How to Prevent Clothes from Shrinking

Protect Your Favourite Clothes with Tips from Laundry Riviera

Few things are more frustrating than pulling your favourite jumper or shirt from the wash — only to find it’s suddenly two sizes smaller. Shrinking clothes is one of the most common (and preventable) laundry problems, and at Laundry Riviera, we know exactly how to stop it from happening.

Here’s your go-to guide on how to avoid shrinkage and keep your wardrobe looking its best.

1. Read the Care Label First

Before tossing anything in the wash, check the care label. If it says “cold wash,” “hand wash,” or “dry clean only,” take it seriously — these instructions are there to protect delicate fibres like wool, cashmere, or silk.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure, bring tricky items to us. We follow garment labels to the letter to avoid damage.

2. Use Cold Water Whenever Possible

Heat is one of the main culprits behind fabric shrinkage. Unless you’re washing towels or bedding that require a hot wash for hygiene, stick to cold or 30°C washes — it’s gentler on fabrics and helps them keep their shape.

3. Avoid High-Heat Drying

Tumble dryers are a major shrink risk, especially for cotton, wool, and synthetic blends. If you must use a dryer, opt for a low-heat or delicate setting — or better yet, air-dry your garments flat or on a line.

4. Wash Delicates Separately

Soft or delicate fabrics can shrink when mixed with heavy, rougher items in the same load (like jeans or towels). Always wash them in smaller, separate loads or inside a mesh laundry bag for added protection.

5. Don’t Overload the Machine

An overloaded washer or dryer leads to excess friction and uneven heat, increasing the risk of shrinkage. Give your clothes space to move freely for better, safer cleaning.

Let Laundry Riviera Take Care of It

Worried about shrinking your favourite clothes? Leave it to us! At Laundry Riviera, we know exactly how to handle delicate fabrics, special care items, and tricky blends — using the right temperatures, settings, and detergents to keep your garments looking and fitting their best.

Visit us at 16 Fonthill Road, Finsbury Park, or book a pickup online — we’re open 7 days a week to help with all your laundry needs.

Contact Us!