We’ve all been there. You bought the cutest sweater made of acrylic fabric and can’t wait to wear it. But then, you wash it according to the care label instructions, and it comes out of the dryer, looking like a child’s size. What gives?
Does Acrylic Fabric Shrink?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the answer to the age-old question: does acrylic fabric shrink? We’ll also provide tips on preventing your acrylic garments from shrinking in the first place.
Why Does Acrylic Fabric Shrink?
Acrylic fabric is made from a synthetic fiber that is derived from petroleum. This synthetic fiber is less elastic than natural fibers like wool or cotton, making it more susceptible to shrinking when exposed to heat.
When you wash your acrylic garments in hot water or put them in the dryer in a high-heat setting, the fibers will contract, causing the garment to shrink.
How Can I Prevent My Acrylic Garments from Shrinking?
There are a few simple steps you can take to prevent your acrylic garments from shrinking:
- Wash them in cold water: This will help to prevent the fibers from contracting and shrinking.
- Line dry them: The heat from a clothes dryer can cause your garments to shrink, so it’s best to air dry them instead.
- Avoid fabric softener: Fabric softener can coat the fibers of your garments and make them more likely to shrink when exposed to heat.
- Read the care label carefully: The care label on your garment will have specific instructions on how to wash and dry it without causing damage. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully to avoid accidentally shrinking your clothes.
What Should I Do if My Acrylic Garment Has Already Shrunk?
If you’ve followed all the tips above, but your garment still shrank in the wash, don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to try and salvage it:
- Stretch it out: Wet the garment and stretch it gently with your hands until it has returned to its original size. You can also try hanging it up in the bathroom while you take a hot shower; the steam will help to relax the fibers and make stretching easier.
- Block it: Soak the garment in lukewarm water for 30 minutes, then lay it flat on a towel and shape it into its original form. Allow it to air dry ultimately before wearing.
- Use baby shampoo: Mix a small amount with lukewarm water and soak the garment for 30 minutes. Gently stretch it back into shape, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Allow it to air dry ultimately before wearing.
Acrylic fabric is prone to shrinking when exposed to heat, but there are some simple steps you can take to prevent this from happening. If your garment has already shrunk, don’t despair!
There are a few things you can do to try and salvage it. With a little effort, you should be able to get your garment back into its original shape.
