When you find that your clothes are shrinking within the washing machine, it is such an annoying moment. Because the merchandise that you use can be expensive and required for an important occasion. And when you find that the clothes are shrinking from the wash cycle, you will often be confused with the number of reasons that can be the cause. Here we get you the complete guide for why clothes shrink inside the washing machine.
Getting your clothes shrunk in the washing machine is one of the commonly found issues by consumers across the globe. We know the feeling when your favourite cloth gets shrunk and you are unable to wear it. There are scenarios where consumers are having a hard time putting their favourite clothes in the washing machine. As they are fearing for its safety and perform the hand wash instead.
But you need not worry when you follow this guide as it helps to prevent any future mishappening. We got you covered in terms of why washing machines shrink clothes and the tips for avoiding this accident.
Why do clothes shrink inside the washing machine?
As mentioned above, there can be many reasons for your clothes getting shrink inside the washing machine. It can be the type of merchandise, a detergent that you use, wash cycle, and many other factors. Below are some of the major shrinking factors that you can explore and relate to the same scenario.
1. Check the type of merchandise
The first thing that you need to perform before analyzing why clothes shrink inside the washing machine is to check the type of fabric you put. Because some clothes do not require washing machine use, they need to be instead dry cleaned or washed using the manual method.
You can find the information tag within the merchandise in which they have clearly mentioned. Depending upon the type of cloth, the informational tag location is changed across. You can also check the invoice that you have purchased in which they might have given the precautions.
2. Check the temperature of the water
The temperature of the water needs to be ascertained when you put your clothes inside the washing machine. Because sometimes the clothes are not compatible with the temperature of the water that you use for the washing machine. It can be hot water or cold water, depending on the clothes precaution label, you need to take the respective step.
The special kind of fabric that needs to be taken care of is the woollen type. Because they are highly prone to get shrunk depending on the temperature of water you use.
Learn: Why Washing Machine Makes Sound While Spinning?
3. By not using the correct wash cycle
The technology of the washing machine is hard to decode sometimes. Because the cloth that you insert and the type of functions that you execute will not be feasible with each other. This is the reason the type of wash cycle influences heavily on getting your clothes shrunk.
The other cause can be the type of clothes that you put inside the machine. If you are using a woollen or cotton cloth, the washing machine has its own specific functions to clean it. You need to read the owner’s manual, if you do not find it, check it online based on the model number. It helps in choosing the right wash cycle for your clothes.
4. By stuffing the clothes inside the machine
When you stuff the clothes within the washing machine, the water cycle sometimes can’t differentiate the clothes. This will lead to getting your clothes overlapped and tangled with each other which often leads to shrinking. This is one of the most common causes found by washing machine use.
Before you load your washing machine, ensure that every cloth has been properly separated. Check whether the clothes are free from any tangles. This is the best way to declutter the space and allow the washing machine to perform at its best.
5. Due to the presence of moisture or heat
The moisture and heat can also be a cause for your clothes getting shrink. Because even the temperature conditions associated with the merchandise can lead to shrinkage. As some of the fabric materials are sensitive to the conditions, these instances are dependent on the material type and quality.
You need to check the type of material that the clothes are manufactured in. Note that the tightly knitted woven materials are always prone to this issue. It is also based on the shape and size of merchandise that can react with the moisture or heat from the washing machine.
Learn: Why Washing Machine Smells?
6. Using extensive drying feature
The drying feature that you use to dry out your clothes from the washing machine can also be a reason for the shrinkage. As the drying function creates a lot of heat that can heavily affect the merchandise strength. The sensitive kind of dress material gets affected due to this over-usage.
The best way to deal with this situation will be using the minimal function of drying. Depending on the type of washing machine you have, you need to configure the settings and set the option at the lowest. This will reduce the heat waves and pressure on your clothes to dry immediately.
Tip: Naturally drying the clothes is the best way.
Can the clothes be unshrinkable?
Do not assume that when your clothes shrink is the end of the road. As there are some easy hacks for you to practice to unshrink your favourite clothes.
1. Take a bucket of mildly warm water and insert a few drops of baby shampoo. You are also free to use a hair conditioner or a light detergent soap. Ensure that you can use any detergent type of liquid or powder that is mild in nature.
2. The next step that you need to perform here is to soak the clothes within the bucket. You can leave the clothes for a duration of 15 to 20 minutes depending on the shrinkage level.
3. After the clothes are soaked properly, it’s time to remove them from the bucket. You need to press it mildly so that the water can escape from the merchandise. Ensure that you do not squeeze it hard.
4. The next thing that you need to do is keep the garment on a dry cloth. You need to then roll it together to eliminate additional moisture and reduce wetness. You can also take the help of a bath towel.
5. Let the clothes dry naturally. You can see the difference as the Merchandise will slowly get back to its previous size.
Learn: Why is my Washing Machine Filling Water Slowly
Concluding thoughts
I hope that you are not aware of the reasons why clothes shrink inside the washing machine. Based on the above scenarios, you need to see the probable cause for your garment’s shrinkage.
We all know that manual hand wash is one of the best ways to take the utmost care. But it is hard to do it every day and when there are many clothes. Since you now came to know the scenarios and reasons for clothes getting shrunk, you can now have a hassle-free washing experience. This also helps to maintain the healthy life cycle of your and your family member’s clothes.