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How to wash polyester and other synthetics

Wash polyester inside out in warm water with a full dose of detergent, after pretreating any oily or sweaty spots, then dry it on low or permanent press and take it out promptly, or hang it. Polyester is a synthetic that resists wrinkles and dries fast, but it's sensitive to high heat and it grabs onto oils, so the risks are a hot dryer or iron on one side and washes that are too cool and gentle on the other.

Best method
Pretreat oils, warm wash, low heat or hang to dry
Time
One wash cycle; quick to dry
Difficulty
Easy

You will need

  • Liquid laundry detergent
  • A prewash stain remover
  • Dry-cleaning solvent, for heavy grease (optional)
  • Hangers or a drying rack
White sports bra on a table beside dumbbells, a resistance band and massage ball

Step by step

  1. 1

    Pretreat oily spots and sweaty areas

    Rub a prewash stain remover or liquid detergent into collars, underarms and any oily marks, and let it sit a few minutes before washing.

    Why: Polyester has an affinity for oils, including body oils. The American Cleaning Institute notes that prewash removers work especially well on polyester and oily soils.

  2. 2

    Turn items inside out and close zippers

    Turn polyester garments inside out, fasten zippers and hooks, and keep them away from lint-shedding towels and fleece in the same load.

    Why: Synthetics attract lint and static and can snag or pill. Less friction and no lint donors in the load keep the surface smooth.

  3. 3

    Wash warm with enough detergent

    Wash in warm water with the full recommended dose of detergent, at the temperature the care label allows. For whites that are turning yellow, ACI's remedy is a hot wash of at least 130°F (54°C) on the permanent-press cycle with its cool-down rinse, if the label allows.

    Why: ACI warns that synthetics treated as delicates, with short cool washes, build up body soil that yellows and holds odor. The cool-down rinse limits wrinkling after warmer water.

  4. 4

    Dry on low and take it out promptly

    Tumble dry on low or the permanent-press setting and remove the clothes as soon as the cycle ends, or hang them to dry. Polyester dries fast either way.

    Why: Polyester is very heat sensitive. Overdrying can shrink it, and wrinkles set in when warm synthetics sit in a pile.

  5. 5

    Iron only at a low to medium setting

    If you need to iron, follow the label's dots. Canada's care guide lists polyester at the medium setting (two dots, up to 150°C or 300°F); many synthetics, such as acrylic, nylon and spandex, need the low setting. When in doubt, go low and use a pressing cloth.

    Why: Too much heat melts or glazes synthetic fibers, and Texas A&M notes that a melted or glazed synthetic can't be restored.

What polyester is, and what it can't take

Polyester is a synthetic fiber. Like nylon, acrylic and spandex, it's strong, wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying, and it resists mildew. It absorbs very little water, which is why it dries fast.

The same chemistry explains its problems. Polyester attracts and holds oils, so body oils and grease cling to it and can build up into yellowing and lingering odor if washes are too cool. It's heat sensitive, so a hot dryer or iron can shrink, melt or glaze it, leaving a shiny, stiff patch. It also pills and collects lint and static. ACI notes pilling is a wear characteristic that can't be completely prevented, though fabric softener used in the right amount lubricates fibers and helps. Check the care label for the limits on each item; see laundry symbols.

Getting oil, grease and other stains out of polyester

Oil is the stain polyester holds hardest, and it gets harder with time, so treat it fast:

  1. Blot fresh oil or scrape off solid grease.
  2. For light stains, work heavy-duty liquid detergent, dish soap or a prewash stain remover into the spot and let it sit for several minutes.
  3. For heavy grease, place the stain face down on paper towels and apply a dry-cleaning solvent to the back, changing the towels often. Let it evaporate, then rinse.
  4. Wash in the warmest water the label allows, and check before drying.

Even so, some old oil stains on polyester never fully come out. For more detail, see grease on clothes. For other stains, polyester takes most household treatments, including enzyme detergent and oxygen bleach; test alcohol, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide on a hidden spot first, because they can affect some dyes.

