Did you know that different materials require different washing routines? From the speed cycle to the temperature, the right approach can make a huge difference to your clothing. But that’s not all to consider when learning the best way to wash your 100% polyester.
Traditional liquid-based laundry detergents can leave behind harsh residues that build up on your clothing—not to mention contributing to plastic waste. Thankfully, laundry sheets are free of harmful chemicals such as phosphates, brighteners, parabens, dyes, and 1,4-dioxane and are designed to minimize environmental impact compared to traditional liquid detergents that come in plastic bottles.
Laundry sheets are fast becoming the go-to. With sustainability a top priority these days, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about how to wash 100% polyester while doing your bit for the world we live in. Read on to learn more.
What Is 100% Polyester?
Polyester is one of the most used fabrics in the world. The synthetic material changed the game in fashion during the '60s and '70s because it was cheap and crease-free. Since then, its use has continued, with a huge percentage of the clothing we wear today including polyester.
With that being the case, it’s important for the environment and your bank balance to wash your polyester clothes carefully, avoiding harsher chemicals and choosing gentler alternatives. As with any clothes you buy, you want to get the most out of them, so check out the top tips we’ve compiled below.
Polyester Washing & Drying Instructions
Check the Instructions on the Label
When first washing anything, your first port of call should be to check the label. The manufacturers helpfully tell you everything you need to know to keep your garment in great condition.
For a top, you can usually find the label on the reverse side on the bottom left. As for bottoms, they tend to be placed on the reverse side towards the top of the garment.
Pretreat for Stubborn Stains
If you’re washing your garment after some particularly heavy use and there are visible stains, use a pretreatment. Each pretreatment will have slightly different instructions, but generally, you will need to rub it directly onto the stains and leave it to sit for a few minutes before putting it into the machine with the rest of your washing.
Or, if you’d rather not pretreat stains, laundry sheets like Freddie’s are designed to be a convenient and mess-free alternative to traditional detergents.
Organize Your Wash Loads By Color
While the temptation is there to save time and throw all your laundry into the washing machine together, you might just regret it. It only takes one rogue garment to accidentally turn your light-colored clothes bright pink.
Separate your lights, darks, and, if you have a lot, whites. Your polyester clothes will thank you, as will your bank account, especially when you don’t have to replace them.
Choose Your Cycle
One of the great things about polyester is that it doesn’t have to be washed in a high-temperature setting. Not only is that better for the environment, but it’s also much cheaper for you, as lower-temperature washes cost much less than high ones.
When it comes to adding detergent, switching to laundry sheets is a good idea for convenience.
Avoid High Temp Dryer Settings
Similarly to the temperature of the wash cycle, you need to ensure that you don’t tumble dry your polyester clothes at too high a setting. Opt for a medium to low setting, checking the label's guidance first. Alternatively, you can also air dry your polyester garments.
How to Care for 100% Polyester
Each fabric has different rules for how best to care for it, so here are some top tips to help you ensure you get the most out of your polyester clothes:
- Don’t wash or tumble dry polyester on too high of a heat
- Iron your polyester clothes on a low-setting
- Opt for a short spin cycle to help preserve the longevity of the garments
- Avoid bleach products
- Choose sustainable detergents that are free of harmful phosphates and brighteners, such as Freddie laundry sheets
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Machine Wash 100% Polyester?
Yes, you can machine wash 100% polyester, but it’s best to avoid hot temperature settings. Instead, choose average temperatures and opt for short-length cycles to protect the synthetic fabric. While it is safe to machine wash polyester, try to avoid washing it too often to maximize its longevity, and choose laundry sheets as opposed to typical detergents.
What Is the Best Wash Cycle for 100% Polyester?
The best wash cycle for 100% polyester is a low-temperature, short-length cycle. Opt for a gentle temperature range to protect the material's synthetic fibers. This wash cycle will also keep your clothes wearable for longer.
Can Polyester Go In the Dryer?
You can put polyester garments and clothing into the tumble dryer—however, there are some caveats. Avoid high heat, so opt for a medium to low-temperature setting. This will protect the synthetic fibers from which the material is made. Furthermore, try not to tumble-dry polyester too often to ensure its longevity.
Does 100% Polyester Shrink?
100% polyester shouldn’t shrink in the washing machine or tumble dryer except under extreme circumstances. To be safe, wash your polyester clothes in a low-temperature setting and choose a low to medium setting on the tumble dryer.
Final Thoughts
With such a high percentage of our clothes these days being made up of (at least in part) polyester, it’s important to know how to wash, dry, and maintain this fabric. Typical liquid-based detergents will degrade polyester faster, while laundry sheets can offer a gentler wash to keep your garments in pristine condition for longer.
Using our laundry detergent sheets on a low-temperature and short-length wash cycle is a convenient and mess-free alternative to traditional detergents. Some traditional liquid detergents contain ingredients like phosphates and dyes, which can dampen the shine of your polyester clothing.