How to wash jeans in a washing machine so they shrink?

Jeans made in the past were almost impossible to wash to shrink. Nowadays, manufacturers blend fabrics (particularly with Lycra), making them more susceptible to shrinkage. There are many options available for gently washing jeans to shrink them. Let's look at the most popular methods.

Regulating the heating in the machine

A regular washing machine cycle uses a temperature of 30-40 degrees Celsius. This cycle won't shrink jeans. Warm water helps preserve the garment's original appearance. If you need to plant the fabric, you need to increase the temperature to 60 degrees. If you are unable to reduce it to the desired size, repeat the procedure at 90 degrees or even more.

Of course, experimenting with temperature and settings will take some time. But ultimately, you'll get the desired result without the need for boiling. Machine washing is much more convenient and safer for fabrics.

Let's heat the water up more

This is an aggressive method that was used back in Soviet times. It's hardly gentle, as it can seriously damage the fabric's structure. While it's possible to shrink jeans, they can lose their color and become misshapen. Even the darkest and most durable dyes sometimes fail this test.

How to wash jeans at the highest temperature?

1. Pour water into a large enamel container.
2. Add grated laundry soap to it.
3. Then boil the jeans in the resulting solution over low heat for a maximum of 30 minutes.
4. Stir the clothes using wooden tongs, which will also be useful for removing them.

Attention! The ratio of soap to water should be as follows: 50 grams per 10 liters.

You'll notice the effect immediately. After this procedure, your denim will shrink by at least one size. However, it's important to remember that machine washing, even at the highest temperature, is much gentler.

Original size fit

There's another folk remedy for shrinking jeans to your desired size: put them on and sit in a hot bath! While this may seem like a silly idea, homeowners report that it produces remarkable results. After this procedure, your jeans will fit perfectly.

How to do it properly? Fill the bathtub with hot water, put on your pants, and sit down in them. Wait 20 minutes for the results, then dry the denim. Drying should take place directly on the wearer in the sun or near a radiator. So, for the perfect fit, you'll have to put up with some discomfort.

The downside is that after another wash, the denim will likely expand again. Besides, drying jeans on yourself is a dubious pleasure. Whether the results are worth it is up to you to decide.

We "sit" stretched knees

What can you do to shrink jeans in specific areas? For example, you want to smooth out the stretched knees? In this case, use fabric softener. Make a concentrated solution of fabric softener and water in a 3:1 ratio. Pour it into a spray bottle and spray it onto the desired areas, then iron them through the fabric at your preferred temperature.

Caution! Using laundry detergent instead of fabric softener will leave white marks on the fabric.

Keep in mind that this method of shrinking jeans is also only temporary. After wearing them, the knees will stretch out again. This procedure will need to be repeated periodically.

Shrinkage without washing

Machine washing isn't necessary to effectively shrink jeans. If you're short on time, you can use alternative methods. For example, ironing and drying under specific conditions can help. There are various ways to achieve shrinkage.

• Set your iron to maximum steam. Turn the pants inside out and iron them using high steam for at least 20 minutes.
• Spray a hot solution of fabric softener and water (in a 3:1 ratio) onto the fabric and then iron until it is completely dry.
• After washing your jeans as usual, dry them in the hottest possible setting. For example, place them on a heating pad or in a special drying machine.

The greatest effect can be achieved by using different methods simultaneously. Wash denim trousers at the highest temperature, then dry them thoroughly on a radiator. The result may even exceed expectations, the item will shrink by 1-2 sizes.

Of course, jeans may return to their original shape with prolonged wear. That's why it's important to use only gentle shrinkage methods to avoid damaging the fabric. However, choosing the right jeans when buying them is still the best option. Always keep in mind that stretchy jeans will inevitably stretch when trying them on.

   

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