Laundry Pros Say This Viral ‘Unshrinking’ Hack Is a Myth

Social media is full of hacks to make everything from cleaning the shower to doing laundry a bit easier. But pros say some of these tips aren’t actually effective. Case in point: a viral unshrinking clothes hack. Creators online have suggested that you can take a garment that’s shrunk in the washer or dryer and soak it in a homemade solution to relax the fibers and unshrink the item. We tapped Carolyn Forté, the former executive director of the Home Care and Cleaning Lab to fill us in on why clothes shrink in the first place, whether this trick really works, and how to avoid shrinking your clothes in the first place.

Shrinking your clothes in the washer or dryer is a common laundry mistake. Heat from hot water or the dryer can cause certain fibers to shrink. Something as simple as using the wrong setting or overestimating the correct amount of time to set the dryer for can have an unfortunate impact on your clothes.

Below, see what the experts say about this trick. If you’re looking for other social media hacks that are expert-approved, read up on this clever laundry hack that can help you declutter and the dryer cycle that can help you avoid wrinkled clothes.

While you don’t have to worry too much about certain materials shrinking (think synthetics like polyester and spandex), there are others that are unfortunately pretty prone to shrinkage—especially fabrics with natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool. When these fabrics go through the washer and dryer and experience high heat and forceful tumbling, their fibers can tighten up.

There are few methods online that claim to unshrink clothes. The most popular involves soaking fabrics in lukewarm water and conditioner, then stretching the clothing back to its original size and letting it air dry. While that sounds easy enough, our GHI experts don’t necessarily recommend it.

“We have never found any of the recommended methods to be successful,” says Forté. Our GHI Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab has even tested a product meant for unshrinking, and while it worked the first time, the clothing shrunk again after washing. While this may not be the best news, there are still expert-approved ways you can avoid shrinkage altogether in the future.

Accidentally shrinking a piece or two of clothing is a universal experience. However, there are a few tips and tricks you can apply moving forward to prevent it from happening again.

• Check tags and follow instructions: Reading the care label will provide you with essential information about the type of fabric used and which wash cycle is recommended. This is one of the simplest ways to avoid shrinkage, so don’t skip this step!
• Wash in cold water: Cold water is more gentle on fabrics than hot water. It can help prevent color bleeding, shrinking, and damage to fibers.
• Air dry or dry on low heat: Heat can cause certain fibers to contract, leading to shrinkage. Avoid the dryer all together to avoid damaging shrinkage-prone fabrics. Hang them out to air dry instead, or use low heat.
• Hand wash or use a delicate cycle: Avoid unnecessary agitation by hand washing certain pieces of clothing or choosing a delicate cycle.