Drying baby clothes without shrinking them is simple: use low or no heat.
Understanding Shrinkage
When it comes to laundry, especially delicate items like baby clothes, heat is the primary culprit behind shrinking. As the reference states, heat is the cause of shrinking clothes. High temperatures in the dryer can cause the fibers in the fabric (particularly natural ones like cotton) to contract, resulting in clothes that are smaller than they were before drying.
Since babies outgrow their clothes quickly, you might not experience significant shrinkage often. However, minimizing heat during drying is still the best way to preserve the original size and shape of their garments.
Drying Methods to Prevent Shrinkage
The most effective way to prevent baby clothes from shrinking is to minimize or eliminate heat during the drying process. Based on the guidance that you should "dry with low or no heat", here are the recommended methods:
Air Drying
Air drying is the gentlest method as it uses no heat at all.
- Drying Rack: Hang baby clothes on a collapsible drying rack indoors. Ensure good air circulation to speed up the drying time.
- Clothesline: If you have access to an outdoor clothesline, this is a great option. Sunlight can also help naturally sanitize the clothes, but prolonged direct sun can fade colors.
- Lay Flat: For delicate knits or items prone to stretching, lay them flat on a clean towel or drying rack.
Machine Drying with Low Heat
If you prefer using a dryer, select the lowest heat setting or even a no-heat/air-dry setting.
- Use the Right Setting: Look for dryer settings like "Delicates," "Low Heat," "Air Dry," or "Cool." These settings use minimal or no heat.
- Dry in Shorter Cycles: Even on low heat, avoid over-drying. Remove clothes as soon as they are dry to minimize heat exposure.
- Consider Drying Balls: Wool or rubber drying balls can help fluff clothes and reduce drying time on lower heat settings.
Following the simple rule from the reference – to wash in cold water and dry with low or no heat and shrinking won't be an issue – ensures your baby's adorable outfits stay the size they are meant to be.
