Is it cold or hot water that makes things shrink???

Question

I know that ice or an ice pack can help reduce swelling but what temperature of water makes clothes shrink??? hot or cold?

Answer 1

Wash water - warm or hot can shrink wool and other natural fibers (cotton, angora, etc.).  Cotton will shrink less, but still shrink.

Dryer - warm or hot dryer temperature will shrink the same garments.

BUT - some thinks shrink no matter what the temperature.  For example, some wool sweaters (they are called 'boiled wool') will shrink if they get wet.  The fibers are really curly naturally and are combed straight to be woven.  As soon as they get wet, they kink and curl up.

The safest wash is cold or cool water.  If you have a really delicate item, hand wash it in the sink and rinse it well.  Don't twist or wring it.  Lay a bath towel on the floor, lay the sweater on it neatly, then roll up the towel tightly.  You can squeeze and even stand on the rolled up towel to squish a lot of water out, without stretching the garment.  Then, lay it out flat on another towel until dry.

Answer 2

definitely hot. also, if you want to avoid shrinking, dont put it in the dryer.

Answer 3

The temperature is not the only factor in shrinkage.  You must consider type of fabric. Refer to clothing labels for water temperature during wash cycle.  Wash in cold = clothes will shrink in warmer temperature water.  Wash in warm = won't shrink.

Answer 4

Putting clothes in the drier is what makes them shrink, not the water.

But in scientific terms, cold shrinks, hot expands.

Answer 5

definitlyyy hottt waterr .

Answer 6

I'm pretty sure its hot water and the clothes dryer that makes clothes shrink. If you have a delicate piece of clothing that your not sure of, be safe and Dry clean it.  

Answer 7

It is the dryer that shrinks the things because of the immediate wet/dry procedure. If you don't want your clothes to shrink put them on the clothes line.

But usually it is the cold that shrinks.

Which is what makes cracks in the street.

And what makes thermometers work.

Also what prevents swelling.

Answer 8

Hot