The problem of shrinking clothes fabric after cleaning it is one of the common problems that many people suffer from, so during this article we will learn about the most important reasons that lead to shrinkage of the fabric after washing, in addition to ways to avoid this problem, let's continue..
What causes fabric shrinkage after washing?
There are certainly a number of reasons that cause fabrics to shrink after washing, and the most important of these reasons are the following:
- The fibers from which the fabric is made : If the clothing pieces are made from natural fibers, such as wool, cotton, or linen, it is natural for the fabric to shrink when water is used, but after drying and ironing it, the problem ends completely.
- Water temperature used in washing : One of the certain things is that the temperature of the water used to clean clothes varies depending on the type of fabric. For example, if the clothes are made of natural fibers and are cleaned using hot water, they will shrink.
- Type of detergent used : When using strong detergents that contain chemicals, this causes the detergent to react with the fabrics and thus causes them to shrink. Therefore, it is best to choose a clothing detergent that is free of alcohol and strong materials.
- Using a washing machine dryer: Certainly, using automatic clothes dryers at high temperatures can cause fabrics to shrink, and there are some clothes that are not recommended to go through the drying stage at all.
- Loading too many clothes in one wash cycle : Overloading the washing machine with clothes can cause the fabric to shrink.
- Ironing clothes using a high temperature : It is important to know that clothes made of natural fibers shrink when exposed to high temperatures.
- Wash cycle type : Some types of fabrics may need to be washed in short cycles, as excessive friction causes the fabric to shrink.
Ways to avoid fabric shrinkage after washing
There are a set of important tips and necessary instructions that must be followed in order to avoid shrinkage of clothes after cleaning them. The most important of these points are the following:
- Electric clothes dryers should not be used at high temperatures, and fabrics should be dried in the open air until completely dry.
- It is essential to read the washing and care instructions for the fabrics from which the clothes are made, and if you notice a sign warning against washing this type of fabric in hot water, it should not be used.
- It is recommended to wash fabrics in lukewarm or cold water as this reduces the risk of fabric shrinkage.
- If the fabric shrinks, it should be ironed at a low temperature, as this eliminates this problem and the fabric returns to its original condition.
- Fabrics should be distributed gently with your hands after washing to prevent shrinkage.
- It is essential to use a detergent that is suitable for the type of fabric. This helps to maintain the shape, size and fit of the clothes.
- Washing cycles should be short and gentle to reduce friction between fabric fibres, and vigorous or frequent cleaning cycles should be avoided.
- However, if the fabric is highly sensitive, it is necessary to use dry cleaning instead of regular washing. All you have to do is bring a little water, add an appropriate amount of the appropriate detergent, and then rinse the pieces with water again.
How to treat fabric after shrinkage
Fabric shrinkage after washing can be treated by following these steps:
- Fill a tub with lukewarm water and add a small amount of baby shampoo or hair conditioner. Soak the shrunken item for 30 minutes; this helps soften the fibers.
- After soaking, gently squeeze the fabric to remove excess water without rinsing, to avoid damaging the fibers.
- Place the piece on a flat surface over a dry towel, using your hands, gently stretch the fabric to its original dimensions, you can pin the ends to hold the shape.
- Allow the fabric to air dry out of direct sunlight, avoiding using a tumble dryer which may cause additional shrinkage.
It should be noted that this method may not be effective with all types of fabrics, especially those that have undergone significant shrinkage, so it is always advisable to follow the care instructions on the clothing label to avoid future shrinkage.
Types of non-shrink fabrics
Fabrics vary in their ability to shrink after washing, with natural fibers tending to shrink more than synthetic fibers. Here are some types of fabrics that are resistant to shrinkage:
- Polyester : A synthetic fabric that is highly resistant to shrinkage and wrinkles, making it a popular choice in clothing and furnishings.
- Nylon : A strong, flexible synthetic fiber that resists shrinkage and abrasion and is used in a variety of products such as sportswear and socks.
- Acrylic : A synthetic fiber that feels similar to wool, it is resistant to shrinkage and fading, making it suitable for winter clothing and furnishings.
- Spandex (Lycra) : A flexible synthetic fiber often used in sportswear and clothing that requires high elasticity, and is characterized by its resistance to shrinkage.
- Blended fabrics : Made from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, such as a cotton-polyester blend, they combine the advantages of different fibers, including shrinkage resistance.
Although these fabrics are shrinkage resistant, it is always advisable to follow the care instructions included with the garment to avoid any potential damage.
At the end of the article, and after we have shown you the reasons for fabric shrinkage after washing, and we have also learned about ways to avoid fabric shrinkage, in addition to the best types of fabrics from the Sofar store, we find that our store is one of the trusted stores that provide its customers with all types of men's fabrics made from a group of high-quality materials, to ensure that you get pieces that combine luxury and durability at the same time.