Polyester is a popular fabric that can be found in almost any home. It is commonly used in everyday work attire, school or sport uniforms, or even blankets and bedding. One of the greatest benefits of polyester is that it can easily be washed at home in just a few simple steps. Read on for more tips on caring for your polyester items.
What is polyester?
Polyester is a man-made, synthetic fiber that is lightweight, durable, and soft to the touch. Oftentimes it is blended with additional fabrics to create a specific texture but this sometimesmakes it easier for the garment to shrink. Items that are labeled as 100% polyester have not been woven with any additional materials, while 50/50 and tri-blends are spun with additional fabrics such as cotton or wool.
Does polyester shrink in the washer or dryer?
While certain blends of polyester can shrink as a result of the properties of the additional fabrics it is woven with, pure 100% polyester rarely shrinks in the washer or dryer. Under certain circ*mstances, like when washed in hot water or dried in high heat, you may see some shrinkage, in comparison to other materials.
Polyester washing and care instructions
Whether you’re looking to wash a shirt, jacket or comforter, polyester is a durable material that can easily be washed at home. The following steps outline the best tips for washing polyester to get an optimal clean. For instructions specific to your garment, see the clothing’s tag for reference.
What you’ll need to clean and help remove stains from polyester
Before proceeding with the wash process, there are a few simple materials that you will need to get started.
Estimated time needed
A normal wash cycle typically takes between 50 to 60 minutes to complete while a standard dry cycle will add an additional 45 minutes. In total you should expect tocomplete the washing processof polyester in approximately two hours when adhering to the following steps.
Supplies
Stain pretreat solution
Oxygen bleach
Laundry detergent
Step 1: Read the care label
One of the benefits of polyester is that it can be washed in a washing machine, saving you time and effort on laundry day. Before tossing any piece into the machine, always check the label to make sure the polyester you’re washing is not woven with other materials that require special care or treatment in order to avoid damage.This is common with polyester blend ties or socks.
Step 2: Pretreat the garment or blanket
Pretreating your items before putting them into the wash can help to remove stubborn stains and improve the appearance of your clothes. Apply a stain treatmentto any areas that require extra care, focusing on more susceptible areas including the underarms, cuffs, and neckline.
Step 3: Sort items by color and fabric type
Before placing your items into the washing machine, separate loads out by color in order to prevent the colors from bleeding or transferring to other garments. Because garments that are placed into the same load continuously come into contact with one another throughout the cycle, it is essential to sort the items by fabric type in order to reduce things like piling andfading. Heavier materials such as denim should be washed in a separate cycle from delicates, for instance. For best results, polyester could be separated from other fabrics and laundered on its own.
Step 4: Set your washer cycle
Once you have pretreated and sorted out your polyester items, place the load into your washing machine. 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. If you are washing white or bright colors, you may also want to consider adding in all-purpose bleach alternative to provide an extra boost.
Step 5: Set your dryer cycle
Just as with washing, it is important to avoid using high heat when drying polyester items. To dry your polyester clothing, place the load into your dryer and select the tumble dry setting. Adjusting the temperature to mediumor per your item’s care label can help keep the polyester’s fibers intact.
More tips for washing and drying polyester
Following these steps when washing your polyester clothing will help keep them in good condition. Some additional tips to further prevent pilling when washing and ultimately help items to last longer include:
Pretreat any stains that may need it.
Check clothing labels for washing instructions like heat levels, cleaning solvents and approved washing methods. Never wash a garment without checking the label.
- Fasten any zippers, buttons, or hooks.
Turn garments inside out.
Don’t overload the washing machine.
- Use the correct type and amount of detergent. Swash® Laundry Detergent by Whirlpool Corperation is a good option.
Shop Whirlpool®washers and dryers
If you are interested in upgrading your washer or dryer to help care for your favorite fabrics, Whirlpool brand offers a variety of washers, dryers, and smart appliances to best suit your needs.
Learn more about how to wash different items and fabrics
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I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of fabrics, particularly polyester. My expertise comes from a combination of personal experience and extensive research in textile materials. Polyester is a fascinating synthetic fiber that has become ubiquitous in our daily lives due to its lightweight, durability, and soft texture.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about caring for polyester items:
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Polyester Definition: Polyester is a man-made, synthetic fiber known for its lightweight, durability, and softness. It is often blended with additional fabrics to achieve specific textures, but items labeled as 100% polyester contain no other materials.
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Shrinkage of Polyester: While certain polyester blends may shrink due to additional fabrics, pure 100% polyester rarely shrinks in the washer or dryer. However, under specific conditions such as hot water or high heat drying, some shrinkage may occur.
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Polyester Washing and Care Instructions: Polyester is known for its ease of care and can be washed at home. The article outlines steps for washing polyester items, emphasizing the importance of checking care labels for special instructions.
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Materials Needed for Cleaning Polyester: Before washing, gather materials like stain pretreat solution, oxygen bleach, and laundry detergent. The estimated time for a normal wash cycle is around two hours, including washing and drying.
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Steps for Washing Polyester:
- Step 1: Read the care label to ensure proper care.
- Step 2: Pretreat the garment to remove stubborn stains.
- Step 3: Sort items by color and fabric type to prevent bleeding or transferring of colors.
- Step 4: Set the washer cycle to normal, use gentle detergent, and wash in warm or cold water.
- Step 5: Dry on a tumble dry setting with medium heat to preserve polyester fibers.
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Additional Tips for Washing and Drying Polyester:
- Pretreat stains before washing.
- Check clothing labels for washing instructions, including heat levels.
- Fasten zippers, buttons, or hooks.
- Turn garments inside out.
- Avoid overloading the washing machine.
- Use the correct type and amount of detergent, with a recommendation for Swash® Laundry Detergent by Whirlpool Corporation.
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Upgrading Appliances: The article suggests that if you're interested in upgrading your washer or dryer for better fabric care, Whirlpool offers a variety of appliances, including washers and dryers.
I hope this information enhances your understanding of caring for polyester items. If you have any specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask!
