How to Wash and Care for Acetate and Triacetate Clothes

How to Wash Acetate and Triacetate Clothes

1. Read the Care Label Before Washing

   Read and carefully follow care labels on clothing for best results. Even though acetate and triacetate fabrics can be washed, some garment care tags may recommend dry cleaning only to preserve the shape and structure of the garment. If you're a novice at doing laundry or the garment is expensive, it's best to follow the dry cleaning recommendation.

2. Place Garments Into Mesh Bag

   Prevent snagging from zippers or embellishments on other clothes by placing the acetate or triacetate garment in a mesh bag before adding it to the washer. Turn the item inside out for extra protection before putting it in the bag.

3. Load and Set the Washing Machine

   Don't overload the washer. Choose the gentle cycle, cold water, and a reduced-speed spin cycle. Too much agitation and high-speed spinning can produce excessive wrinkles that can be very difficult to remove from acetate and triacetate fabrics.

4. Remove From Washer and Air-Dry

   Skip the clothes dryer, and allow acetate and triacetate clothes to air-dry by placing them flat or hanging them on a drying rack. Excessive heat may cause the garments to shrink.

What are Acetate and Triacetate Fabrics?

Though closely related, these two cellulose fabrics slightly differ. Triacetate is a modified form of acetate with improved properties. They differ in the way the two fibers are processed. Here's more information about the two fabrics:

Acetate

Acetate fiber is manufactured from cellulose or wood pulp. What originally began in Europe as a manufactured coating for airplane wings became a staple in United States fabric production by 1924 by the Celanese Corporation. 

Since acetate is less expensive to produce than many other fibers (thanks to an abundance of wood pulp) and isn't very durable, it's often used for short-term special occasion wear, like graduation gowns and party dresses. It's also the fabric of choice for some accessories, like ribbons, scarves, and neckties, that aren't worn often.

Triacetate

Additional advancements were made by the Celanese Corporation in the 1950s with the development of triacetate. This is a cellulosic fiber made with wood pulp, but it contains less cellulose than regular acetate fibers. That means it handles better when washed, it can withstand more agitation and heat without damaging the fibers, and it's wrinkle-resistant under most conditions. Triacetate is also used to make dresses, skirts, sportswear, and other types of garments where the retention of permanent pleats is important.

How Often to Wash Acetate and Triacetate

Loose and flowing acetate garments usually don't need frequent laundering. However, tighter clothing, such as a fitted acetate tank, blouse, or dress, will require cleaning after every wear.

Treating Stains on Acetate and Triacetate

Treat stains on acetate and triacetate fabrics with a stain remover that's meant for the specific type of stain you're treating, such as coffee stains, ink, or makeup. To remove unpleasant smells, soak the garment for 30 minutes in cold water that's been mixed with 1 cup baking soda, and then wash normally. Never use acetone (nail polish remover) or organic solvents like turpentine to remove stains on acetate or triacetate because the fibers will dissolve, and this cannot be reversed.

Acetate and Triacetate Care and Repairs

Mending a tear in an acetate or triacetate lining requires a needle and thread. Trim or tuck under any frayed edges of the rip, and then pinch or pin the tear together. Stitch the tear as best you can. It doesn't need to be perfect since it's hidden in an interior lining.

If you have a small rip in taffeta that's made of acetate, it's best to use fabric repair tape to stop the problem from tearing any further. Fixing fraying acetate requires either trimming away the threads, tucking under the fabric and hand-sewing a clean edge, or applying a fabric glue formulated to stop fraying.

Storing Acetate and Triacetate

Store acetate garments away from any alcohol-based products like perfume or nail polish remover, which can damage the fabric. Instead of hanging items—which can cause garments to lose their shape—fold and store the garments flat.

Ironing

If an acetate or triacetate garment must be ironed, use a low temperature and a pressing cloth to prevent melting fibers, which can create holes or shiny spots. Press while the fabric is slightly damp and turned inside out.

Additional Tips for Washing Acetate and Triacetate

• Acetate is a weak fiber and shouldn't be exposed to any type of heat because the fabric can melt.
• If you have a dress or suit that can be hand-washed, but the lining is acetate, take the garment to a dry cleaner for professional cleaning.
• Pleated garments made from triacetate can be hand-washed but can also be dry-cleaned.
• Don't use starch on acetate clothing.
• If the underarm areas of a suit or coat lining made of acetate are worn or retain underarm odors, a dry cleaner or tailor may be able to replace the area with patches or an entirely new lining.