Barbara Stern, an expert from Ottoman Textiles, the world’s leading home textile company in the UK, explains that woolen garments absorb a lot of water during washing and tend to expand. The heat from the dryer then causes the wool fibers to contract.
“Ultimately, they will curl up and become smaller than their original size. Additionally, the spinning force in the washing machine can also cause woolen items to distort,” Barbara Stern says.
However, this doesn’t mean that your woolen garment is ruined. Wool is a resilient material that can bounce back to its original shape.
Illustration by elle
Gretchen Boyd, a laundry care expert from NYC House Cleaners Gretchen in the US, reveals that fabric softener, baby shampoo, hair conditioner, and white vinegar can help return wool to its original shape.
She recommends the following four steps to restore woolen garments to their original size:
Step 1: Choose Your Agent
According to Gretchen Boyd, white vinegar works best for stretchy wool and cashmere. Plant-based fabrics like cotton may respond to hair conditioner, but it’s not effective on synthetic materials or tightly woven natural fabrics like silk.
Step 2: Soak
Find a large enough basin and about four liters of water. Try to keep the water at room temperature to relax the wool fibers without causing damage.
Pour the water into the basin and add 1/4 cup of your chosen agent. Gently press the woolen item into the water and soak for 15-30 minutes.
Step 3: Rinse
After soaking, remove the garment from the basin and rinse it under clean running water. Avoid wringing or twisting it, as this can cause creases or distort its shape.
Step 4: Press with a Towel
Spread a dry towel on a flat surface and place the rinsed garment on top. Use another towel to gently press or blot the garment until it is no longer dripping wet (it will still be damp).
Now, it’s time for the restoration process. Gretchen Boyd instructs, “Gently pull the ends of the garment, such as the sleeves or hem, until it returns to its original shape. Alternatively, find a well-fitting garment and place it underneath the woolen item, then stretch the woolen garment to match the length of the garment underneath.”
After restoring the woolen garment to its original shape, hang it in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat or sunlight. Allow it to air dry completely before wearing it again. If it’s not stretchy enough, continue soaking and stretching until you achieve the desired fit.
By Trang Vy (Translated from sohu)
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