You can un-shrink clothes with an item you already own – it’s not another laundry buy, follow the pros’ instructions

IF you have ever cried after shrinking a favorite sweater, listen up.

Hope is at hand because a shriveled garment no longer means the end.

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Shrunken garments can be saved, according to laundry experts[/caption]

You can unshrink them with an item you already own, say laundry professionals.

The solution is a surprising one because it’s not another laundry buy.

Follow the pros’ instructions and you will have your sweater back to its normal size in next to no time.

We’ve all done it, washing our favorite items in hot water or drying them on high heat, resulting in an item better suited to toddlers.

All you can do is hang your head in despair and put it in the thrift pile.

But there is salvation on hand because there are ways of undoing the damage.

This is not a complex rescue. All you need is a bucket of warm water and some hair conditioner, you heard that right: hair conditioner.

Laundry experts at Better Homes & Gardens shared their super-useful hack.

How likely is this hack to work? Very well according to the professionals.

The conditioner has the effect of relaxing and loosening the shrunken fabric.

Therefore the item is stretched back to its former size and shape.

CAN THIS HACK WORK ON ALL FABRICS?

This hack works best on cotton, wood, and other knit fabrics that are easily stretchable.

Better Homes and Gardens

• It is most effective on cotton, wool, and knit fabrics that are easily stretchable
• But be careful with synthetic textiles like polyester. If you pull too hard it could result in over-stretching
• Be cautious on delicate fabrics like silk
• If in doubt, do a test area first

But do yourself a favor in the future and always read the washing instructions on each item of clothing.

Laundry pros at The Spruce shared another way of unshrinking a shrunken sweater.

You will need a few extra tools for this method.

It works best on woolen, cashmere, or mohair materials, which have a greater stretching propensity than man-made fibers.

For best results, do this as soon as the shrunken item has come out of the wash – once you have gotten over the shock.

YOU WILL NEED:

• Sink or bucket
• Heavy bath towels
• Cork bulletin boards or knitting blocking boards
• Stainless-steel T-shaped pins
• Cool water
• 2 tablespoons baby shampoo or liquid fabric softener

HOW YOU DO IT – STAGE 1:

• Fill a sink with cool water, and add 2 tablespoons of baby shampoo, or liquid fabric softener, or hair conditioner
• Mix well
• Immerse the sweater and ensure it is well-soaked through
• Soak for at least 30 minutes or up to two hours
• Remove the sweater from the soaking solution BUT don’t rinse
• Instead, gently squeeze any excess moisture without wringing or twisting the garment
• Position the sweater flat on a thick cotton towel
• Then roll up the two together to absorb moisture

HOW YOU DO IT – STAGE 2:

• Prepare corkboards or blocking boards on the table or floor
• With care, place the sweater on top and gently stretch it to its original shape
• Fix it in position using pins around the edges
• Leave in a warm spot but not in direct sunlight
• Keep well away from the tumble drier and allow to air dry
• Every few hours you may need to readjust as it dries
• It can take up to two days to dry completely so be patient