how can i stop clothes shrinking

want2bmortgage3

i dont have a lot of choice other than use a tumble dryer its a nice new electrolux one though, the only other choice is hang things to dry but then that causes condensation which isnt good in my flat especially in the winter (leads to mould).

an example is a plain white tee shirt i washed at 60 with other white stuff. would it be the temperature that shrunk it slightly or the dryer? other t shirts in the dryer have been ok. i think my dryers set to the lowest heat.

also a cheap umbro sweat/zip top has shrunk altho im sure i only washed this at 30.

most items i have say dont tumble (even basic jeans/t-shirts) so its not possible to follow these instructions all the time, but just wondered if anyone has any advice on minimising shrinking as i cant afford to keep buying new clothes!!

TomsMom

You really do need to follow the washing instructions W2BM3. If it says don't tumble dry then you shouldn't. I did it with a very good quality quilted mattress topper - it said don't tumble dry. I couldn't see any reason why not as I'd tumble dried all over mattress protectors which were a lot cheaper. When it came out of the TD it had shrunk in length although not width. I've also had a zip up acrylic cardigan from Asda shrink when another from M&S has not.

Some of it is to do with quality, sometimes it's to do with temperature, even the low temp on a TD is still too high for some fabrics.

Wash your clothes at the recommended temperature. Only tumble dry them if it says so on the label. Then, if you've followed the instructions and they still shrink you have a case to take them back to the shop you bought them from (with your receipt, always keep them) for them to replace or refund.

If you have to dry some of them indoors, do so on a clothes horse and open the window in that room. Yes, I've made that mistake too. Damp clothes and closed windows will lead to mould.

frostyspice

60 degrees is too hot for most cotton clothes. Use 60 for towels and sheets (though even that shrank a John Lewis fitted sheet of mine so that it wouldn't fit the bed any more).

Most cotton clothes recommend washing at max 40 degrees.

Stompa

I don't think I've used higher than 40°C ever.

mazza111

or buy a bigger size if you know your going to use the dryer...

Have to do this with my son's school jumpers as they shrink in the dryer, even following advice on labels