How to Wash Polyester Clothes

Petroleum is a main ingredient in the synthetic fabric.

A brown polyester top next to detergent

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 - 2 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to $10

Typically inexpensive, polyester fabric is insect resistant, doesn't always require ironing, and can be woven or knit into many different weights and textures. Though the fabric is versatile and easy-care, it helps to know how to clean polyester properly since its fibers are used frequently in the fashion world, along with microfiber and high-performance athletic wear which often contains the material.

Follow these tips to keep your polyester clothing clean and in great shape.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Drying rack (optional)

Materials

  • Heavy-duty laundry detergent
  • Oxygen bleach (optional)
  • Stain remover (optional)

Instructions

A variety of laundry products

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

How to Wash Polyester Clothes
Detergent Heavy-duty
Water Temperature Warm
Cycle Type Regular
Drying Cycle Type Permanent press
Special Treatments None
Iron Settings Low to medium
How Often to Wash After every wearing

How to Wash Polyester Clothes

  1. Pretreat Stains

    Work the stain remover into the fibers with your fingers, and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes before washing. When oil comes in contact with polyester fabric, the attraction is solid and challenging to break. However, oily stains can be removed if treated with a stain remover or a dab of heavy-duty detergent as soon as possible.

    Always check that stains are gone before placing polyester clothes in the dryer — otherwise, the heat will cause any remaining spots to set and make them almost impossible to remove. 

    Someone pretreating a stain

    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

  2. Select the Washer Setting and Water Temperature

    Set your washing machine to permanent press, and select cold or warm water.

    Someone selecting a washer temperature

    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

  3. Add Detergent

    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. Load in the clothing, and begin the cycle.

    Someone adding detergent to a washer
    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
  4. Dry the Clothing

    Remove clothing from the washer and place in the dryer. Select the permanent press setting, and start the dryer. You can also opt to air-dry polyester garments on a clothing rack.

    A polyester top in the dryer
    ​The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Someone checking the care tag on a polyester top
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

What Is Polyester?

More than 50 percent of the world's clothing is made from polyester. The name comes from the words "poly" (meaning "many") and "ester" (a basic organic chemical compound). Ethylene, a derivative of petroleum, is the main ingredient in the manufacturing of polyester. It can be distilled from oil or recycled from previously manufactured plastics. You'll find polyester fibers in nearly every category of fabric, from sheer tulle to heavy upholstery and carpets.

Polyester can be manufactured into four different forms: filaments, which are continuous strands that can be woven or knit into a smooth-surfaced fabric of varying weight; staple fibers are shorter in length and can be combined with other fibers to create blends like poly-cotton; tow polyester is made from continuous filaments that are drawn loosely together to produce a dense rope-like fiber that can be used for carpet; and fiberfill, which are very thin, short lengths of fibers that create the fluffy, voluminous material used to fill pillows.

How Often to Wash Polyester Clothes

Polyester fibers are resilient, and they can withstand many launderings. Some garments, like tops and dresses, need washings after every wear. Other loose-fitting items can go longer between cleanings.

Treating Stains on Polyester

Polyester is tough but not impervious to stains. Follow stain removal guidelines for most stains on polyester clothing. As with most fabrics, white polyester clothes in particular can become dingy and even yellowed. Even bright polyester colors can become dull due to dye transfer from other materials or detergent or fabric softener residue left in the fibers.

The key to brightening and whitening polyester is avoiding chlorine beach as it strips away the fiber's outer coating to reveal the yellow inner core. Instead, opt for oxygen bleach and warm water. Mix enough water and oxygen bleach solution, following package directions, to submerge the fabric completely. Allow the dingy clothes to soak in the solution for several hours, and then wash as usual.

Polyester Care and Repairs

Rips in the seams of polyester clothing are simple to repair by hand or with a sewing machine and matching thread. However, holes in the body of the fabric cannot be repaired without leaving an obvious repair. Polyester will not unravel, and holes will usually not grow larger if left alone. For expensive items, consult a professional tailor.

Polyester knits may snag. Fix a snag by bringing the errant thread from the front of the fabric to the wrong (opposite) side of the fabric by coaxing it with a needle, or a needle and thread, so it becomes invisible.

Ironing Polyester Clothes

One of the most significant selling points of polyester clothing is its non-wrinkling qualities. However, if it does become heavily wrinkled or creased, the material can be tough to smooth. The best way to release creases is by ironing with steam on a medium heat setting. If that doesn't work, try using a clothing steamer.

Storing Polyester Clothes

Polyester clothes can be hung or stacked flat. If you fold polyester clothes, they tend to wrinkle. Polyester garments can be safely stored in a plastic tub or hung in a garment bag to protect them from dust for long-term storage. Freshly laundered items should be stored when thoroughly dry. Fold loosely knitted polyester pieces, and place them in drawers. Woven items and tightly knit items, such as shirts, dresses, or pants, can be hung.

Tips for Washing Polyester Clothes

  • Do not overload the washer — clothes should move around it freely.
  • Remove clothing immediately at the end of the cycle, and do not over-dry.
  • Hang garments on hangers after drying to allow wrinkles to relax and fall out over a few hours.
  • Polyester clothing may be stiff, so add fabric softener to relax the fibers if you prefer.
FAQ
  • Can 100 percent polyester go in the dryer?

    Polyester is heat sensitive: High temperatures can cause it to melt, shrink, or deform. Never select hot water or high-heat settings when using the washer, dryer, or iron for polyester. When drying, use only low heat, tumble dry, or permanent press settings.

  • How do you spot clean 100 percent polyester?

    There are numerous ways to spot clean polyester, including using commercial stain removers. DIY methods include mixing a few drops of liquid laundry detergent into water plus a 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar to be dabbed over the spot with a clean cloth until the stain is removed. If you need something a bit more abrasive, add a bit of baking soda to the mix until a paste is formed to dab onto the stain. Rinse by dabbing a clean, damp cloth until the stain is gone, then let the garment thoroughly dry.

  • Why is 100 percent polyester dry clean only?

    You may have an all-polyester item that says "dry clean only" on the care label. That's there to make sure the item retains its shape. Synthetic fabrics typically do not require dry cleaning but to minimize the risk of damaging the garment, adhere to the care label and have your item of clothing professionally cleaned.