Polyester, it makes up our favorite dresses, blouses and jackets, and in some cases it’s blended with other fabrics like nylon and cotton. But what exactly is it? Polyester is a synthetic man-made fabric made of plastic and is found in approximately 60 percent of garments on the shelves today. It’s wrinkle-resistant, moisture-resistant and flexible, however, if you have sensitive skin or want to wear natural materials this may not be the best fabric for you. But, since this fabric is prominent in a majority of wardrobes, it’s essential to know how to take care of it correctly by following this guide.
Washing
To Hand wash or to machine wash?
Polyester can be washed both ways; hand-washed or in a washing machine.
How to hand wash
Fill a basin or any clean container with lukewarm or cool water and fully soak the garment. Add a few drops of a mild detergent.
Once the drops are added, stir it in the water. Let the item soak to the detergents instructions and agitate the item so the detergent can get in the fabrics fibers. Normally a couple of minutes will do.
Rinse in cold water and dump the dirty water. Absorb the extra excess with a towel, but be careful not to wring the fabric, only blot to remove any excess moisture.
How to Machine wash
First things first, make sure that you can machine wash your polyester piece by checking the care label.
Machine wash your items with a mild detergent on a normal cycle with warm or cool water. Wash with like colors and fabrics only.
Drying
To air Dry or to use a dryer?
You can either air dry polyester or tumble dry at medium temperature.
How to air dry Polyester
After washing, take out your piece and dry flat or lay it on a drying rack.
How to dry Polyester in the dryer
It’s recommended to tumble dry polyester at medium temperature.
Ironing
If the fabric is 100 percent Polyester, the fabric will melt if it gets too hot and may also get burn marks. The safest bet is to not put direct heat on top of it and use a pressing cloth for a middle layer to remove any additional wrinkles. If you’re not sure, check the care label to see if it’s a poly blend or 100 percent polyester.
Storing
Always store items clean. The recommended item for storing polyester would be in cotton or canvas storage bags. They are breathable and also protect your items from bugs, dust and other debris.
Storing these fabrics in plastic can create an environment for mildew to settle in.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, Lola Glenn does not accept responsibility for incorrectly laundered/damaged fabrics by following these instructions.
