During laundry, your clothes must remain in great shape. At a laundromat, the machines may not be customized according to your garment. Shrinking is the most common problem that people face when washing clothes. Small steps like reading the care labels and adjusting the dryer setting can protect your clothes from unwanted damage.
By taking a few precautions, such as washing similarly colored fabrics, using the right cycle, and not overloading, you can prevent clothes from shrinking in the wash. Let’s learn all the tips to help you have the best clothes after laundry and maintain the quality of your clothes.
Tips to Prevent Clothes from Shrinking at Laundromat
1. Read Care Labels Carefully
The first important step is to check the care instructions on your clothes. There are specific instructions on everything related to washing and drying on the tags of your clothes. Follow the guidelines to protect fabrics like wool and cotton because they are more likely to shrink when washed with hot water. Neglecting any of these instructions can cause damage to your fabric during laundry.
2. Separate fabrics wisely
Not all fabrics can handle the same washing and drying cycle. Always separate fibers like cotton from other polyester and nylon. Because when you wash them together, fabrics can shrink. For more protection, separate it into delicate, regular, and heavy loads. This step will help you choose the right cycle for washing and drying for each type of fabric, which reduces the risk of shrinkage of delicate clothes.
3. Use Cold Water Wash
Hot water is the main reason your clothes shrink. Use cold water to wash garments that may shrink. Many new detergents work perfectly in cold water, which helps you clean your clothes without changing their shape and size. Cold water can also help to preserve the color of the fabric and extend the life of your clothes.
4. Choose the Right Cycle
Always choose the wash cycle based on your fabric type, as this step makes a big difference. For light fabrics, use gentle cycles, and for heavier items, use standard cycles. To preserve the elasticity of your fabric, try shorter wash times, as it also prevents shrinkage. Pay attention to the settings on the machine at the laundromat because different machines offer different cycles made for specific fabrics.
5. Lower the Dryer Temperature
Never use high dryer heat as it may damage the fibers and cause the clothes to shrink. Set the dryer to a medium heat setting. Many laundromats offer special dryer cycles for delicate fabrics. It is possible to try to air dry or use fluff cycles. If you are not sure about the settings, start with the lower temperature and then adjust it accordingly.
6. Remove Clothes While Slightly Damp
Remove your clothes from the machine when they are damp; never let them dry completely in the machine. Because this step prevents over-drying, which is one of the main causes of shrinkage. You can hang them for a while to let them dry naturally. This method is useful for clothes made from cotton or wool because these fabrics are likely to shrink when overheated.
7. Air Dry Whenever Possible
The safest method to prevent your clothes from shrinking is to air dry. After washing your clothes, hang them on a drying rack and let them dry at room temperature. This drying process protects the fibers of your fabric and maintains the size and shape. This step may take a bit of time, but it protects the quality of your clothes.
8. Avoid Overloading Machines
Overloading the washing machine can cause uneven washing and drying because the clothes can not move freely. There should be enough space for clothes to move freely. Ensure that water is circulating properly around each garment by putting clothes separately and maintaining space. This helps to clean the clothes properly and prevents stress on the fabrics.
9. Ask for an Assistant
If you’re unsure about the machine you ought to use or the setting you should select for your clothes, just ask the laundromat personnel for help. They are professional and know which setting to use to protect your clothes. Their direction will be invaluable in that it will help you to avoid costly mistakes and also ensure that the laundry is properly cleaned and handled.
Conclusion
To prevent your clothes from shrinking at the laundromat, it is essential to select the washing and drying cycles carefully. Start by reading the labels on your clothes to understand the needs of the garment. Separate the fabrics and use cold water for delicate clothes. Select the right cycle of washing and drying, and avoid high heat as it may cause your clothes to shrink. Remove the clothes when they are slightly damp and air dry them if possible, as it helps to protect the fabric from shrinking.
Never overload the machine, and ask for help when you are not sure about the settings. You can preserve the quality of the clothes by using the cycle according to the fabric. By following these steps, you can have fresh laundry without any shrinkage, and your favorite clothes can last long with a proper fit.
