How to Expand a Sweater

Expand a shrunken sweater using hair conditioner and water.

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Many of us have accidentally put a wool sweater in the dryer and been disappointed to find it has shrunk to nearly half its size. When this happens, it can be nearly impossible to restore the sweater to its original size, but you may still be able to expand the sweater. Before you throw the sweater out, try using a few simple items to fix your shrunken sweater.

Related Searches:Difficulty:EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedHair conditionerThick towelsSuggest Edits1

Fill a sink with lukewarm water and a 2 tbsp. of hair conditioner. Place the sweater in the water and allow to soak for 20 to 30 minutes. The hair conditioner will soften and loosen the threads in the sweater, which will make them easier to expand.

2

Drain the water from the sink. Remove excess water from the sweater by pressing it against the basin of the sink. Do not wring the sweater out to remove water.

3

Gently stretch the sweater, trying to restore it to its original shape. Place the sweater on a thick towel that can absorb the water.

4

Press a second towel on top of the sweater to continue absorbing excess water. Allow the sweater to air-dry.

ReferencesThe Budget Fashionista; How to Unshrink a Wool Sweater; July 2005Home Life: Top Ten Laundry TipsPhoto Credit Dynamic Graphics/Creatas/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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