Brilliant little laundry life hack saves beloved clothes that have shrunk in the wash

Losing your favourite knit jumper because it shrunk in the wash can be very sad, but there's an easy hack that could fix it.

allow for shrinkage

Clothing shrinking in the wash can be a real nuisance (Image: Getty)

Accidentally shrinking your favourite jumper in the wash can be incredibly disheartening.

High temperatures can cause fibres to contract and bind together.

And while it can permanently damage clothes made from natural fibres, it is worth trying a clever trick that promises to bring your knit back to its original size.

This hack is not only easy to implement but also utilises common household items, making it accessible for everyone.

It involves using baby shampoo or conditioner to help relax the fibres of the shrunken garment, allowing it to be stretched back to its initial size. 

one coloured one white pile of washing

This hack is not only easy to implement but also utilises common household items (Image: Getty)

To rescue your shrunken clothes, fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a generous amount of baby shampoo or hair conditioner. 

Stir the water to ensure the shampoo or conditioner is well-dissolved. 

These products help to relax the fibres in the fabric, making them more pliable.

Submerge the shrunken garment in the solution, ensuring it is fully saturated. 

Let it soak for about 30 minutes. 

This soaking period allows the fibers to absorb the conditioner or shampoo, which will help them to relax and stretch. 

After soaking, gently squeeze out the excess water without rinsing the garment. Lay the garment on a large towel and carefully stretch it back to its original size. 

Use gentle, consistent pressure to avoid damaging the fabric. 

You can also place another towel on top and roll it up to remove more moisture while maintaining the garment’s shape.

Once you have stretched the garment to its desired size, leave it to air dry flat on a towel. 

Avoid hanging it up, as this can cause it to stretch unevenly. 

You may need to occasionally adjust the shape as it dries to ensure it maintains its new size.

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