Fabrics like wool, cotton and linen are more prone to shrinkage (Image: Getty)
There is nothing worse than shrinking your favourite jumper or a pair of jeans in the washing machine or tumble dryer.
Fabrics like wool, cotton and linen are more prone to shrinkage than synthetic materials and will normally detail exactly how to wash and dry them on their .
If you’ve accidentally shrunk an item of clothing, it can be tempting to give up and chuck it away.
However, before you say goodbye to your beloved garment, there is a simple, affordable method that could restore it to its original size—and it only requires one item.
To restore your clothing, all you need is a gentle hair conditioner or baby shampoo and some warm water. The conditioner or shampoo should relax the fibres and help reshape the garment.
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To restore your clothing, all you need is gentle hair conditioner or baby shampoo (Image: Getty)
Baby shampoo can be bought from most local or online. Sainsbury’s Little Ones Baby Shampoo costs 85p, and Tesco Fred & Flo Soft & Gentle Baby Shampoo costs £1.
The team at Lottomart has shared a simple step-by-step guide to help restore shrunken clothing back to its original size.
How to restore shrunken clothing
1. Start by filling a basin or sink with lukewarm water so the garment can be fully submerged.
2. Next, add a tablespoon of baby shampoo or conditioner to the water, stirring to dissolve. This mixture should soften and relax the fabric fibres, allowing you to reshape the garment.
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3. Place the garment into the water for 20-30 minutes. The conditioner or shampoo should loosen the fibres during this time and allow you to stretch it later on.
4. Gently remove the item from the water and squeeze out the excess. Avoid wringing it, as this could damage delicate fibres. The fabric should be damp but not dripping.
5. Next, lay the item flat on a clean towel, then gently stretch it back to its original shape using your hands. For extra control, place heavy items like books around the edges to hold them in place as they dry.
6. Lastly, leave the garment to air dry flat on the towel in a well-ventilated area. Hanging up the item could ruin its shape again.
A representative for Lottomart said: “When reshaping shrunken clothing, take care to be gentle, avoiding any hard pulls that could overstretch delicate fibres, as some materials are sensitive to excessive force.
“This method tends to work best on natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and cashmere, as these fibres respond well to re-stretching, while synthetic materials like polyester may be less cooperative.
“Make sure to be patient; this is essential for the best results. Allow the garment to dry gradually. This slower drying process helps the fabric ‘remember’ its original shape, leading to a more successful restoration.”