Do your clothes seem to shrink every time you wash them? This can be really frustrating, especially if you have a lot of clothing that you don’t want to lose size in. We’ll help you out with tips for how to keep your clothes from shrinking when you’re doing laundry. We will also provide some helpful tips on how to stretch out clothes that have already shrunk. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to keep your clothes in great condition – without any shrinkage!
Best Ways To Keep Clothes From Shrinking
Ready to learn how to prevent clothes from shrinking? Let’s get into why this happens and how to stop it!
Why Clothes Shrink in the Washer and Dryer
One of the main reasons that clothes shrink in the washer and dryer is because of the heat. The high temperatures can cause fibers in your clothing to contract, resulting in shrinkage. If you wash your clothes in hot water and then dry them on high heat, this will often be the source of your shrinkage problem.
How To Prevent Clothes From Shrinking
Now that you know why clothes shrink in the wash, let’s talk about how to prevent it from happening. One of the best ways to keep your clothes from shrinking is to wash them in cold water. This will help to preserve the fibers in your clothing and keep them from shrinking. You should also avoid using high heat when drying your clothes. Use the lowest heat setting possible, or better yet, air dry your clothing. This will help to keep them from shrinking in the dryer.
The Best Washer and Dryer Cycles To Prevent Shrinking

When you are using your washer and dryer, there are certain cycles that are better for preventing shrinkage while washing than others. For example, the permanent press cycle on your washing machine is designed to minimize shrinkage. This cycle uses lower temperatures and shorter wash times to protect your clothing.
When it comes to the dryer, the delicate or low heat cycle is best for preventing shrinkage. These cycles will dry your clothes at a lower temperature, which will help to keep them from shrinking.
Stretching Clothes That Have Already Shrunk
If you have already washed your clothes and they have shrunk, don’t worry – there are still ways that you can stretch them out! One way to do this is to wet the shrunken clothing and then stretch it out by hand. This will help to loosen the fibers and make the clothing larger.
Should You Hang Dry Clothes To Avoid Shrinking?
Hang drying your clothes is a great way to avoid shrinkage. This is because the clothing is not exposed to the high temperatures of the dryer. However, hang drying can take a long time, so it may not be practical for everyone.
If you are short on time, you can still air dry your clothes in the dryer on a low heat setting. This will help to minimize shrinkage and keep your clothes looking great.
By following these tips, you can avoid shrinkage and keep your clothes looking their best. We hope you found this information helpful and that you can put it to use the next time you do laundry. For more tips, like how to deal with a washer leaving clothes soaked or a washer that won’t start, check out our blog. And if you need any repair help with your appliances, the washer and dryer repair team at Advance Appliance Service is here for you!