By situation

Wrinkled polyester

Most wrinkles come from clothes left sitting in a warm dryer or a wet heap. Take polyester out of the dryer as soon as it stops and hang it right away. If you iron, use the low to medium setting the label allows, with a pressing cloth.

Activewear and moisture-wicking fabrics

Wash after every wear, and pretreat sweaty areas. Iowa State's AnswerLine quotes a sportswear maker that advises against fabric softener on its wicking fabrics, while ACI says modern softeners can be used in the right amount. Follow the garment's label. For lasting sweat smells, see sweat smell in clothes.

Yellowed white polyester

Use ACI's hot-wash remedy, at least 130°F on permanent press with extra detergent. For very discolored synthetics that can't take chlorine bleach, ACI suggests soaking in an enzyme product or detergent booster, or using a color remover as the package directs.

Polyester-spandex blends

Never use chlorine bleach: ACI warns that it yellows spandex permanently. Use the lowest iron setting and low dryer heat.

A shiny or melted patch

That's heat damage from an iron or a very hot dryer. Texas A&M says melted or glazed synthetics can't be restored, so prevention is the only fix.

What not to do

  • Don't use high dryer heat or a hot iron. Polyester is heat sensitive and can shrink, melt or glaze permanently.
  • Don't always wash polyester cold and gentle. Body oils build up in the fiber, causing yellowing and odor.
  • Don't use chlorine bleach on spandex blends. It yellows spandex permanently.
  • Don't overuse fabric softener on performance fabrics. Some sportswear makers say it interferes with their wicking finishes; check the label.

Other methods that work

Hang drying

Polyester dries quickly on a hanger, which avoids dryer heat entirely and keeps it smoother than a crowded dryer.

Caution: Hang it right away so wrinkles don't form while it's wet and bunched.

Dry-cleaning solvent for heavy grease

ACI's method for heavy oily stains: apply the solvent to the back of the stain over paper towels so the oil is pushed out into the towel.

Caution: Solvents are flammable and toxic. Ventilate, keep away from flames, let them evaporate fully, and never put solvent-damp items in the washer or dryer.

Stain still there?

Polyester still smells after washing

Body oils have built up. Pretreat the problem areas, wash warmer with the full detergent dose, and avoid heavy softener use.

An oil stain reappeared after washing

Oil wasn't fully removed before the wash. Repeat the detergent or solvent pretreatment, allow longer contact, and wash warm. Don't dry it until it's gone.

Clothes are full of lint and static

Wash synthetics apart from towels and fleece, turn them inside out, and don't overdry. A little softener used as directed reduces static.

Safety

  • Use dry-cleaning solvent in a ventilated room away from flames, and never put solvent-damp clothes in the washer or dryer.

Never mix cleaning products; see chemicals you must never combine.

Questions

What temperature should polyester be washed at?

Warm, unless the label says otherwise. ACI warns that washing synthetics too cool lets body soil build up; for yellowing whites it suggests at least 130°F on permanent press.

Can polyester go in the dryer?

Usually yes, on low or permanent press. Take it out promptly so it doesn't wrinkle or overdry.

How do you get wrinkles out of polyester?

Hang it right after washing or drying. If needed, iron at the low to medium setting the label allows, with a pressing cloth.

How do you get oil out of polyester?

Work liquid detergent or dish soap into the spot and let it sit, or use a dry-cleaning solvent from the back for heavy grease. Wash warm and check before drying.

Does polyester shrink?

It can, with too much heat. Low dryer heat or hanging to dry prevents it.

More laundry guides

Sources

  1. Fiber Types, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension (Textiles)
  2. Dealing with Sport Stains, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - AnswerLine
  3. Laundering Problems and Solutions, American Cleaning Institute
  4. Laundry Basics, American Cleaning Institute
  5. Guide to apparel and textile care symbols, Office of Consumer Affairs, ISED Canada
  6. Fabric Softeners and Enhancers: A Comprehensive Guide, American Cleaning Institute
  7. Removing Stains From Washable Fabric, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
  8. Stain Removal Guide, American Cleaning Institute

Last updated . Methods are drawn from the sources above; how we research and check our guides.