How to prevent your linen clothes from shrinking
"BUT WILL IT SHRINK?"
That's got to be the number one most asked question about our expandable linen baby clothes.
Of course, parents want their baby's clothes to last a long time, but isn't linen infamous for shrinking in the wash?
The truth is--like ALL natural fibers, linen will shrink...but only if you handle it poorly. Here are our best tips for keeping your linen outfits looking (and feeling!) their best for your little ones.
1. Cool off
STOP WASHING YOUR CLOTHES IN WARM WATER! Did you know that these days laundry detergent is designed to work BEST in cold water?
And that's great news because washing your linen in cold or leukwarm water will keep them from shrinking...and the planet will thank you too.
2. Go Easy
Agitation can also cause linen to shrink in the wash. Use the gentle/delicate cycle instead OR get a mesh bag for your linen items that will keep them separate from other fabrics that might cause friction.
3. Hang loose
Linen looks its best (and doesn't wrinkle so badly) when hung dry. And linen dries LIGHTNING fast (due to the loose weave) so you won't be waiting hours and hours to put it back on your babe!
4. Shine bright
Got sunshine? Hang our linen out in it! Drying time will be reduced to about an hour AND sunlight is the best disinfectant there is. Sun-dried clothes are the cleanest clothes!
5. UN-shrink
OOPS...if you've already accidentally shrunk your linen baby clothes, never fear! You can un-shrink them.
Hand wash them in lukewarm water--this will cause the fibers to open up a bit. GENTLY wring out (I like to wrap mine in a towel and twist) and hang to dry.
Once the garment is not soaking wet, lie flat on an ironing board and use a medium heat setting. Gently pull and press the fabric into shape as you iron. Your outfit should be back to its normal size and looking extra crisp and clean!
With a little care and intention, your linen baby and toddler clothes will last a VERY long time (hello, future heirlooms!)
And if you love the look...here's why we think linen is the best toddler life hack you never heard of.
Much love,
Laurel
founder, Beya Made
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