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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To wonder how to stop my clothes shrinking in the wash?

32 replies

buzzheath · 14/06/2025 13:51

I don't understand why this keeps happening. I wash clothes as recommended on the label. Underwear in particular shrinks a lot - but surely underwear has to be washed at 40C? I buy cotton, linen, viscose, polyamide.

What am I doing wrong? Does anyone else find this and how do you solve it?

OP posts:

LoudPlumDog · 14/06/2025 14:08

No, underwear does not need to be washed at 40 degrees.

i wash everything in cold, no shrinkage, no thrush, no anything. I only up the temperature if needed.

Newmeagain · 14/06/2025 14:06

Hmm - maybe vigorous spinning can actually cause shrinkage. Interesting article here:

https://www.housedigest.com/1507177/laundry-speed-mistake-causes-clothes-shrink-fast-spinning-mode/

The Laundry Speed Mistake That's Shrinking Your Clothes - House Digest

Are your clothes shrinking and you're not sure why? You could be making a common laundry mistake. We'll tell you how to wash your clothes and avoid shrinkage.

https://www.housedigest.com/1507177/laundry-speed-mistake-causes-clothes-shrink-fast-spinning-mode/

Newmeagain · 14/06/2025 14:04

That is odd. I personally only do a gentle spin as I think too much spin can damage clothes - but would be more concerned about stretching rather than shrinking.

Original poster

buzzheath · 14/06/2025 14:00

PonyPatter44 · 14/06/2025 13:58

You're shrinking polyamide at 40 degrees? Maybe the thermostat has one in your washing machine, because that's literally not possible.

Sorry, it's the cotton, viscose and linen that's shrinking!

OP posts:

PonyPatter44 · 14/06/2025 13:58

You're shrinking polyamide at 40 degrees? Maybe the thermostat has one in your washing machine, because that's literally not possible.

Original poster

buzzheath · 14/06/2025 13:57

Newmeagain · 14/06/2025 13:55

First of all, it’s fine to use cold water - in many countries like Australia everyone washes everything in cold water.

But 40 degrees should not shrink stuff. Do you use a tumble dryer?

Nope, no tumble dryer! I do put them on a spin cycle something after the wash cycle is over, but as far as I'm aware that shouldn't shrink them.

OP posts:

Newmeagain · 14/06/2025 13:55

First of all, it’s fine to use cold water - in many countries like Australia everyone washes everything in cold water.

But 40 degrees should not shrink stuff. Do you use a tumble dryer?

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