How to wash something so that it shrinks?

While some people are afraid of their favorite sweater or hat shrinking after washing in the machine, others, on the contrary, want to wash the item so that it shrinks. The desire is understandable if, after sports, diets or childbirth, the weight has returned to normal, and many clothes no longer fit. Fortunately, there is no need to spend money on updating your wardrobe - there are many safe ways to reduce sweaters and pants by 3, 5 and even 10 cm in volume. We invite you to get to know them better.

Temperature contrast and steaming

The main helpers in shrinking clothes will be temperature contrast and steaming. For example, if a cotton dress has become one size too big, then by alternating washing in hot and cold water, you can “cut” a few centimeters without unnecessary risks and hassle. If the item is clean, then no powder or gel is needed: just soak the item in boiling water, and after cooling, squeeze it out and put it in a bowl of ice. After 20-30 minutes, take out the laundry, lightly compress it and dry it horizontally on a terry towel.

Another option involves using a washing machine. We load the item into the drum, select a program with water heating to 60 degrees, set the spin to the standard 800-1000 and start the cycle. Afterwards, turn on the drying to maximum and wait for the measured time.

The fabric decreases in size if it is washed at a contrasting temperature or artificially dried with steam.

Another method is steaming. Almost all modern irons are equipped with a steam outlet, which can be used to reduce clothes by one size.We set the temperature to maximum, wait until it is completely heated and, while steaming, carefully iron the fabric of the dress or trousers.

The principle of forced shrinkage is the same, but the general instructions are not suitable for all materials. Synthetics or silk cannot withstand boiling water, while denim and linen require an individual approach. Therefore, it is better to select tactics based on the type of fabric available.

Reducing a wool item

When a wool product needs shrinking, it will be difficult to predict the result of shrinkage. The fact is that with standard machine and hand washing, woolen sweaters and hats shrink greatly, and it is almost impossible to control the process. But if such a risk is justified, then we try, focusing on the following recommendations:

• study the tag on the item and do the opposite (soak in hot water for 20-30 minutes, and then rinse in ice water);
• After washing, do not wring out woolen items, but wrap them in a terry towel;
• dry wool only on a horizontal surface;
• dry the item with a hairdryer, giving it the desired shape.

Woolen items shrink easily when dried vigorously.

The easiest way is to reduce the hat to the desired size. It is enough to pull the still wet headdress onto a jar or salad bowl of a suitable shape, dry it with a hairdryer or leave it to dry naturally.

Cotton clothing

Cotton clothing also shrinks well in contrasting temperatures. But provided that the item is sewn correctly. Then you just need to set the washing machine to a program with maximum heat and spin, load a dress or suit and start the cycle. True, only white and light-colored items can be washed this way, since colored cotton linen can only be cleaned by hand.

The washing time is calculated according to the rule: for every 5 minutes the item shrinks by 1 size.Therefore, if you keep a dress or blouse in boiling water for 15 minutes, they will shrink by 2-3 times. In order not to make a mistake, it is recommended to reduce clothing gradually.

After hand washing, it is better to use an electric dryer to consolidate the effect and prevent the reverse effect.

If after the described manipulations the item does not sit down, then trying again is useless. The fabric is probably of poor quality and does not shrink. Remember that thoughtless boiling of cotton leads to damage to the fibers, especially when the linen is colored.

Synthetics and denim

Most synthetic items do not shrink. Lycra, acrylic, spandex and polyester cannot be reduced to size by washing and steaming. It’s easier to go to a tailor for sewing or buy new clothes. The first option is cheaper and more convenient: your favorite blouse or dress will remain the same, only a little trimmed by experienced craftsmen.

If the item tag says “shrink to fit,” then the fabric cannot be reduced in size.

High-quality denim can be reduced, but only by half a size, at most by one. You need to load the jeans into the drum of the washing machine, set the temperature to 60-90 degrees, set the spin to maximum and run the full cycle. When washing by hand, alternating hot and cold water is effective. Most likely, the material will fade a little and turn everything black or blue, but this is acceptable. You can dry your pants in an automatic dryer or using a battery.

But shrinkage only affects ordinary jeans. Moreover, it not only narrows in width, but also becomes significantly shorter - this must be taken into account when planning the size. Stretch denim cannot be shrunk. This is evidenced by a special mark on the tag - “shrink to fit”.

Linen and silk fabrics

Silk products can be transformed, but it is not advisable to use an automatic machine for this task. When machine washed, silk fades a lot and loses its characteristic shine. It is better to do the shrinking manually: rinse in warm water and hang on the balcony until completely dry.

Linen items can also be washed in the washing machine: turn on the delicate cycle and set the appropriate temperature. If you wish, then the old method is also suitable - “cook” the product in a saucepan directly on the stove. There is no need to bring to a boil - 80-90 degrees is enough. After being in hot water, flax shrinks exactly 1 size.

When washing linen, you should be extremely careful, especially when choosing detergents. The fact is that this material does not tolerate chlorine and oxygen bleach, which too intensively wash out the color from the fabric and existing decor. It is also important to ensure there is enough water for rinsing.

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