Does cotton shrink after washing? How to wash it properly!

Cotton. Products made from this natural material are very popular during the warmer months. They feel comfortable on the skin, are breathable, and don't feel hot. However, even during sudden temperature changes (like a sudden cold snap), this material itself provides excellent warmth.

Despite all its advantages, cotton fabric has some drawbacks. For example, cotton wrinkles easily, is prone to shrinkage, and white items yellow in the light. And, it should be noted, not every housewife, upon learning that a dress is made of natural cotton, will agree to buy it. Some believe that such items are very difficult to care for, as they can be a real pain: they wrinkle at the slightest provocation, and after washing, they shrink.

It's especially frustrating when, for example, a custom-made sundress made of thin cotton shrinks significantly after washing. So much so that it's scary to even bend over and squat after putting it on. As a result, the beautiful garment either ends up being thrown away or given to a petite friend. And all because something went wrong while washing it...

In principle, washing cotton isn't that difficult. If done correctly, cotton items may shrink, but not significantly, within acceptable limits. But If you do it incorrectly (look at washing), cotton items can indeed shrink significantly in size. To prevent things from being irreparably damaged, experts recommend following certain rules.

Preparing for washing

Before washing, turn the cotton item inside out and fasten it (of course, if it has buttons or a zipper).

If the item is heavily soiled, it is advisable to soak it for twenty-four hours (since it is strictly not recommended to wash thin cotton items at temperatures exceeding forty degrees).

Some housewives prefer to take the old-fashioned approach in this situation. For example, they prepare a special solution. Dissolve four tablespoons of laundry detergent and the same amount of turpentine in ten liters of warm water. Or (if soaking overnight isn't possible), soak the laundry in ten liters of warm water for twenty minutes with one tablespoon of ammonia and a couple of tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. After this, simply rinsing the garment in warm water is usually sufficient. This wash will definitely prevent shrinkage!

It should be noted, however, that this soaking method is somewhat risky—it can easily discolor the item. Therefore, it's advisable to test the effect of such solutions on the fabric first.

If you don't want to take any risks, you can do it much more simply: before washing, soak your clothes in a detergent specifically designed for removing heavy stains (fortunately, these days it's much easier to buy in a store than, say, turpentine).

For delicate cotton clothing, the best choice is a detergent containing enzymes—special bioadditives added to detergent that remove dirt and stains. However, don't soak the garment for long periods of time, as this can cause problems.

Hand washing cotton

If you're hand washing, dissolve some laundry detergent (ideally, one designed for natural fabrics) in warm water. Ideally, soak the item for no more than a quarter of an hour, and even less for old laundry. Otherwise, significant shrinkage is guaranteed.

After this, the garment should be washed and rinsed in clean running water. Wring the garment out (not too hard, otherwise it will wrinkle) and hang it to dry.

How to wash cotton in a washing machine

When washing cotton items in the washing machine, select the recommended wash cycle first. For example, white items made of thick cotton fabric can be washed at 90 degrees. This will keep the fabric clean and prevent shrinkage.
If you need to wash delicate fabric, the temperature should be a maximum of forty degrees (although, if necessary, colored linen can withstand sixty).

The key is to ensure the washing machine's cycle is designed for washing cotton items. Otherwise, the question "Does cotton shrink after washing?" becomes extremely pressing.

How to "plant" a product?

Life can throw you for a loop. For example, you might need to shrink a particular item. After losing a significant amount of weight, you might suddenly find yourself needing new, more form-fitting items. Or perhaps it's time to go through your wardrobe. And suddenly, you realize you don't want to throw out your favorite clothes just because they're too big.

Those in the know advise taking it slow, especially when it comes to cotton clothing and having a regular washing machine and dryer at home.

After all, shrinkage isn't a problem with cotton items. So, you can safely throw a cotton dress in the washing machine. Set the temperature to sixty degrees. The only thing is, It is advisable to add a little washing powder, which helps preserve the color (to prevent fading). And go ahead! After washing, use a regular spin cycle, then, if possible, tumble dry. The higher the temperature, the more the dress will shrink. The only thing is, it's not clear by how much. But most likely, the dress will fit perfectly!

   

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