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There are 2 ways to unshrink that sweater you just ruined in the dryer

stack of shirts sweaters
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The labels on clothing can be difficult to decipher when they only show different symbols instead of written instructions for cleaning. Shrinking can easily and unintentionally happen.

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But if you're willing to try a few tricks, there's no need to toss your favorite sweater after it accidentally finds its way into the dryer.

For sweaters made of wool or cashmere, a product called Unshrinkit can help salvage your favorite clothing. 

It's simple enough to use. According to the product's directions, the solution should be poured into a sink or bucket full of warm water. The shrunken items should then be added and submerged in the water and solution mixture and left to soak for 30 minutes. After that time has passed, the item should be spread out flat on a towel and reshaped to dry. 

Sweaters shrink because the heat of washing machines or dryers break the protein bonds and cause the fibers to curl up and shorten, but this solution relaxes the bonds and allows them to lengthen again, according to Unshrinkit's website.

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The reviews hold up, and they even recently re-upped their formula to make it work better. YouTube reviewer The Bucket List Mom tried out the product to show that it works. She even noted that she had been skeptical until she saw it work firsthand. 

If you want to try a less expensive fix before spending $12 on a bottle of Unshrinkit, there is another option. 

A video from Howcast gives step-by-step directions on how to salvage your sweater using products you probably already have, including hair conditioner and two towels.

The process is similar to using Unshrinkit. The item soaks in warm water and conditioner for 10 minutes before being blotted, reshaped, and left to dry flat.

The best way to keep your sweaters from shrinking? Read the tags closely, and be sure to keep them out of the dryer if they're made of a material that will shrink. 

Cleaning
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