Do you have a shirt, sweater or pair of jeans that are too big for you? Then before spending your money on a tailor, try shrinking your clothes by doing laundry.
Steps
Some fabrics, such as wool and cotton, shrink more easily than others. For best results, follow the instructions for the type of fabric you will be working with.
Method 1 of 5: Fabric: Cotton
Step 1. Put your washing machine on a hot wash
Step 2. Wash your clothes on a long cycle
Step 3. Take out the clothes immediately after washing
Air dry.
Step 4. Set your dryer to its maximum temperature
Step 5. Dry your clothes until dry
Method 2 of 5: Fabric: Denim
Step 1. Set the temperature of your washing machine to a cold wash
Step 2. Choose a long wash cycle for your denim
Step 3. Set the dryer to the lower temperature
This means that the jeans will be more in a warm place where shrinkage occurs.
Step 4. Leave the jeans in the dryer until they are completely dry
Method 3 of 5: Fabric: Wool
Step 1. Set the temperature on your hot wash machine
Step 2. Wash your clothes on a normal cycle
Step 3. Set the dryer to medium temperature
Step 4. Run the dryer for several cycles to achieve the desired size
Method 4 of 5: Fabric: Synthetics
Step 1. Set the temperature on your washing machine for cold washing
Step 2. Wash synthetic clothing on a normal cycle
Step 3. Set the dryer to a high temperature
Step 4. Dry your clothes until they are completely dry
Method 5 of 5: Fabric: Silk
Step 1. Use a mesh to protect clothes in top-loading washing machines
Step 2. Set the temperature of the washing machine to heat
Step 3. Wash your clothes on the shortest cycle
Step 4. Wrap the garment in a towel to remove excess moisture
Do not twist the garments as this may damage the fabric.
Step 5. Hang the clothes up and let them dry completely
Step 6. Set the dryer to medium temperature
Step 7. Put the clothes in the dryer for about 5 minutes to get the desired shrinkage
Advice
- On long drying cycles, check the garment periodically to make sure the garment is not shrinking unnecessarily.
- If you did not achieve the desired shrinkage result on the first cycle, repeat the process again. Some fabrics, such as synthetics, require more wash cycles to shrink.
- Ironing damp cotton between washing and drying on a hot steam system significantly compresses.
Warnings
- If the cotton fabric has been pre-shrunk, it will shrink in the wash.
- Do not leave silk to dry in the sun, as this can damage the fabric and discolor.
- Never try to shrink leather or fur with a washing machine. Moisture and heat can seriously damage clothing.