Shrinking clothes by washing is an effective method of reducing their size. If you have a slightly larger garment, try washing it to fit your size before taking it to a tailor. Whether it's a shirt, a sweater or a pair of jeans, you can successfully shrink the garment to the size you want without having to pay to get it fixed.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cotton, Denim or Synthetic Fabrics
Step 1. Adjust the washing machine temperature by selecting a very hot wash cycle
During the knitting process, the fabric is constantly stretched and stretched. When subjected to heat, its fibers release this tension shortening the fabric / yarn. Applying heat is the most effective method of shrinking almost any type of fabric.
Step 2. Wash the garment on the longest possible program
Heat is even more effective when combined with movement and humidity. The joint action of the three elements reduces the "tension" of the fibers in fabrics such as cotton, denim and some polyester elements, giving a new shape to the garment. The longer the garment is treated, the more likely it is to shrink.
Remove the garment from the washing machine after washing. Do not let it air dry as the fibers will cool down very quickly, complicating the shrinking process
Step 3. Put the garment in the dryer and set it to a high temperature cycle
Heat is exactly what allows cotton, denim and polyester to contract. Hot air acts on the fabric just like hot water did when washing.
- Choose the longest cycle available. The movements of the appliance's centrifuge (such as the rotation of the drum) can facilitate the shrinkage of the fabric. The fibers that receive heat and undergo movement shrink.
- Leave the fabric in the dryer until the cycle is finished. If you dry it in the open air, it cools down too quickly and, in the case of a denim garment, it could stretch even more.
Step 4. If the garment has not shrunk as you wish and is made of polyester, then repeat the wash and dry cycle
It is a synthetic fiber and is more difficult to shrink than other fabrics; it is more durable and you may even do several cycles without getting results.
Method 2 of 3: Wool Fabrics
Wash the garment on a short, gentle wash cycle. Wool is a particularly delicate fabric and must be treated with caution. These are fibers of animal origin, made up of hundreds of tiny flakes that compact when exposed to heat, water or shaken. The consequence of this reaction is the shrinkage of the fabric. This process is called felting. Wool is very sensitive to heat and movement, so a short cycle is your best bet.
Step 1. Put the dress in the dryer on a low setting
To shrink wool, the movement caused by the basket is as important as the temperature. The rotation of the basket of the appliance causes the scales to rub against each other, facilitating the shrinkage of the fabric. The wool shrinks very quickly, so it is better to set a temperature that is not too high.
Step 2. Check the garment from time to time during the drying process to make sure it shrinks evenly
Since wool is very susceptible to heat and mechanical action, it is quite easy for it to shrink excessively. If you find that the garment has shrunk more than necessary, immediately soak it in cold water for about thirty minutes and then wrap it in a cloth to dry.
Method 3 of 3: Silk fabrics
Step 1. Use a mesh bag to protect the silk if you have a top loading washing machine
This model of washing machine that opens from above, unlike the one with the front door, performs a more aggressive spin action and can damage fabrics. For this it is important to protect the delicate garment with the retina.
Step 2. Wash the garment on a short, gentle cycle
Most washing machines have this "gentle" cycle at low temperatures, which is ideal for silk. Low temperatures stiffen the weave of the fabric, consequently shrinking the fibers.
- Use a mild detergent. Absolutely avoid products containing bleach as they spoil the material.
- Check the fabric periodically. You can decide to remove it from the washing machine halfway through the wash cycle.
Step 3. Wrap it in a towel for a few minutes
By doing this you eliminate the excess water; do not squeeze it, however, otherwise it will damage the fibers.
Step 4. Air dry the silk
Unlike other fabrics, silk holds its shape and does not stretch. You can hang it in the open air without it getting damaged. Do not expose it to direct sunlight, as it could discolour; also avoid hanging it on a wooden drying rack, as this material could leave stains. Wait for it to dry almost completely and then you can consider completing the process with the help of a hair dryer.
- Put the garment in the dryer for five minutes at a time. Some models have a specific program for drying silk. If your appliance doesn't provide it, set a low temperature cycle.
- Check the fabric often to make sure it doesn't get damaged. You can decide to set a timer to make sure you don't keep it in the dryer for too long. When the garment has reached the size you want, remove it from the appliance.
Advice
- When setting up very long drying cycles, check the garment frequently to make sure it doesn't shrink too much.
- If on the first attempt you are unable to reduce the size of the dress as much as you would like, repeat the whole process. Some fabrics such as polyester need several treatments to noticeably shorten.
- To shrink the cotton even more, you can iron it while still damp with a hot iron, before putting it in the dryer.
Warnings
- Don't try to shrink your jeans by wearing them while taking a bath. This is not as effective as a high temperature wash and dryer cycle; moreover, it is a very inconvenient procedure.
- If you tumble dry your jeans on a cycle at temperatures higher than 37 ° C, you may damage any patches and leather labels.
- Never try to make leather or fur items smaller by washing them in the washing machine. Moisture and heat severely damage these materials.
