How to Care for Clothes and Fabrics Made of Polyester

Polyester is known to be easy to care for, including washing. Most polyester clothes can be machine washed in warm water using a good quality detergent. It is best to turn the clothes inside out before washing to protect the outside.

Stretch polyester blends that contain spandex or elastic fiber require some special care considerations compared to regular polyester. Now that you know what polyester is, follow these tips to help your polyester stretch clothing retain its shape and elasticity over time.

Wash with cold water: Hot water causes rubber fibers to break down faster. Use the coldest wash setting possible, especially for the first few washes after buying new polyester clothes. After the wash cycle is finished, it is best to remove the clothes from the washing machine to prevent wrinkling.

Dry on a clothesline or tumble dry on low heat: The heat and spinning motion inside a dryer can reduce the elasticity of the fabric. It is best to dry polyester stretch clothes on a clothesline. If you must machine dry them, use the lowest temperature setting.

Buy a mesh laundry bag: Washing rubber items in a mesh bag will help protect the delicate fibers during the wash cycle and while drying. The bag reduces friction and tangling.

Avoid chlorine bleach: Bleach is too harsh on stretch fabrics, damaging their shape and causing them to pill or fuzz over time. Avoid using bleach and opt for oxygen bleach when necessary.

Don't over tighten: Don't over tighten or stretch polyester clothing beyond a comfortable point. Polyester can't handle too much tension before it breaks.