Symptoms
- Cotton or wool items noticeably smaller after drying
- Shrinkage happens even on delicate or low-heat settings
- Problem is worse with certain fabric types
- New clothing shrinks significantly on the first wash and dry
Likely causes
- CommonHigh heat on fabrics prone to shrinkingNatural fibers like cotton and wool shrink when exposed to high heat, especially repeatedly.
- CommonNot checking fabric care labelsMany garments are labeled for air-dry or low-heat only, and using the wrong setting causes shrinkage.
- PossibleDryer's low-heat setting not actually running coolerA malfunctioning thermostat can cause the dryer to run hot even on a delicate or low-heat setting.
- PossibleOverdrying (running longer than needed)Continued heat exposure after clothes are already dry increases shrinkage risk.
- Less commonPre-shrunk claims not accounting for repeated washingSome fabrics continue to shrink gradually over many wash and dry cycles despite being labeled pre-shrunk.
What to do
- Check garment care labels and separate air-dry or low-heat items from the regular load.
- Switch to a lower heat or delicate setting for cotton, wool, and rayon items.
- Use a shorter cycle or check clothes partway through to avoid overdrying.
- Test whether the low-heat setting actually feels noticeably cooler than normal; if it feels just as hot, the thermostat may be malfunctioning.
- Air dry or lay flat delicate and shrink-prone items instead of machine drying when possible.
- Avoid repeatedly high-heat drying the same wool or cotton items, since shrinkage can be cumulative.
- If the delicate/low-heat setting doesn't run cooler than normal, have the cycling thermostat tested by a technician.
When to call a pro
If the low-heat or delicate setting doesn't run noticeably cooler than the regular cycle, have a technician check the thermostat calibration.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.