This Viral Laundry Hack Could Save Your Shrunken Clothes

Shrinking clothes in the washing machine or dryer is a common frustration. Many people assume there is no way to fix the damage and end up donating or throwing away their favorite garments.

But according to a viral video from the lifestyle channel Chips, which has received more than 4.3 million views, there is a simple method that may help restore certain shrunken clothes to their original shape using an everyday household item: hair conditioner.

The idea behind the technique is that hair conditioner helps relax and soften fabric fibers, making them easier to gently stretch back into shape.

Step 1: Soak the Garment

Start by filling a bucket or large basin with warm water and adding one third of a cup of basic hair conditioner.

The conditioner coats and softens the fibers, preparing them to be reshaped.

Place the garment in the mixture and allow it to soak for about 30 minutes. Unlike some online tips that recommend soaking clothes for several hours, the video's creator says half an hour is all that is needed. Leaving the garment in the solution for too long may increase the risk of unpleasant odors or mildew.

Step 2: Remove Excess Water Carefully

Once the garment has finished soaking, avoid twisting or wringing it out, as this can damage the softened fibers.

Instead, lay the wet garment flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel and garment together, allowing the towel to absorb excess moisture gently without stretching or tearing the fabric.

Step 3: Gently Stretch the Fabric

After removing the extra water, lay the garment flat on a clean surface.

Using your hands, carefully stretch the fabric little by little. Work both lengthwise and widthwise, gently reshaping the garment until it returns as closely as possible to its original size.

As the creator explains, the goal is to stretch the garment evenly in every direction where additional room is needed.

Which Fabrics Does This Work On?

This method works best on garments made from natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and viscose, since these materials are more responsive to being softened and reshaped.

However, it is far less effective on clothing made entirely from synthetic materials such as polyester. If high heat has permanently damaged or distorted synthetic fibers in the dryer, hair conditioner will not be able to restore their original shape.

Once you have finished stretching the garment, allow it to air dry flat in a shaded area. Avoid hanging it on a clothesline while it is still wet, as the weight of the water may cause it to stretch unevenly or lose its shape.