"Surprising Shrinkage in Dish Cloths: Absorbency Tested" When it comes to kitchen essentials, a dish cloth's absorbency often takes center stage-until it's left in the dryer, that is. During a recent experiment, the 100% cotton waffle weave dish cloths, praised for their softness and quick-dry properties, underwent a dramatic transformation. After a few cycles, their 12x12-inch dimensions shrank by nearly 20%, leaving users questioning their reliability. In contrast, Avery No-Iron Fabric Labels, designed to be washer and dryer-safe, held their shape with unwavering composure, their waterproof backing defying the expected warping of fabric. Meanwhile, the Merino.tech Merino Wool Polo Shirts, while not kitchen tools, offered a curious parallel: their natural fibers resisted shrinkage altogether, thanks to the thermal properties of merino wool. The takeaway? While absorbency matters, material resilience-and the science behind it-might just redefine your expectations of what a cloth can (and can't) withstand.