Expert warns against unusual hack for unshrinking clothes and reveals what you should do instead

One of the worst laundry disasters has to be pulling your clothes out of the washing machine or dryer and realising they're much smaller than they used to be.

So of course when that happens people are desperate to find a solution and try any hack they come across.

However, a clothing expert is urging caution for one unshrinking trick made popular by TikTok warning it could cause damage to the garment.

Watch the video above.

READ MORE: $14 Bunnings buy selling out after transforming shower glass

Jasmal Gosai, CEO and printing expert from PrintLocker, said the main issue is that the hack involves hair conditioner, which isn't as good for clothes as it is for our hair.

"I encourage those looking to try out hacks they found on social media involving unconventional products for laundry use like hair conditioner to be careful as it can potentially do more damage to your clothes than good," he said.

READ MORE: The chocolate box hack transforming gardens

"Be careful not to leave your shrunken clothes to soak in hair conditioner for longer than necessary or overnight as it can negatively affect the quality of the material, especially if it's a graphic tee which can cause the logo to peel, or delicate items like wool jumpers as it can weaken the integrity of the fabric as conditioner is known for its softening properties."

Instead of hair conditioner, Gosai recommends using a coat hanger to gently nudge the shrunken garment back to size.

READ MORE: Medicine cabinet staple expert says can remove mould stains

He shared the easy three-step unshrinking process with 9honey Living.

1. Lay your clothes flat on the surface or hang them upright on a hanger.

2. Place a hanger inside your piece of clothing with the flat side of it facing upright.

3. Use the strength of the hanger to carefully and slowly push the fabric back from the inside by holding on to the hook side.

"Using the hanger as a guide will help you gauge how much your shrunken clothing is being pulled instead of using your hand as this can often lead to stretching the clothes unevenly," he explained.

"The key is to not use too much force, otherwise, you'll end up ruining the integrity of the fabric and risk damaging the structure of your clothes."

View gallery

A complete guide to the meaning of every laundry symbol

In most cases the need to even use a hack to unshrink clothes can be avoided by following best laundry practice.

The most important thing to do before washing clothing is to check the washing instructions on the tag to find out how the fabric should be cleaned.

Ignoring things like gentle cycle or handwash only and water temperature can lead to shrunken clothes.

READ MORE: The comfy minimalist ballet flat you've been searching for

"High heat is a major contributor to shrinking clothes and keeping it to a cold and gentle wash can help minimise strain on the fabric," Gosai said.

Not overloading your machine by keeping it to three quarters full will also help prevent damage to clothes as too much friction during the wash can lead to shrinking.

Air drying instead of using the dryer will also help clothes maintain their quality, particularly if they're made of delicate fibres. Some items, like woollen jumpers are also best dried flat as hanging them can cause stretching.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.