Does Wrinkle Release Spray Shrink Clothes? November 24 2024

does wrinkle release spray shrink clothes

Wrinkle release sprays are the most handy helpers for busy people who like low effort solutions to make them look sharp. But here is the million-dollar question: will using wrinkle-release spray shrink clothes? Let's delve into the science and practical use of wrinkle release sprays to answer this question and give you helpful fabric care advice.

Let's get started.

Does Wrinkle Release Spray Shrink Clothes?

Quick Answer: No, wrinkle releaser sprays do not shrink clothes when used properly.

According to experts in laundry care, it has been observed that shrinkage occurs whenever fabrics are subjected to a high level of heat, either during the washing or drying process. Heat causes fibers to tighten up, which leads to a reduction in garment size.

Wrinkle-release sprays work at room temperature and rely upon manual smoothing without involving the use of heat; thus, they are a non-shrinking alternative​.

However, the product can sometimes feel stiff on some fabrics which is temporary, and may be mistaken for shrinkage after excessively using it.

You can also read this article: How to Use Cold Iron Wrinkle Releaser

What Is Wrinkle Release Spray?

Wrinkle release sprays are fabric care products designed to loosen the fibers in an item of clothing. These loosened fibers allow wrinkles in clothes to smooth out without using heat or machinery, such as an iron. These sprays can be mixes of water, conditioning agents, and light fragrances.

How do wrinkle release sprays work? Sprayed onto a garment, the solution covers the fabric, thereby allowing wrinkles to easily be tugged and smoothed out by hand. They have long been favorites of regular travelers and those who don’t have access to traditional ironing equipment.

Some of these sprays also include anti-static agents, thus making them multi-use ways of giving a quick fix to your garments.

How Does Wrinkle Release Spray Work?

Wrinkle release spray works by releasing the tension in fabrics. After applying, you can use the fabric yourself by reshaping it, and it will be smooth and without wrinkles.

Unlike heat-based methods, wrinkle-release sprays rely solely on their liquid solution to break the stiffness of the fiber, hence making them safe to use and not causing shrinkage if applied correctly.

Wrinkle Release Spray vs. Dryer's Wrinkle Release Setting

Wrinkle-release sprays are liquids designed to relax the fibers of fabric; this, in turn, enables the wrinkles to gradually come out with little smoothing or tugging. On the other hand, wrinkle-release settings on dryers rely on using both heat and moisture, such as a water-dampened cloth, to lessen the appearance of wrinkles.

So, heat from the dryer can shrink the fabric, especially on fabrics prone to such an effect. On the other hand, wrinkle-release sprays use absolutely no heat and are considered safer in terms of your garments retaining their sizes.

Performance on Different Fabrics

Wrinkle-release sprays work to some extent depending on the fabric. Here's how:

  • Best Performance: Wool, Oxfords, soft cotton, T-shirts, polyester blends, flannel.
  • Medium Performance: Heavy weight cotton, chino, denim, poplin.
  • Limited Effectiveness: Canvas, heavy knits, recycled cotton.
  • Caution Required: Silk, rayon, satin (test on a small, hidden area first).
  • Avoid: 100% synthetic fibers, which do not take the spray well.

How to Use Wrinkle Release Spray Safely?

Here's how you can use wrinkle-release spray:

How to Use Wrinkle Release Spray Safely
  1. Lay Garment Flat or Hang: Ensure the item is smooth and easily accessible.
  2. Spray Evenly: Holding the bottle 6–10 inches away, mist onto the fabric. Avoid over-saturating.
  3. Smooth by Hand: Gently tug and smooth out wrinkles. For best results, use a flat surface or hanger.
  4. Let Air Dry: Allow the fabric to air dry. Do not wear it immediately to avoid transferring wet spots.

Where to Buy Wrinkle Release Sprays

Cold Iron Wrinkle Release Spray is the go-to choice for buyers; it has a formula that promises not to damage fabrics. You can get it:

Conclusion

Wrinkle release sprays work well and safely to remove wrinkles as compared to other products that involve heat. They are great for cotton, wool, and polyester blends and have to be used cautiously with more delicate items like silk. More importantly, they do not shrink clothes when used properly; hence, they are a versatile weapon for your outfit.