Drying Tips To Prevent Your Linen Clothes From Shrinking
Perfecting laundry skills can be a puzzling task, especially when dealing with delicate fabrics like linen. Although linen clothing offers superior comfort and breathability, it is notorious for its tendency to shrink during the washing and drying process. Read on to learn drying tips to prevent your linen clothes from shrinking, ensuring they retain their original size and shape.
Avoid Using High Heat
High heat is linen’s enemy. Although expediting the drying process with high temperatures may be tempting, this approach is likely to cause shrinkage.
As a natural fiber, linen contains inherent moisture, which, when rapidly evaporated by high heat, causes the fibers to contract, leading to the dreaded shrinkage. The gentler the drying process, the better it is for maintaining the size and shape of your linen clothing.
Opting for air-drying or using the lowest heat setting on your dryer can significantly reduce the chance of your linen garments shrinking.
Use a Gentle Cycle
The aggressive agitation and high spin speeds of normal or heavy-duty cycles can stress the fibers of the linen, leading to distortion and shrinkage. On the other hand, a gentle cycle uses a slower, more controlled agitation and spin speed, reducing stress on the fabric. Additionally, most washing machines’ gentle cycles use cooler water, further protecting your linen garments from the damaging effects of high heat. Therefore, opt for a gentle cycle as a simple yet effective tactic for maintaining the longevity and integrity of your linen clothing.
Take Clothes Out When Damp
Removing your linen clothing from the dryer while it is still slightly damp is another effective strategy to prevent shrinkage. This is because linen fibers naturally tighten and shrink as they dry. Allowing your linen garments to completely dry in the dryer, particularly at high temperatures, can lead to unwanted shrinkage. However, taking them out while they are still a bit damp and then laying them flat or hanging them up to naturally finish drying helps relax the fibers, reducing the chance of shrinkage. This simple practice can significantly help maintain the original size and shape of your linen clothes.
Now that you know a few ways to keep your linen clothes from shrinking, you can apply these strategies to your next laundry day. Understanding how to care for your linen garments ensures you can enjoy their comfort and breathability for a long time. Use a gentle cycle, avoid high heat, and remember to remove the clothes while they are still slightly damp.
If you’re looking for women’s linen clothing, check out Beachwood Baby’s selection today. Our stunning and timeless linen pieces will be an amazing addition to your closet.
