How to Stretch Shrunken Clothing
Don't panic -- your favorite sweater or t-shirt does not have to be sacrificed because of a laundry accident -- unshrinking is possible!
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No matter what you spilled on your clothes or furnishings, we can tell you how to get it out.
You Will Need
- Bucket
- 1 tbsp. baby shampoo
- Pencil
- Parchment paper
- Paperweights
- White vinegar
- Sponge
- Washer and dryer
- Iron (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Add shampoo
Fill a bucket with a quart of water and add a tablespoon of baby shampoo.
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Step 2
Soak your clothing
Soak your garment in the bucket for several minutes to help the fibers relax. This is especially true for knitted fabrics like cotton, cashmere or wool.
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Step 3
Trace a garment
Use a similar-sized garment to trace an outline on piece of parchment paper. Remove the garment from the bucket, wring out the water, and lay it on the paper. Then stretch the garment to the outer lines of the tracing and secure it with paperweights.
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Apply steam using an iron if the garment is stiff.
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Step 4
Try on the garment
Try on your reshaped clothes, carefully stretching them back into shape.
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Dry cleaning uses a mixture of chemical solvents that contain halogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms instead of water to dissolve dirt from your clothing.
