How to Unshrink Clothes in 3 Easy Steps
It happens to the best of us. You put your favorite shirt in the wash, and it comes out a few sizes smaller. Or you accidentally dry your sweater on high heat, and it's suddenly too tight. Whatever the scenario, we've all been there—and it's not a fun feeling. But before you throw out that shrunken item of clothing, try unshrinking it first! With a little time and effort, you might be surprised at how easy it is to return your clothes to their original size.
Here's how:
Step 1: Soak the Garment
The first step is to fill a sink or bucket with lukewarm water. If the clothing item is small enough, you can place it directly in the sink. Otherwise, fill the sink or bucket until it's about halfway full, then place the item in the water so it's completely submerged. Let the garment soak for about 30 minutes. Avoid using hot water, as this will further shrink the fabric.
Step 2: Gently Stretch the Clothing Item Back into Shape
Once the garment has had a chance to soak, gently stretch it back into shape. Be careful not to pull too hard—you don't want to rip the fabric. If you're having trouble stretching it back into shape by hand, you can try placing it on a flat surface and pulling gently from both sides until it begins to take its original form again.
Step 3: Lay the Item Flat to Dry or Place It in the Dryer on a Low Setting
After stretching your garment back into shape, you'll need to let it dry. The best way to do this is by lying it flat on a towel or drying rack. If you're in a hurry, however, you can also place it in the dryer on a low setting. Just be sure not to use high heat, as this could cause the item to shrink again. Once it's dry, your clothes should be good as new!
Shrunken clothes are no match for these simple tips! The next time you accidentally wash or dry an item on too high of a setting, don't panic—just follow these steps and watch as your clothes magically return to their original size. All it takes is a little patience (and some lukewarm water).
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