Help! I dry cleaned wash only jumpers - they’re ruined!

Mollin

Hello peeps

I’m absolutely gutted. I took four jumpers to the dry cleaners and stupidly did not check the label. They are merino / mohair and are supposed to be cold hand wash only. I went to put one on this morning only to discover it’s completely shrunk. Am so upset (yes I know they’re just jumpers) but I wear them to death and they’re favourites! And not cheap

Any ideas or thoughts on whether I can rescue them? Would say I would just lose three stone but they are short in the sleeves and across the shoulders.

Thanks in advance, here’s hoping

fuddle

Your jumpers have been cleaned by tumbling in solvent at about 30 degrees C for around 15 minutes. They've then been spun at high speed to remove the solvent and then in a stream of constant warm air at around 60 degrees while also being tumbled. Sadly the process has subjected your garments to all the elements that they're not supposed to be exposed to. Speaking as an ex dry cleaner I don't know of anything that can undo shrinkage as it's likely the fibres have felted. Really sorry.

fuddle

I've had a quick Google and there appears to be a product called Unshrinkit on the market. I know nothing of it, can't testify on it's behalf but it might be worth a look to see if you think the odds are worth investing in. Your jumpers have been through an awful lot though.

bouicca21

I once hand washed a jumper in water that was just a bit too hot. Result disaster - looked like it would fit a baby rather than an adult. And that was far less than your poor jumpers have been through. Kick yourself and vow to check more thoroughly next time.

There’s nothing worse than doing something daft/careless and not having anyone else to blame.

pattypan4

oh dear, no return for that jumper so turn it into something useful. You can cut and sew felted wool, coasters, felt pads under scratchy things, make a small basket for the table. A plant pot cover from a circle and a bit of sleeve or what about a hatchet job ie cut the sleeves off and slash up the middle and make a body warmer, can be small, they look nice layered over longer things. Blanket stitch and embroidered flowers for decoration. Could make a small felt bag with a bit of imagination. I see no way to undo the felting, it changes the strand arrangement

Sea_Shell

Why did you change your washing routine this time?

You say these were your favourites, and been worn to death, so surely you've washed them multiple times since you bought them.

I suggest you repurpose the material. Make a cushion or something.

ANDY597

Before you go cutting it up

You could try cosmopolitons you tube video

https://youtu.be/uChKsFizbLI

buildersdaughter

Oh Mollin, I feel for you! Given how those fibres behave, I wouldn't be hopeful, but I have, in the past, used the hair conditioner trick with limited success - enough for the jumper to be 'round the house' wear. I used cold water, and Andy's video suggests luke-warm, which I think might be better.
Now we know what you'll be putting on your Xmas list! I have found Lands' End very good value for cashmere- I have one (unshrunk!) that I have had for 15 years.
Good luck - and let us know any helpful tips you find.

Slinky

I'm astonished the dry cleaner didn't spot the cleaning instructions on the labels. Every time I take stuff in (not often, because I rarely buy DC only itmes), they always check the labels before accepting the items.

maman

I think you just have to learn from your mistake and move on. It's probably something that's happened to most of us but usually other way round. And in my case usually with DH's jumpers!:D

The plus side of all this is that you've had loads of wear from them already. From a cost per wear angle you've probably had your money's worth.

buildersdaughter

I did wonder if you would have any claim against the dry cleaner, but I know it's not straightforward, and you may prefer just to move on.