How to Fix Clothes That Shrunk in the Dryer

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If you are like most people, you have experienced this frustrating laundry mishap. After doing a load of laundry, you accidentally throw a clothing item in the dryer that was never meant to be dried in that manner or you misread instructions on a clothing label. Upon discovering your mistake, you notice that it is impossible to fit into the clothing item in its current size. Don't despair. Although it may be difficult to unshrink an item, there are several methods that may be able to restore your clothing item to its original size.

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Things You'll Need

  • Hair conditioner

  • Vinegar

  • Towel

  • Sodium borate

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Step 1

Wet the clothing item with cold water and wear it. Stretch it by pulling on the bottom hem of it with both hands. Continue to do this until the item is the size that you desire.

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Step 2

Fill your bathtub with warm water and add enough hair conditioner so your tub resembles a bubble bath. Toss the clothing item in the tub and stretch it out every 15 minutes. Pull gently on the the clothing item until it's the size that you desire.

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Step 3

Soak the item in a solution of vinegar and water and don't rinse it out. Set the item flat on a table on top of a plush towel. Roll the garment in the towel to squeeze the water out and then lay it flat. Gently stretch the clothing item as it lays out to dry. Continue to do this until the clothing item returns to its original size.

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Step 4

Mix 1 oz. sodium borate and a few tbps. hot water and allow it to dissolve. Add 1 gallon of warm water to the mix. Soak the garment for 15 minutes in this mixture and pull it out. Stretch it gently to restore its size. Rinse the clothing item with another gallon of warm water mixed with 2 tbsp. vinegar.

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Step 5

Allow the item to dry after you have returned it to its original size.

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