A common worry for anyone owning stretchy activewear, jeans, or swimwear is whether the heat from a dryer will ruin their favorite garments. The direct answer is yes, elastane (spandex) can and often does shrink and degrade in a clothes dryer. The damage isn’t always immediate, but with repeated exposure, it becomes inevitable.
This article explains the science behind the shrinkage and provides clear, actionable steps to protect your investment in stretch fabrics.
Can Elastane Shrink? Understanding the Science
Elastane fibers are made from polyurethane, a polymer that is highly sensitive to heat. When exposed to the high temperatures inside a tumble dryer (often exceeding 40°C/104°F), the molecular chains that give elastane its incredible stretch begin to soften and break down. This process is cumulative and irreversible.
The result is not just simple shrinkage, but a permanent loss of elasticity and recovery power. The fabric may contract, become stiff, or sag out of shape because the elastane fibers can no longer spring back. Furthermore, the intense heat, combined with mechanical tumbling, can cause the delicate elastane core in covered yarns to snap, leading to fabric pilling, snags, or complete failure.
How to Prevent Elastane Shrinkage: A Care Guide
Protecting your elastane-blended clothing is straightforward when you follow these core principles designed to avoid heat and harsh treatment.
Always Opt for Air-Drying
This is the single most effective step. After a cold wash, reshape the garment and lay it flat to dry on a drying rack or hang it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Air-drying preserves the fiber’s integrity perfectly.
Master the Washing Process
- Water Temperature: Use cold water only on a gentle or delicate cycle.
- Detergent: Choose a mild, liquid detergent. Avoid chlorine bleach entirely, as it destroys elastane. Also, skip fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as they leave a residue that coats fibers, traps odors, and accelerates degradation.
- Mechanical Protection: For delicate items like leggings or swimsuits, place them inside a mesh laundry bag before washing to prevent snagging and excessive stretching.
If You Must Use a Dryer
If air-drying is impossible, use the absolute lowest heat setting available. Crucially, remove the items while they are still slightly damp and allow them to finish drying flat. Never use high or medium heat.
Avoid Direct Heat from Irons
Never iron elastane directly. The concentrated heat of an iron can melt the fibers instantly. If you must remove wrinkles from a blended fabric, use the lowest possible steam setting and keep the iron moving, or use a pressing cloth as a protective barrier.
By adopting this cold-wash, air-dry routine, you actively prevent the heat damage that causes elastane to shrink and lose its stretch. Your performance wear and favorite fitted garments will maintain their shape, comfort, and longevity for years to come. For consistent results, always check and follow the garment’s care label—it is your best guide for preserving fabric life.
TANI THREAD CO., LTD
- Address: Thanh Hoa Hamlet, Thanh Dien Commune, Chau Thanh District, Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam
- Hotline: 0984.841.239
- Email: sale@tanithread.com
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