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Does wool shrink in the dryer?

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Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.

Susan Stocker

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Expert Answer

Yes, it doesn't take much to make wool shrink. Wool is one of the most sensitive and unpredictable materials out there. Some wool garments need to be dry cleaned, while others require special wool soaps. But if your goal is to shrink wool, yes, the dryer will work.

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What causes wool to shrink?

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The hairs that make up wool have a surface made of microscopic scales. These scales can shrink and interlock when exposed to heat and moisture, causing the wool fibers to tighten up and get shorter.

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Can shrunken wool be restored?

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Yes! If you accidentally shrink a wool garment, soak it for about 10 minutes in a sink or tub full of lukewarm water and a little bit of gentle hair conditioner or delicate laundry detergent (like Woolite). Gently squeeze the excess water out of the garment, then roll it up in a towel to get out more moisture. While it’s still slightly damp, lay it out on a fresh, dry towel, then gently stretch it out until you get the desired size and shape. Lay it out flat on a drying rack and let it air dry.

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Does wool shrink in cold water?

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No, cold water alone typically isn’t enough to shrink wool. It’s the combination of heat, moisture, and agitation (movement) that causes shrinkage.

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