Did the sweater shrink while washing? Here are the ways that really work

Should it be your favorite sweater on cold days, but after washing it looks more like a teddy bear clothing? It happens! But before you write it off or give it to your younger sister, try saving him. There are proven ways to restore the original elasticity of shrunken fibers. How to do it? Here are some tips!

Why are sweaters shrinking?

If you want to avoid a similar disaster in the future, it is worth knowing why sweaters are losing their size. The most common culprit is too high a washing temperature. Natural fibers, especially wool and cashmere, change their structure due to hot water and intense spin – shrink and clot. Nor does it help drying in the dryer, which also causes felt. Be calm, however, a shriveled sweater does not have to end up as an unused washing souvenir.

Method number one – bathing in hair conditioner

Use:

Sounds strange? And yet it works! The hair conditioner has a similar effect on the fibers of your sweater to the fibers on the head – it softens and makes them more flexible, making them easier to stretch. Fill the bowl with lukewarm water (not hot!) And add a large amount of conditioner, preferably one that does not contain silicones. Immerse the sweater in the solution and let it work for at least 30 minutes. After this time, gently squeeze out the excess water – do not go out like a sponge!

Then place it on a clean towel and start stretching it very carefully to the original dimensions. You can gently shape the shape with your hands, but if you want to achieve an even better effect, attach the edges of the sweater to the towel with pins to stabilize and hold a new shape. Allow to dry at room temperature, avoid radiators and direct sunlight. The result? The sweater should return to its original size or at least significantly stretch.

Method number two – vinegar

Vinegar is a real miracle when it comes to care for clothing. It can also help loosen the fibers of the precipitated sweater. Pour half a cup of white vinegar into a bowl of lukewarm water and mix. Immerse the sweater and leave it soaked in this mixture for about 20-30 minutes. After this time, carefully remove it from the water and try to gently stretch it.

The vinegar makes the fibers more pliable, which makes it easier to handle the shape of the garment. When you reach the desired effect, place the sweater on the towel to create its original shape and let it dry. Do not be afraid of odor – vinegar will evaporate when drying, and if you want to speed up the process, ventilate the sweater after drying on the balcony.

Method number three – glycerin for extremely resistant cases

When the conditioner and vinegar fails, it is worth reaching for glycerin, which is known for its moisturizing and softening properties. It is a great choice for thick, felt wool sweaters.

Dissolve a tablespoon of glycerin in a liter of lukewarm water and soak the sweater for half an hour. After this time, gently stretch the fabric and allow to dry. Glycerin causes the fibers to get back their elasticity and the fabric will be softer to the touch.

What to do if your sweater does not want to return to its original shape?

It is not always possible to return to your garment exactly the same size, but that does not mean that you have to say goodbye to it. You can give him a second life!

• If you couldn’t stretch it all, but it still sits – try to wear it through a thin blouse to create a fashionable layered look.
• You can turn the sweater into a vest – just cut the sleeves and lick the edges.
• Create a stylish pillowcase or warm gloves for winter.

How to avoid similar misfortunes in the future? Prevention is better than rescue! Before the next washing:

1. Read the labels! If you see the designation “hand washing” or “30 degrees – stick to it.
2. Invest in a washing bag – especially if you wash wool or cashmere clothes.
3. Avoid the dryer, because it is most often that your favorite sweaters will collide significantly.