Why is My Washing Machine Shrinking Clothes?

It's a heart-wrenching tragedy that unfortunately comes with adult life - putting your favourite piece of clothing into the washing machine and pulling it out five sizes too small. However, you're not alone. It's something that's happened to all of us at some point.

Of course, you may be able to salvage the item of clothing by stretching it out, yet more likely than not it'll never be quite the same again.

Here at Howards Electrical, our washing machine experts have put together a list of tips and tricks that you can work into your laundry routine, to help you ensure that you never ruin your favourite top, jumper, or jeans ever again!

Why Exactly Do Clothes Shrink?

First things first, it's important to understand why exactly our clothes shrink when they are washed wrong.

Clothes are made from stretched-out fibres, such as cotton, wool and synthetic. When these fibres are heated up and agitated by the moving drum of the washing machine, the tension can be released.

All the heat at either the washing or drying stage essentially causes all of the little fibres in the garment to relax, making it much smaller.

How Can I Stop My Washing Machine Shrinking Clothes?

As mentioned above shrinkage is all a result of exposure to heat, liquid and agitation, which can happen both during the washing and drying stages of your laundry routine. Therefore it is important that you are mindful of the below tips to be sure that another piece of clothing isn't ruined.

Carefully Read Each Garment's Washing Instructions

It can be easy to simply bundle all of your clothes into one load, however taking a moment to stop and read each clothing label can tell you all you need to know when it comes to properly washing your clothes and looking after them.

The label will explain how to wash the item and dry it properly. One of the most important symbols you'll find on a care label is the temperature you can wash and dry the garment at.

You should also look a the label for the phrase 'preshrunk'. As the label suggests, these items will have been shrunk before they are sold, so they should stay the same size after a washing and drying cycle.

Sort Your Clothes Properly

Getting yourself into the habit of sorting your laundry correctly, not only according to colour but also washing temperature will help you to avoid shrinkage.

It's also important to remember that many washing machines now include cycles tailored to specific fabrics such as jeans, cottons and delicates. These cycles can add some extra care to your laundry routine and help you to look after your clothes a bit more.

Choose the Correct Cycle

This step goes hand in hand with selecting the right temperature, as choosing the right cycle will automatically set the right temperature for the material.

For example, should you be washing woollen clothes, you'll be able to choose a woollens cycle, should your washing machine have one. Not only will this cycle reduce the temperature of the cycle, it will also reduce the spin speed, resulting in a gentler wash and therefore less shrinkage.

Another option for those clothes that you feel may be more prone to shrinkage, is hand washing. This will certainly be the least damaging method to wash your clothes.

Dry Carefully

Again, when it comes to drying your clothes, it's important that you take a look at the care labels. Should the garment's care label indicate that it isn't suitable for tumble drying, it's vitally important that you don't risk it. At the end of the day, it's not worth ruining your clothes!

Should the labels indicate that the clothes can be tumble dried, make sure that you select the right temperature. Should you dry clothes that require a low heat on a high heat setting, you may find that your clothes shrink.

Howards Electrical; Helping You to Care for Your Family's Clothes

Life happens, and so do stains, spills and odours. That's why it's important to choose the right appliances which will help you to care for your family's clothes and help them to last longer. Whatever washing machine you're looking for, here at Howards Electrical, our team of experts will be more than happy to help you to find the perfect one. Call our team today on 01782 482104.