Doing laundry is usually a relatively straightforward task. But sometimes, as people finish washing and drying their clothes, they discover that some items have shrunk. Learning how to keep your clothes from shrinking while doing laundry will help you save money and protect your favorite outfits. Here are some essential laundry tips to help you out.

A Guide to Shrinking Clothes

Consolidation shrinkage is the most common reason why clothes shrink. The combination of moisture, heat, and mechanical agitation that occurs during washing and drying causes some clothing fibers to release tension. This deforms the fabric, making it more susceptible to shrinkage when exposed to high heat.

Another common type of shrinkage is felting shrinkage, which occurs in clothing made with wool and other animal hair fibers. These items have “scales” on their surface that compress as they are exposed to moisture and high heat. This is why your wool sweater is among the most likely items to shrink.

Laundry Tips to Prevent Shrinkage

How an article of clothing was manufactured will affect whether or not it will shrink. “Shrink-proof” or preshrunk clothing is less likely to be affected because it was made with shrink-resistant treatments or washed several times by the manufacturer. Natural-synthetic blends like polyester are also less likely to shrink.

The most important laundry tip for preventing shrinkage is to follow the care labels on your clothing. If your jeans say they need to be air-dried, don’t toss them in the dryer. If a shirt says it should only be dried on medium heat, don’t put it in a high heat cycle. Following the instructions on the labels will keep your clothing looking and fitting great.

If you’re looking for a laundromat in Lithonia, GA, stop by Evans Mill Laundry. The locally owned and operated laundry facility offers 22 efficient washers, folding tables, and arcade games for the kids. Please don’t bring quarters. You can pay with convenient dollar coins, or your credit or debit card. As you’re waiting for your clothes to wash and dry, you can enjoy the facility’s free Wi-Fi and television. For more information about their services, call (770) 484-9974 or visit their website.