Use Salt To Soften Your T-Shirts: An Easy Guide

If you want to soften a T-shirt with salt, there are two methods you can try. The first is the boiling method, which involves filling a large pot with saltwater (1 cup of salt), bringing it to a boil, adding a wet shirt, and then letting it simmer for 45 minutes. The second is the soaking method, which involves soaking a T-shirt in saltwater (1/2 cup of salt) for 3 days, then washing and drying it as normal.

The Soaking Method

Step 1: Prepare the Salt Solution

For this method, you will need a large bucket or container, preferably with a lid to prevent spills. Combine one quart of warm water with 1/2 cup of salt, either table salt or sea salt. Stir the mixture until the salt has completely dissolved, creating a saltwater solution.

Step 2: Soak the T-shirt

Fully submerge the T-shirt in the saltwater solution. Make sure to release any air bubbles that may be trapped in the fabric, as you want the saltwater to penetrate all parts of the shirt evenly.

Let the T-shirt soak for up to three days. It is important to be patient during this step, as it takes time for the salt to work its magic on the fabric. Stir the shirt in the water once a day, and don't be alarmed if you notice salty patches forming or salt crystals in the water; this is normal.

Step 3: Wash and Dry

After the three-day soak, remove the T-shirt from the saltwater solution and place it in your washing machine. Wash the shirt by itself, without any other items, using a mild detergent.

When the wash cycle is complete, tumble dry the T-shirt on a low heat setting until it is almost completely dry.

Tips and Tricks:

• If you want to set the colour of the shirt, you can add a bit of vinegar to the saltwater solution. This is especially useful if you are softening a coloured shirt or one with a print.
• While this method is generally safe for cotton and polyester blends, it may not work as well on rayon blends.
• For best results, start with a shirt that is one size too big, as most cotton shirts will shrink during the softening process.
• Always use a lid on your bucket, especially if you have pets or children in the house, to prevent any accidents.
• If you want to soften multiple shirts, you can double or triple the ingredients, ensuring there is enough saltwater solution to fully submerge each shirt.

By following these simple steps, you can transform a stiff, scratchy T-shirt into a soft and comfortable one that feels like an old favourite.

The Boiling Method

This method involves using a pot of boiling saltwater to soften a T-shirt. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Fill a large pot with saltwater: For this method, you will need a large pot, preferably a Dutch oven or a pasta pot. Fill the pot with water and add one cup of salt. Stir the mixture until the salt is completely dissolved.
• Bring the water to a boil: Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat up to bring the saltwater solution to a boil.
• Wet your T-shirt: Before immersing the T-shirt into the boiling saltwater, wet it under the sink.
• Simmer the T-shirt: Carefully place the wet T-shirt into the boiling saltwater. Reduce the heat to low and allow the T-shirt to simmer in the saltwater for 30 to 45 minutes. Keep the lid on the pot during this process.
• Remove and rinse the T-shirt: After the allotted time, remove the T-shirt from the saltwater and drain it in a colander. Once the T-shirt has cooled down, rinse it thoroughly to remove any excess salt.
• Wash and dry the T-shirt: Finally, run the T-shirt through a normal wash cycle in the washing machine. You can machine-dry it as well, but make sure to remove it from the dryer before it is fully dry.

It is important to note that this method may not work for all types of fabrics. It is suitable for polyester blends and cotton but may not yield the best results for rayon blends. Additionally, some people have reported mixed results with this method, so it may require some experimentation to find the perfect technique for your specific T-shirt.

Using a Pumice Stone

A pumice stone is a great way to soften a t-shirt without using any liquids. Pumice stones are usually used to smoothen your feet, but they can also be used to smoothen out the fibres of your t-shirt.

Step 1:

First, take a pumice stone and brush it all over your t-shirt, covering the sleeves and hemline. Make sure to be gentle and use a light hand to avoid damaging the fabric.

Step 2:

Next, soak the t-shirt in a solution of fabric softener and a few teaspoons of water overnight. This will help to further soften the fabric and give it that vintage look.

Step 3:

Finally, run the t-shirt through a normal wash cycle the next morning, and you're done! Your t-shirt should now feel softer and more comfortable to wear.

Tips:

• This method is great for t-shirts with prints, letters, or designs, as it won't affect the ink or make the pigment bleed.
• If you don't have a pumice stone, you can also use a scouring pad or sandpaper, but be careful not to scrub too hard as you can end up ripping the fabric.
• For best results, combine this method with the salt/brining solution method. Soak your t-shirt in a saltwater solution for three days, then follow the pumice stone steps.
• If you want to speed up the process, you can heat the saltwater solution by bringing it to a boil and then letting it simmer for up to an hour. Drain and wash your t-shirt regularly.
• Always be gentle when handling and washing your t-shirts to avoid damaging the fabric.
• If you're using a washing machine, make sure to wash the t-shirt alone and use a gentle detergent.

Soaking Overnight

Soaking your t-shirt in a saltwater solution is an effective way to soften it. This method is suitable for polyester blends and cotton but not rayon.

To begin, combine one quart of warm water with half a cup of salt in a bucket. Stir the solution until the salt is completely dissolved. Next, add your t-shirt to the saltwater mixture and soak it for up to three days. It is important to stir the shirt in the water once a day.

After the soaking period, remove the shirt from the saltwater and place it in the washing machine. Wash the shirt by itself, without any other items, using your regular laundry detergent. Finally, tumble dry the shirt on low heat until it is almost completely dry.

While this method requires patience, it is an inexpensive and easy way to achieve the desired softness for your t-shirt.

Using Scouring Pads or Sandpaper

If your t-shirt has prints, letters, or designs on it, you can use scouring pads or sandpaper to soften it without ruining the ink or making the pigment bleed.

First, switch your liquid detergent for a cup of powder detergent or washing soda. Then, grab some salt and either a couple of heavy-duty scouring pads or some sandpaper.

Next, rub the scouring pads or sandpaper all around the neckline, sleeves, and hemline. Avoid scrubbing the rest of the t-shirt and stay clear of the printed area.

Then, combine one cup of salt with 1/4 cup of washing soda. This will break down the fibres of the t-shirt.

Next, place your t-shirts in a cycle set to high heat and allow the water to fill the machine. When the tub is almost full of water, place the soap and salt mixture in. Close the machine once more and let it run through the cycle.

Finally, dry the t-shirts on high heat.

This method is very effective, but you’ll need to do this at least 2-3 times to see good results. Just make sure not to scrub too hard with the pads, as you can end up ripping the collar.

Frequently asked questions