We’ve all been there—you pull your favorite shirt or pair of pants out of the wash, only to discover it’s mysteriously smaller. Shrinking can happen from hot water, high dryer heat, or even a simple laundry mistake. The good news? You don’t have to say goodbye to your favorite piece. With one quick method, you can “unshrink” clothes and bring them back to size.
This simple trick, passed down from my mom, takes just 15 minutes and uses items you already have at home.
What You’ll Need
- Lukewarm water
- Baby shampoo or gentle hair conditioner
- A clean towel
- A flat surface for drying
Step 1: Make the Solution
Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water. Add about one tablespoon of baby shampoo or conditioner and mix well. This helps relax and soften the fabric fibers.
Step 2: Soak the Garment
Place the shrunken item into the solution. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes so the fibers loosen and become easier to reshape.
Step 3: Stretch and Reshape
Gently squeeze out extra water—don’t wring the fabric. Lay the garment flat on a towel, roll it up to absorb more moisture, then unroll. Carefully tug and stretch the garment back toward its original size. Take your time, working evenly across the fabric.
Step 4: Let It Dry Flat
Once reshaped, lay the garment flat on a dry surface to air dry. Avoid hanging, which can distort the fabric and create uneven stretching.
The Bottom Line
With just a little conditioner and patience, you can rescue shrunken clothes and restore them to wearable shape. Not only does this trick save money, but it also helps reduce waste by extending the life of your wardrobe. Try it once, and you’ll never panic over shrunken laundry again.
