How to Prevent Hoodie and Jogger Strings from Coming Out in the Wash

If you’ve ever pulled your hoodie or joggers out of the washing machine only to find the drawstrings have disappeared into the fabric, you know how annoying it can be. Fishing those strings back through is a frustrating task, and sometimes, you might not even be able to recover them. Luckily, with a few simple tricks, you can prevent this from happening and keep your garments looking neat and functional.

Why Do Drawstrings Come Out?

During the wash and spin cycles, clothing gets tossed and turned vigorously. This constant motion, combined with water and friction, can cause drawstrings to loosen and slip completely through the casing.

Simple Tips to Keep Drawstrings in Place:

1. Tie the Strings Before Washing

One of the easiest ways to prevent drawstrings from slipping out is to simply tie them in a knot or bow before tossing them in the washer. This keeps both ends secured and prevents them from disappearing inside the garment.

2. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag

Place hoodies and joggers inside a mesh laundry bag before washing. This minimizes excessive movement and reduces the chances of the drawstring working its way loose. Plus, it helps protect the fabric from wear and tear.

3. Wash on Gentle Cycle

Using a gentle or delicate cycle keeps agitation to a minimum, reducing the force that pulls drawstrings out of place. This is especially useful for lightweight hoodies and joggers.

4. Safety Pin Hack

If you want extra security, fasten a small safety pin to the ends of the drawstring inside the casing. The pin is too large to slip through the fabric opening, keeping the string in place during the wash. Just remember to remove the pin before wearing the garment!

5. Avoid High-Speed Spins

High spin cycles create strong centrifugal force that can easily tug drawstrings out. Opt for lower spin settings, especially for clothes with delicate or easily displaced components.

6. Turn Clothes Inside Out

Turning hoodies and joggers inside out reduces the direct pulling action on the strings and can also help preserve the outer appearance of the garments.

Bonus Tip: What to Do If the String Already Came Out?

If it’s too late and the string has already slipped out, try using a simple tool like a safety pin or a drawstring threader. Attach the pin to one end of the string, feed it back through the casing, and guide it through until it comes out the other side.

Final Thoughts

A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to saving time and frustration with your favorite hoodies and joggers. With these easy tips, you can keep those drawstrings right where they belong—no more struggling to rethread them or replacing lost strings!