At a Glance:
Why Are My Clothes Shrinking in the Wash?
Is it Bad to Wash Clothes in Hot Water?
What Temperature Should I Wash My Clothes?
How to Prevent Clothes from Shrinking
Featured Washers That Care for Your Clothes
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Countless of homeowners know the anguish of pulling their favorite shirt or sweater out of the dryer and discovering the worst—it shrank. For a long time, hot water settings have been to blame, but does hot water shrink clothes? Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. The trick lies in learning how to use a washer and fabric care symbols the right way to protect your garments for years to come. Our experts explain in this washer user guide.
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For the latest washers that care for your clothes, explore our selection at East Coast Appliance.
Shop NowWhy Are My Clothes Shrinking in the Wash?
There are several reasons why your clothes might shrink and both the washer and dryer can be the cause of this damage. However, one of the main sources of stress for garments is high heat. Does hot water shrink clothes? Oftentimes, yes. If not, the issue lies with the high heat in your dryer.
The fabrics that shrink in hot water are often made with natural fibers. This means your wool, silk, or cotton clothes are more likely to shrink. To offset this problem, some clothes retailers sell pre-shrunk garments made with these materials or use materials like polyester which are less sensitive.
Is it Bad to Wash Clothes in Hot Water?
It’s important to know when to wash clothes in hot water so you can choose the right temperature based on your needs while protecting your garments.
While washing machine water temperature can contribute to shrinkage, it isn’t bad to use hot water when you are running a clothes cycle. Use these tips to know when to use hot water for laundry:
- When clothes are exposed to germs: Use hot water to kill bacteria if you are around sick individuals or a family member has fallen ill.
- To sanitize baby items: New and veteran parents know to wash baby clothes in hot water to get a deeper clean that is germ-free.
- To wash durable fabrics: If you have polyester clothes and durable items like work uniforms, feel free to use hot water.
- When you are washing sheets and towels: Bedding, comforters, and pillowcases are less likely to shrink when washed with hot water. If the fabric tag says pre-shrunk, it’s safe to use the hottest wash temperature.
- When your detergent isn’t working: Certain laundry detergents respond better to hot temperatures. Read your detergent instructions to determine your best option.
While it might be instinctive to go for the hot water washing machine, opting for cold water can help you save energy while protecting your clothes in the long run.
What Temperature Should I Wash My Clothes?
Try washing your clothes in cold or warm water if you want to reduce your chances of shrinkage. This will tell you whether the issue is your washer or dryer settings. You can also experiment with different cycles. Compare how your clothes respond to hot water on a permanent press cycle versus other options on your washer. But ultimately, the fabric care tag on your clothes is the best way to tell which temperature is best for the material being washed.
→ Cotton: Hot washes are okay (105°–140°).
→ Polyester & Synthetic Materials: Warm washes are ideal (85°–105°).
→ Wool: Warm washes are okay; cold washes are better (65°– 85°).
→ Silk & Delicates: Cooler wash temperatures only (60°–80°).
How to Prevent Clothes from Shrinking
Voila! Now the next time you’re wondering, “Does hot water shrink clothes,” you’ll be prepped with the right knowledge to care for your articles of clothing before they start washing. Unfortunately, shrinking can also happen outside of the the washer. Follow these tips to reduce the chances of your favorite tee becoming mini.
✔ If you still need to wash your clothes in hot water for sanitization or detergent purposes, try to dry them at a cooler temperature. You can either air-dry clothes or choose a cooler, tumble-dry setting on your dryer.
✔ Another way to prevent shrinkage is to read the instructions that come with your clothes. Many symbols will align with the washer water temperature guide that comes with your appliance so you can connect the instructions with your settings. You might have to run more loads that are smaller instead of one big load, but your clothes will thank you.
✔ If you don’t know how to wash clothes in hot water, start by reading the user guide (many manufacturers supply digital copies; just locate the model number located on the inside of the door and search for it online). A hot water cycle on delicate settings will be less damaging than a cycle made for towels and gardening clothes. You can still use hot water, just be smart about it.
Featured Washers That Care for Your Clothes
Does hot water shrink clothes if you have an outdated washer? Not always, but washers from even a decade ago are less efficient than today’s models, and that includes how they use hot water. That’s all to say that even if you follow the right rules to avoid accidentally shrinking your clothes, it could be for naught if the washer you’re doing loads in isn’t up-to-date on its technology. If your washer is dated, here are our top laundry appliances on the market that will keep your wardrobe looking new.
LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Technology is a core value of LG, which is reflected in this washer. This model’s main highlight is it AI Fabric Sensor, which identifies the types of materials you need to be cleaned so they are cared for. This reduces the chances of a harsh cycle shrinking your clothes, and best of all, if you have a compatible dryer, it sends that info over to ensure the drying cycle is also tailored to the type of fabrics being washed. With 4.5 cubic feet of capacity, users will get plenty of work done with this washer.
★ Featured LGWM4000HWA Review:
“Purchased the new LG machine to replace top loader that was damaging our clothes. We could not be more happy with the manufacturing quality of this machine. I was an aircraft mechanic before retirement and confirm the build quality as ready for flight!”
GE® 5.0 Cu. Ft. White Smart Front Load Washer
This GE pick brings new meaning to smart washer with intelligent design, including the first brand with Microban lining and the exclusive UltraFresh Vent System, both of which work to keep this washing machine smelling fresh and free from mold and mildew. It knows just how much detergent to use with SmartDispense Technology, meaning you waste less and clothes are less likely to damage from detergent overuse. Over 5,000 users agree—this is a perfect washer worth 5/5 stars.
★ Featured GE GFW850SSNWW Review:
“I love that I save so much on liquid detergent. It dispenses the exact amount it needs based on the weight of your clothes. It truly saves a lot of money and our clothes still smell clean.”
Maytag® 4.8 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
It’s hard choosing what we like best about this Maytag front load washer. The Energy Star rating. The impressive warranty. The Extra Power button for heavy-duty washes. The Extra Power feature is also an added layer of protection with two temperature settings—a hot cycle to loosen stains and a cold one for efficient washing. The combination prevents shrinkage while also tackling hard stains with better results.
★ Featured Maytag MHW6630HW Review:
“I believed my 19-year-old washer was really doing the trick but honestly it wasn't doing a fourth of getting my clothes clean. Thank you Maytag for the new and improved machines you have manufactured.”
Speed Queen® FF7 3.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Speed Queen is an iconic washing machine brand and the only one in the industry with an astounding 25-year lifespan. Just don’t mistake this washer’s simple setup as inferior! While modest, it features an industry-exclusive flea-removal cycle, plus commercial-grade washer performance with quick wash times. Altogether, that equates to less time in hot water, a lower chance of shrinkage, and impressive results for decades of use.
★ Featured Speed Queen FF7010WN Review:
“I just want to say that this front-load washer is the best of the best. I should have got one of these a long time ago. It works amazing and this is the second Speed Queen that I have owned.”
Electrolux 4.3 Cu. Ft. Titanium Front Load Washer
An impressive 96% of customers would recommend this Electrolux washer. This model uses proprietary Perfect Steam™ technology to remove tough stains without having to run your clothes through harsh cycles. You can also use the StainTreat™ option to remove set-in stains instead of washing your clothes multiple times. Featuring Electrolux’s signature LuxCare technology, it’s also one of few washers on the market that uses a hybrid of cold and hot water to enhance detergent for better a stain-fighting performance.
★ Featured Electrolux EFLS527UTT Review:
“We replaced our top-loading machine with this recent purchase and are absolutely satisfied…It operates quietly and efficiently, and the wash settings options are convenient for regular use for all kinds of loads. Our clothing comes out clean and smelling fresh.”
Samsung 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Samsung is another technology brand that is making waves in the laundry market. If you are just learning how different cycles work, check out the SmartThings App, which can walk you through your options so you choose the right settings You can also set your washer cycles through your phone for greater convenience.
★ Featured Samsung WF45B6300AW Review:
“I purchased this washer in the summer of 2023 and have been very impressed by its cleaning ability and gentle settings. I would recommend this product.”
Washers wear out over time, which means they will be harder on your clothes. Hot water alone might not be the cause of your shrinkage. After you ask yourself, “Does hot water shrink clothes?” ask a follow-up question: “Is my washer doing a good job?” If the answer is no, you need to visit East Coast Appliance. Visit the best place to shop for washers in the Virginia area. We have the largest selection and best prices in the state. We can make sure you take home a washer that doesn’t damage your clothes.
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect and you'll receive your price match.
Shop The Latest Washers at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop laundry appliances online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!
Learn More: A Complete Guide to Washing Machine Cycles & Settings