The Effect of Cold Water on Clothes
Have you ever asked yourself: Will cold water shrink clothes? This is a common question that many people who are interested in laundry care tend to ask. The simple answer is: it depends!
The Benefits of Cold Water
Cold water can definitely be beneficial when it comes to laundry care. Here are some of its benefits:
- It uses less energy than hot water and therefore is more environmentally friendly
- It can aid in the removal of certain stains on delicate fabrics, an advantage that hot water does not have
- It is often gentler on clothes, which is why many washing machines now offer a cold-water cycle
Will Cold Water Shrink Clothes?
Because cold water is gentler on clothing, it is generally less likely to cause shrinking than hot water. However, the truth is that it still depends on the type of fabric and the amount of agitation the clothing has been subjected to. Of course, there are some fabrics that are more prone to shrinking in cold water, such as cotton.
If you are concerned about whether or not your clothes will shrink in cold water, then it is best to check the care instructions on the label. This will tell you if the fabric is safe to wash in cold water or if you should use a different setting.
How to Prevent Shrinking When Washing with Cold Water
To prevent shrinking when washing with cold water, it is important to use a gentle cycle and not to overdry the clothing. To further minimize the chances of shrinking, you can add a fabric softener to the cold water. This will help to prevent the fabric fibers from becoming brittle and more likely to shrink.
In conclusion, while cold water may not be as likely to cause shrinking as hot water, it is still important to read the care instructions on the clothing label to ensure the fabric is safe to wash in cold water. Additionally, using a gentle cycle and fabric softener can help to minimize the chances of the clothing shrinking during the washing process.