How to Wash and Care for Polyester (2024)

FAQs

How to Wash and Care for Polyester? ›

Set the wash cycle to normal and use a gentle laundry detergent. Because polyester is a synthetic material, high heat can break down the fibers and cause damage to your clothes. As a result, polyester should be washed using warm or cold water. Make sure to check your care label.

Polyester can be tumble dried on a cool setting and won't shrink. To avoid wrinkles and static build up, remove the garments from the dryer while slightly damp.

Hand Washing Polyester

Your regular laundry detergent should work just fine for this, and you only need a small dollop. Swirl the water around with your hand until the detergent is mixed into the water and you see some suds. If you're only washing one small item, you can use a large bowl instead of the sink or tub.

Polyester is a unique fabric in that it rarely shrinks, even when washed and dried in hot temperatures. It differs from other fabrics due to its resistance to shrinking, as it can withstand higher washer and dryer settings than more delicate materials.

Polyester clothing can either be cleaned by washing at home or by dry cleaning. When washing the garments, turn them inside out. Use the permanent cycle which is shorter and gentler compared to cotton cycles. If there are oil stains, try using warm water to wash.

Let the garment dry for 2-4 hours.

Polyester is made to be fast-drying, so it shouldn't take too long to be finished. Wait a few hours and check on the clothing to see if it's dry. If you're laying the clothes on a towel to dry, flip them over every hour to quicken the drying process.

Polyester fibers don't have any elasticity by default, so 100% polyester fabrics are not stretchy. In fact, they were made to retain their shape and withstand rougher wear and tear. They may give in if the cloth is wet but not quite enough to see any real difference.

Select a heavy-duty detergent, like Tide or Persil, that contains enzymes to break apart stains and heavy soil. Add the recommended amount per load size to the washing machine.

Avoid Using Fabric Softeners on Certain Fabrics

You'll also want to skip the fabric softener on specialty fabrics like wicking sportswear, flameproof children's clothes or pajamas, or water-resistant items, and synthetic fabrics like polyester or anything containing elastane and nylon (think skinny jeans or leggings).

How to dull polyester? ›

A commercial scorch-removal product can eliminate this type of shine. Or dampen a white cloth with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (a mild bleaching agent), and gently rub the shiny area before laundering.

Unlike natural fibers like cotton, polyester has a high resistance to moisture absorption. When exposed to heat, the polymer chains in polyester can temporarily deform or stretch due to the energy introduced during the drying process.

Your polyester fabrics will not shrink in the washer unless under extreme conditions. Your polyester clothes should come out just fine if you use cool or lukewarm machine cycles. However, your polyester might have a small shrinkage if you use hot water. The safest temperatures to wash polyester are those below 230F.

Set the wash cycle to normal and use a gentle laundry detergent. Because polyester is a synthetic material, high heat can break down the fibers and cause damage to your clothes. As a result, polyester should be washed using warm or cold water. Make sure to check your care label.

Polyester can be ironed at a medium temperature, so if your iron has a dial, set it to “poly” or “medium.” If you're not sure what heat setting to use, test the iron on a small area of the fabric first. Next, make sure your iron is clean before you start.

Polyester is generally considered to be more “easy-care” than cotton. That's because polyester doesn't fade and it's more resistant to wrinkling than cotton. It's also quicker to dry than cotton. Polyester doesn't need as much attention when washing.

You can wash cotton and polyester together if you follow the care instructions on the garment label. Some cotton and polyester blends may require different washing settings, so it is important to check the care label before washing.

Washer Setting & Temperature: Normal cycle, in warm water. Dryer Setting: Permanent Press” cycle, or tumble dry low or cool. Do's: wash polyester items with similarly colored items, pre-treat stains, use your favorite laundry detergent, add vinegar to the wash to soften and reduce odor.