If your favourite cashmere jumper spends too long in the dryer and ends up looking like it belongs on your six-year-old niece, remain calm. There is a solution, and it’s fairly simple.
First of all, take a deep breath. There’s no reason to add that knit to the donation pile — yet. Try this trick to bring your sweaters, cotton T-shirts, and jeans back to their original state:
- Fill a sink with lukewarm water and a capful of baby shampoo or hair conditioner. If you’re unshrinking a wool sweater, you may need an extra squirt of conditioner.
- Add the sweater and let it soak for 10 minutes. This will relax the clothing’s fibers.
- Drain the sink of water. Gently squeeze the garment, removing excess water. Do not rinse it with clean water.
- Place a towel on a flat surface and lay the sweater over it. Roll the towel up, with the clothing in it, to absorb more water. The garment should be damp but not wet.
- Place the sweater on a fresh, dry towel. Gently stretch the sweater while it’s still damp. Keep it flat until it dries.
