How To Prevent Clothes From Shrinking And Stretching In The Wash

Did you give away your favorite t-shirt to your friend or sister?

Is every washing cycle a disheartening experience?

Here are a few tips to prevent your clothes from shrinking or stretching.

Reduce Washing Cycle

Limiting the amount of time your clothes spend in the washer and dryer can considerably prevent shrinkage and stretching. An easy approach to this method is to avoid spoiling your clothes, keep them clean and don’t repeat the same clothes for 2 consecutive days. Ventilate your worn clothes before hanging them in the closet. Moreover, wear an undershirt to prevent sweat stains on your clothes. This way you can repeat the same clothes without needing a wash every other day.

Follow The Instruction On The Care Label

Manufacturers recommend the ideal way of washing garments through the care label— read and follow it religiously. A care label will specify the garment’s requirement, dry clean services, type of wash cycle, water temperature, bleaching, colorfastness, and etc. Pay attention to these small details and if a label asks you to send a garment to dry cleaning, then avoid washing them at home.

Cold Wash

Shrinkage follows no exact science, but the chances of clothes shrinking in cold water are considerably low. The fabric relaxes in hot water and losses its original shape as it starts to dry, therefore, cold water is always a good option. If you are concerned about the quality of cleaning, then add a little extra detergent in your wash.

Air-Dry Only

Air-drying reduces the chances of shrinkage. Keep in mind, when air-drying heavy clothes avoid hanging them, as water weight may stretch the fabric. You can wrap it in a towel to absorb additional water, and let it dry on a flat surface.

Hand washing

Hand washing is gentler on your clothes and can target specific areas effectively. As hand washing can be a burdensome task, you can avail the hand wash services of any dry cleaning services in Washington to save your clothes from shrinking.

Type Of Washing Machine

Washing machines without the center agitator like, top or front loading washers are less harmful on the fabric and reduce the chances of shrinkage. Agitator can stretch and damage your clothes during the washing cycle, so opt for better washing machines.

Apart from all these washing tips, avoid wearing the same clothes for long period as this creates tension in the fabric causing it to stretch. You can avoid stretching and shrinking of your clothes by availing Imperial Valet’s expert dry cleaning, wash and fold, and laundry pick and drop services. If you are at a stretch with your clothes, call (202) 785-1444, we also provide professional dry cleaning in DC.