How to Unshrink Your Favorite Sweater

Step One: Soak

Fill a sink or bathtub with lukewarm water then add a cap of baby shampoo to the water.

Place the sweater into the sudsy water. Let it soak for a minute or two, then gently massage the item with your hands to help relax the fibers.

Remove the sweater from the water and gently squeeze it to remove some of the water. (But do not wring or rinse the sweater!)

Step Two: Absorb

Lay out a big, clean bath towel and lay the sweater flat on top of it.

Roll the towel up from one end so the sweater is wrapped inside. Press on the towel gently to absorb the excess water, then unroll the towel.

Step Three: Re-Shape

Grab another clean bath towel and lay the damp piece of clothing out on it.

Use your hands to gently stretch the item to its original size. Last, but not least, leave the sweater on the towel and allow it to air dry completely.

NOTE:  Do not rinse out the little bit of shampoo that is left in the garment after Step One.  This process doesn’t leave very much soap behind in the sweater, and the little soap that does remain helps  keep the fibers pliable during the stretching process.

 

 

 

 

Read More “6 Ways to Cut Down Energy Costs In The Summer”

How to Unshrink a Sweater

Fall is just around the corner, so it’s time to start getting those sweaters out and ready to wear.  And then…..Oops!  You realize the last time you washed it, you accidentally shrunk your favorite sweater in the dryer!  Thankfully, it is possible to unshrink that sweater that is now small enough for a small child to wear.

  1. Soak the item in warm water and a few squirts of baby shampoo.

Start the resizing process by soaking the shrunken item in a sink or bucket full of warm water and about two tablespoons of baby shampoo.

Gently work the shampoo into the fibers by hand, taking care not to stretch any of the fibers during the softening-up process.

About 15 minutes should allow enough time for the shampoo to relax the garment’s fibers enough so that you may begin the letting-out process.

  1. Remove sweater from the soapy water and rinse.

Rinse in cool water to remove the baby shampoo. Gently press or squeeze the garment to remove any remaining moisture. Don’t wring – this can damage and even break the fibers you’re trying to stretch.

  1. Roll the sweater in a towel to remove remaining moisture.

Roll in a clean, dry towel to remove any lingering moisture. It’s important that the clothing’s fibers contain as little moisture as possible when you begin the resizing process.

  1. Gently stretch and pin the sweater to a cork board.

Stretching the neck, arms, and sides as taut as possible without damaging the fibers. Let it be for at least an hour.

  1. Re-stretch and re-pin every couple hours.

Re-stretch and re-pin your garment every few hours. It will take several stretching and re-pinning sessions to unshrink the garment, and ease it back to its original size.

If you adore that sweater, you’ll be glad you took the time!

 

Read More “6 Ways to Cut Down Energy Costs In The Summer”
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