Shrinking clothes can be tricky, especially when they are made of synthetic fibres like polyester. The shrinking process often results in distorted or ruined garments. If you are trying to shrink your polyester clothes, there are specific tips and tricks you should follow to avoid this problem. Check out these easy tips on how to shrink polyester clothes without destroying the garment.
Always be careful how much heat you apply to the clothing and avoid overloading the washing or drying machine with too many garments at once. Additionally, following these tips will help you shrink your polyester clothes without ruining them.
How to Shrink Polyester Clothes with a Washing Machine
Polyester is a durable, wrinkle-resistant fabric ideal for clothing that needs to retain its shape. However, you may need to shrink polyester garments from time to time. The key is to use extremely hot water, which usually causes the fibres to contract.
To start, fill your washing machine with hot water and then add your polyester clothing along with any detergent or other additives. Allow it to soak for about 10 minutes before starting the cycle, and make sure not to add any cold water at this point. Once soaked, add your usual amount of detergent and start the wash cycle.
When drying, you should also set your dryer on low heat instead of high heat. This helps retain some moisture in the fabric, preventing it from becoming too crispy. Once dry, if necessary, you can go over it with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles or creases.
Using a Dryer
The dryer is your best bet if you are looking to shrink your polyester clothing. Just ensure to use a hotter setting and check your garments frequently to avoid accidents. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a dryer to shrink polyester clothes:
- Place your shirt in the dryer for about ten minutes on high heat.
- Remove it when it has shrunken to the desired size.
- Repeat the process if necessary until satisfied with the results.
- Hang up or fold the garment once cooled.
Using a Clothes Iron
An iron is an effective way of shrinking clothes, but it’s important not to apply heat for too long, or the fabric will become permanently stretched. Before ironing, you must first wash your garment either by machine or by hand.
Let the clothes dry after washing, then press them with a cool setting on your iron at a medium-low temperature and use plenty of steam. Hold the iron over each clothing area for about 10 seconds before moving on to another spot. Be careful not to scorch the fabric by going over any area more than once.
Using Boiling Water
Will boiling water shrink polyester? Yes! Boiling water is one of the most common ways to shrink polyester clothes. You first need to wash your garment according to its care instructions.
Then, place it in a pot with boiling water and bring it back to a boil. After 30 seconds, remove it from the heat and allow the item to cool before removing it from the pot and squeezing out excess water. Finally, hang or lay it flat until dry.
How to Shrink Polyester and Spandex
Polyester-spandex blends should be boiled for at least 10 minutes before they are allowed to cool. If a garment cannot be boiled, you can try the following technique:
- Fill a basin with hot water and add a teaspoon of dish soap or detergent.
- Submerge the clothing until it is soaked through, then take it out and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible.
- Repeat the process 3-4 times, depending on how tight you want the garment to fit. After shrinking, hang dry rather than put in the dryer.
How to Shrink a Dri-Fit Shirt
A dri-fit shirt is made from synthetic fabric that has moisture-wicking properties. You can shrink it in boiling water for 10 minutes and then put it in the dryer. To prevent unwanted shrinkage, place it in cold water before boiling.
It’s also essential to turn the shirt inside out to avoid potential colour transfer. Washing the shirt first will remove any dirt or oils before shrinking it in hot water.
How to Shrink 100% Polyester
Can you shrink 100 percent polyester? Yes, but it may leave creases in the material and could potentially cause tearing. To shrink a dress made from 100% polyester, you will need heat and water.
The easiest method is to place the item in a laundry bag and put it in a dryer with a damp cloth for 15 minutes on high heat. Alternatively, you can use a clothing steamer, ensuring not to overheat the fabric.
How to Shrink Polyester and Cotton
Shrinking polyester and cotton garments is possible, but it must be done carefully to avoid damaging the fabric. Polyester is less likely to shrink than cotton, but using the following methods can help you shrink both fabrics:
- Using hot water in a washing machine
- Using an iron
- Using a dryer
- Using boiling water
Does Polyester Shrink More than Cotton?
Polyester tends to shrink less than cotton cloth. However, you can reduce their size by washing your polyester garments in cold water.
Can You Shrink Polyester Down a Size?
Yes! You can shrink polyester by washing it in hot water, ironing before or after washing, or placing it in boiling water.
How Much Can You Shrink Polyester?
Generally, a load of laundry can shrink by at least 30% of its original size. If you hand-wash your garments, shrinking may be more difficult, as the process is not as effective as in a machine. Expect about half as much shrinkage when hand-washing.
Polyester is a durable, synthetic fabric resistant to shrinking, making it suitable for activewear and other garments with considerable wear. However, you may sometimes need to shrink a polyester garment for a better fit.
Hopefully, you now know how to effectively shrink polyester garments. The techniques mentioned will help preserve your clothing. If in doubt, test these tricks on an old t-shirt or a pair of pants before trying them on your favorite garment.
