How to Wash Cotton (Preventing Shrinkage)
What You'll Need
- Machine wash
- Per machine directions
Step-by-Step Method
1
Sort and wash in cold water
Wash cotton in cold water. Hot water is the #1 cause of cotton shrinkage. Sort whites and darks separately.
Pre-shrunk cotton can still shrink an additional 2-3% with heat. Cold water minimizes this.
2
Remove promptly
Remove cotton from the washer promptly to prevent wrinkles from setting in wet fabric.
3
Dry on low or air dry
For minimal shrinkage: air dry. For convenience: tumble dry on LOW heat and remove while slightly damp. High heat causes the most shrinkage.
If cotton shrinks in the dryer, you can sometimes stretch it back by soaking in cool water with 1 tbsp hair conditioner for 30 minutes, then gently stretching while damp.
🚫 What NOT to Do
- Do not wash cotton in hot water (shrinks natural fibers)
- Do not over-dry in high heat
- Do not use too much detergent (residue makes cotton stiff)
💡 Pro Tips from The Freak
- White cotton can be washed in warm water for better cleaning, but expect 3-5% shrinkage over time.
- For wrinkle-free cotton: remove from dryer while 10% damp and hang immediately.
- Cotton towels are the exception: wash in hot water to kill bacteria, and tumble dry completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Untreated cotton shrinks 5-10% in hot water. Pre-shrunk cotton still shrinks 2-3%. Cold water wash + low heat dry keeps shrinkage under 1%. Cotton t-shirts shrink mainly in length, not width.
Sources & Methodology
Cotton is a cellulose fiber that swells when wet and contracts when exposed to heat, causing dimensional shrinkage. Pre-shrinking treatments (Sanforization) limit but do not eliminate this.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026