DOES COTTON SHRINK IN THE WASHER AND DRYER? HOW TO HELP PREVENT COTTON SHRINKAGE
Cotton is beloved for its softness and breathability, but it must be cared for properly. Cotton can shrink in the washer and dryer due to its natural fibers contracting when exposed to heat and moisture. To minimize shrinking, it's best to either wash cotton in cold water and air dry or use a low heat setting when drying.
Understanding how to wash and dry cotton properly is crucial to help prevent shrinkage and keep it looking great. Learn more about what kinds of cotton shrink, how it happens and what you can do to help maintain its quality when washing it.
UNDERSTANDING COTTON SHRINKAGE
Cotton is a common and popular fabric for a variety of everyday items from your favorite tee to your most comfortable sheets. However, when it comes time to wash and dry cotton, you may have some concerns about it shrinking. This article looks at the factors that may cause cotton to shrink and how different types of cotton can be affected. Learn why cotton shrinks, what types of cotton are prone to shrinking and how to help prevent cotton from shrinking to keep your items looking their best.
WHY DOES COTTON SHRINK?
When cotton fabric is manufactured, the natural fibers are stretched out. However, shrinking can happen with exposure to water, heat, and agitation when washing and drying. These factors can cause cotton fibers to relax and contract, resulting in shrinking. This process is exacerbated by:
1. Hot water, which swells the fibers
2. Strong wash cycles, which increases agitation
3. High heat in dryers, which can break down fiber bonds
While many cotton garments are preshrunk, washing in cold water and air-drying can further minimize shrinkage and maintain fabric quality. Understanding these factors helps in proper care of cotton clothing, ensuring they retain their shape and size over time. Always follow the care instructions on your cotton item’s tag for best results.
DOES THE TYPE OF COTTON AFFECT SHRINKAGE?
Yes, the type of cotton you have can affect how much it shrinks in the washer and dryer. Here are some factors that may affect how much cotton can shrink:
1. QUALITY OF COTTON:
Higher-quality cotton, like Pima cotton, tends to shrink less than cheaper options. If the fabric is tightly woven, it may also be less likely to shrink compared to looser weaves.
2. WEAVE TYPE:
The way the cotton is made makes a difference too. Knit fabrics tend to shrink more because their looped structure allows for more movement when washed, while woven fabrics can be more stable.
3. PRE-SHRINKING:
Many cotton clothes have been pretreated before they hit the store to help reduce shrinkage. This process helps relax the fibers, but even preshrunk items can still lose a bit of size when you wash them at home.
Cotton also comes in various types, such as combed cotton, organic cotton and Pima cotton.
Combed cotton, which undergoes an extra combing process to remove impurities, tends to shrink less.
Organic cotton, grown without synthetic chemicals, may also shrink less due to its more natural state.
- Pima cotton, known for its long and luxurious fibers, also tends to shrink less than regular cotton, although it depends on the garment and how it’s made.
Knowing what type of cotton you have can help you take better care of your clothes so you can wear them again and again. Always check your care labels and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the ideal cleaning results.
DOES 100% COTTON SHRINK?
Clothes that are 100% cotton are made of a natural fiber known for breathability and softness. However, they also tend to shrink, especially when exposed to heat and moisture. Pima cotton is a premium type of cotton renowned for its exceptional quality. Its long fibers may make it more resistant to shrinking, however some shrinkage is still normal.
Another popular type is ring-spun cotton, made by continuously twisting and thinning the cotton strands to create smoother and stronger fibers. Although still prone to some shrinking, ring-spun cotton may shrink less than regular cotton because the twisting process tends to help enhance its durability.
Whether they are made of 100% cotton, pima, or ring-spun cotton, garments made of these fibers always run the risk of shrinking to some extent, but there are a few things you can do to help minimize the risk of major shrinkage.
HOW TO WASH AND DRY COTTON WITHOUT SHRINKING
To keep your cotton clothes looking their best, it's essential to take special care in order to prevent shrinkage. Remember that it’s always best to consult your care tags before you begin and defer to those directions. Here are some other helpful tips to help you get started:
1. SORT YOUR COTTON GARMENTS
Sort garments by color and weight to help prevent color bleeding and ensure even cleaning.
2. TURN ITEMS INSIDE OUT
Turn your cotton items inside out before washing to help protect the fabric and prevent fading.
3. USE A QUALITY DETERGENT
Use a high-quality detergent or one designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, which may weaken the fibers.
4. WASH ON A GENTLE CYCLE
Wash your cotton clothes on a gentle cycle with cold water. Hot water can cause the fibers to shrink.
5. DRY YOUR COTTON CLOTHES
Air drying is the best option to help prevent shrinkage. Lay the items flat on a clean surface or hang them up to dry. If you prefer using a dryer, select a low- or no-heat setting. Avoid over-drying, as it can cause the fibers to shrink. Remove your cotton clothes from the dryer while they are still slightly damp to help prevent wrinkles and make ironing easier.
6. STORE CLOTHING
Fold your cotton clothes neatly or hang them up and store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid excessive heat or humidity, which aren’t always favorable for cotton garments. Use padded hangers if hanging your cotton items to help prevent stretching and distortion.
By following these tips, you can help keep your cotton clothes looking great and help prevent them from shrinking. Always check the care label on your garments for specific washing instructions. With proper care, you’ll be able to wear your cotton items again and again.
HOW MUCH DO COTTON SHIRTS SHRINK?
Shrinkage is a common concern when purchasing cotton shirts, as cotton naturally tends to contract when exposed to heat and agitation. The extent of shrinkage in cotton items varies depending on several factors. Non-preshrunk cotton garments are particularly susceptible, potentially shrinking up to 20% when subjected to hot water or high dryer temperatures. Even preshrunk cotton isn't immune to size reduction, with an estimated 2% to 5% loss possible over time through repeated washing and drying cycles.
Water temperature plays a crucial role in this process. Hot water significantly increases the likelihood of shrinkage, while cold water helps minimize it. To preserve the size and shape of cotton clothing, it's advisable to use cooler water and drying temperatures, paired with gentler cycles, or air drying your cotton garments. By understanding these factors and adjusting laundry practices accordingly, you can better maintain the fit and quality of your cotton garments over time.
SHOULD YOU BUY COTTON SHIRTS A SIZE UP?
Whether you should size up when buying cotton clothes will largely depend on the type of cotton, your preferred fit, and how you plan to wash and dry your cotton garments. Sizing up can be a smart choice if you don’t plan on following the care instructions on the item’s tag. For example, if you prefer to wash and dry cotton in mixed laundry on warm or faster settings, you may want to account for possible shrinkage. Additionally, if you prefer a looser style or plan to layer the shirt, choosing a size up can enhance overall comfort and versatility.
Another option is to buy preshrunk cotton shirts. Preshrunk cotton undergoes a special manufacturing process to help reduce shrinkage. While preshrunk shirts may still experience minor shrinkage, it will likely be less than regular cotton shirts.
DISCOVER MAYTAG WASHERS AND DRYERS
When doing laundry, it’s important to give your cotton items a gentle yet thorough clean. That’s why Maytag® washers and dryers are designed with features that help you care for all your favorites, from cotton T-shirts to pet hair-covered blankets.
Maytag® washers come equipped with helpful features to provide gentle yet effective cleaning. Maytag® dryers offer features such as Delicate and Air Dry cycles that help care for your shrinkable items with the light touch they require. Advanced Moisture Sensing on select models monitors inside moisture and air temperatures to help evenly dry loads.
