When clothes shrink in the dryer, it is typically due to a combination of heat, moisture, and agitation. Most clothes are made of fibers, and the fibers' response to these factors can cause the fabric to shrink. The primary reasons for clothes shrinking in the dryer are:
Heat: The high temperature in the dryer can cause the fibers in the fabric to contract. This is especially true for natural fibers like cotton and wool.
Moisture: When clothes are exposed to moisture in the form of steam or humidity in the dryer, the fibers can swell and then contract when they dry, leading to shrinkage.
Agitation: The tumbling action of the dryer can cause the fibers to rub against each other, leading to entanglement and further shrinking.
Fabric type: Different fabrics have different shrinkage properties. Natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, are more prone to shrinkage than synthetic fibers like polyester.
When you put clothes in the dryer, the combination of these factors can lead to a reduction in the size of the garment. The degree of shrinkage can vary based on the fabric type, the initial size of the clothing, the heat setting used in the dryer, and the duration of the drying cycle.
To minimize shrinkage, it's advisable to follow the care instructions on the clothing label and avoid high heat settings when drying clothes. Some garments may need to be air-dried or dried at a lower temperature to prevent excessive shrinkage and maintain their original size.