Wash clothes in hot water
Dry clothes on the highest heat setting
Use the dryer whenever possible (heat + tumbling shrinks most fabrics)
Dry for longer than usual and check periodically
Wash and dry multiple times if more shrinkage is needed
For cotton, use hot wash + high-heat dry
For wool, avoid high heat; use lukewarm water and low heat (or skip dryer) to reduce damage
For blends, test first on a small hidden area or scrap fabric
For targeted shrinkage (one area), mist the area with hot water and apply heat with a dryer or iron on highest fabric-safe setting
Use steam and an iron on fabric-appropriate heat to encourage shrinkage
If stretching back occurs, repeat hot wash and high-heat dry
Pre-wet the garment with hot water before drying to increase shrink
Keep the garment loosely placed in the dryer to allow maximum tumbling
Check label care instructions first and avoid shrinking delicate items that may be ruined