Solutions, or what to do if the sweater stretches after washing

Failure to properly care for your sweater can cause the item to lose its original size and stretch.

Most often this happens due to washing in a washing machine at high speeds, or due to improper drying.

Don't rush to throw away the item. There are many ways to restore it to its original appearance.

What to do if the sweater stretches out after washing, how to return it to its original size, how to wash it so that it shrinks? Details are in the article.

How to return things to their original size?

Fabrics that respond well to restoration include:

• wool;
• cashmere;
• mixed fabrics with a large percentage of wool.

How to wash it in an automatic machine so that it shrinks?

Repeated washing in an automatic machine sometimes helps to cope with the problem. To return the sweater to its original size, it is necessary to strictly follow the sequence of actions:

1. Turn the product inside out and place it in a washing bag (special mesh with a zipper or laces).
2. Pour liquid detergent into the machine compartment, which is intended for the care of delicate fabrics.

   It is important to consider the color of the product. When washing a dark or black sweater, do not use products containing a bleaching agent.

3. Turn on the quick wash mode, which in different models of washing machines ranges from 15 to 30 minutes.
4. Set the minimum water temperature (20-30 degrees) and turn off the spin.
5. Remove the product from the bag and place it on a terry towel spread on a flat surface. The fabric should be changed after it has absorbed excess water.

You need to lay out the sweater correctly so that when wet it takes the desired shape. Be sure to adjust the collar, tighten the sleeves and waist area.

It is extremely important to act sequentially: first work on all the seams, then move on to the neck. Place your palms on the fabric and move them towards each other, but folds should not form on the fabric.

When the water has completely evaporated, the sweater will take the desired shape. It will remain in the form in which it is decomposed.

Handwash

You can adjust the size of the sweater by hand washing. This method is suitable for restoring hand-knitted items for which automatic processing is strictly contraindicated.

Algorithm of actions:

• fill a basin with warm water;
• place the sweater in it for 5 minutes;
• remove the product from the water and let it drain slightly;
• lay the jacket on a terry towel on a flat surface;
• give the product the desired shape. You need to proceed in the same way as after machine washing.

To make the sweater dry faster, you can blow it with a stream of cold air from a hairdryer. You cannot apply heat to the product, as this will damage the fabric fibers.

Drying the product

To restore the original shape, a stretched sweater does not have to be washed.It can be slightly moistened and dried properly. This will reduce the product by ? size, no more.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Moisten the sweater by spraying it with water from a spray bottle. It is not necessary to completely immerse it in water.
2. Lay the jacket out on a flat surface and press it with your hands against the grain. Particular attention should be paid to stretched areas.
3. Wait for the item to dry completely.

However, the method is questionable, since it is impossible to remain motionless for a long time. In addition, few people can happily walk around in a wet sweater for several hours. Although, if you have a mannequin of a suitable size at home, you can use it to restore the product.

Using a towel

You can restore the shape of the sweater using a towel. Algorithm of actions:

1. Wash the product following all the rules.
2. Spread it on a towel. It is changed when it gets wet.
3. Align the item by squeezing the fibers in the opposite direction.
4. When the sweater becomes semi-dry, roll it together with the towel. If the product is stretched in length, then it is necessary to fold the fabric in width and vice versa.
5. The bundle is laid out on a heating radiator or in another warm place for final drying.

This method is effective and safe. With its help you can reduce the product by 1-2 sizes.

Boiling method

You can cope with the problem using the temperature difference method. Instructions for use:

• fill an enamel basin with water and put it on the fire, bring to a boil;
• put the sweater in boiling water and leave until the water in the basin has cooled completely;
• after 30-40 minutes, the item is removed and immersed in ice water, and the sweater is kept in it for another half hour.

Dry the product on a flat surface, laying it on a cloth. Do not wring or twist the sweater.

How to seat individual parts?

Sometimes certain parts of a sweater stretch, such as the waist, collar or sleeves. Their shape can be restored using water and subsequent drying. In this case, there is no need to wet the entire product.

It is enough to moisten the stretched area of ​​​​the item with a spray bottle, spread it on the fabric, giving it the correct shape with your hands. When the product dries, its fibers will shrink slightly.

This method will not take much time. It will take about 12 hours for the fabric to dry completely. To speed up the process of evaporation of moisture, you can blow the wetted area with cool air from a hairdryer.

To cope with significant stretching, it is recommended to soak the fabric not just in hot water, but in boiling water. After this, the jacket is put away to dry. However, products made from natural wool may not tolerate this method.

Will they help with dry cleaning?

If the sweater is expensive, you can use dry cleaning services to restore its shape. The problem can be solved in the following ways:

• steaming;
• repeated washing with proper drying;
• use of special solutions and equipment.

Before you take your jacket to the dry cleaner, you need to check with the receiving party whether they guarantee restoration of its size. They pay for the service after the work is completed.

You need to make sure that during the restoration process the wool has not felted, pills have not appeared on the sweater, and the color of the product has not been damaged.

Important Tips

Correcting the size of a sweater, the following recommendations must be adhered to:

1. Regularly change the bedding on which it is laid out. If the product is left on damp material, the drying process will take several days. The likelihood of moisture acidification also increases, which will lead to an unpleasant odor.
2. Choose a detergent that is suitable for caring for a specific product. You need to take into account the type of fabric and its color.
3. Do not hang a damp sweater on hangers. Under the weight of the water it will stretch even more.
4. Items made from natural wool should only be washed by hand.
5. After washing, do not twist or wring out the sweater. To speed up the drying process, you can wrap it in a towel and lightly press it. It will absorb excess moisture.
6. While drying, you need to turn the sweater over from time to time.

An extreme way to restore the shape of a product is to dry it on a hot appliance, such as a heating radiator, or using a hairdryer. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that other problems may arise in the form of color fading, creases, or deterioration in the strength of the fibers.

You can learn how to properly wash a sweater Here.

Conclusion

You can return a sweater to its original shape using different methods. Hand and machine washing helps to cope with the problem., and sometimes just proper drying. In particularly difficult cases, you can contact a dry cleaner.