it surprising that heat and agitation can wear your garments away? Using the right temperature can keep your favorite sweater, shirt, and socks from losing fiber scales.Can you un-shrink clothes?The best way to prevent your fabric or your cotton dress from losing its shape is by using cold water for every wash. However, if you are trying to revert clothes that have already shrunk, there are some possible solutions that may help. These are some ways to revive your clothes; however, following your garments’ specific washing and drying instructions can save you a lot of trouble.Using a dry flat towel, place your clothing inside it and stretch your clothes back with the towel to help them return to their natural size. You may be able to un-shrink a garment by squeezing the water from the fabric and hanging it to air dry. Then, wait for the clothing to return to its original size.If you are not sure about how your newly purchased clothing will react to water, it’s best to experiment with it, using a cold rinse before washing it in the machine. Make sure to let it air dry afterwards.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for why do clothes shrink, then why not take a look at why do the clocks go back, or why do my eyes change color?
Thanks to modern technology, everyday tasks like washing laundry have become very easy.
