Does Warm Water Shrink Clothes?
When doing laundry there is always a question of what temperature water should be used. In most cases, you may be asking if warm water can shrink clothes. Generally speaking, warm water does not usually shrink clothes.
What Temperature Should Water Be For Laundry?
Most laundry instructions will have temperatures listed and what is best, but generally warm water is fine and the best temperature to use. Cold water is best though, because it helps to prevent colors from running and fading.
Does Warm Water Shrink Clothes?
In some cases, warm water can shrink clothes, but that is largely dependent on the type of fabric. Here are some general rules and tips to follow:
- 100% Cotton: Yes, warm water can cause shrinkage for 100% cotton fabrics.
- Blends: Blends of fabrics such as polyester and cotton tend to not shrink in warm water.
- Wool: Wool can shrink when the water is warm and if it is agitated.
- Synthetic Fabrics: Generally, synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, spandex, and polyester, will resist shrinkage in warm water.
Tips To Avoid Shrinkage
If you are concerned about shrinkage, here are some tips that may help protect your clothes:
- Wash in cold water as much as possible.
- Don’t agitate the fabric.
- Air-dry instead of using hot from the dryer.
- Read the care instructions on labels.
- Wash the garment separately in a mild detergent.
In summary, warm water does not usually shrink clothes; however, there are exceptions with fabrics such as 100% cotton and wool. To avoid shrinkage, it is important to read the care instructions and wash in cold water.