how to wash polyester.

Around 56% of the fabric used by the fashion industry contains polyester.¹

Which means there’s likely an item or two in your wardrobe… quietly resisting wrinkles, defying shrinkage, and standing strong against our attempt to misshape it. Polyester might have some tough superhero qualities but you’ve got to know how to treat it right. 

Here’s the smol lowdown on what polyester is, why it needs a special touch and how to keep it looking fab.

what is polyester?

Polyester is a man-made fibre, created from a brilliant combo of synthetic polymers and esters. 

Sorry… what? 

It’s a fancy, science-y creation that gives us a fabric that’s tough, wrinkle-resistant and surprisingly versatile. You’ll find polyester in everything from your favorite workout gear to that snuggly fleece. It’s even in soft drinks bottles!

This fibre doesn’t like to shrink or stretch, making it a reliable choice for all kinds of adventures. Whether you’re hiking the hills or just surviving a rainy commute, polyester’s got your back. In fact, thanks to its hydrophobic nature (science-y term for waterproof), polyester works wonders in wet and damp conditions.

so how should we wash polyester?

Polyester may be tough, but it’s not invincible. Here’s how to keep it clean without sacrificing its stellar qualities:

1. check the label.

Polyester is often blended with other fabrics, so make sure to peek at the clothing care label for specific instructions.

2. cool washes.

Polyester typically does well on a 30°C wash and with modern detergents such as smol laundry capsules you can still expect excellent results at temperatures as low as 20°C thanks to their clever cold wash power. DO NOT be tempted to turn up the temp… hot washes and polyester don’t mix; the fibres can break down, and your clothing could shrink or even MELT!!!

3. high quality detergent.

Because polyester needs a cool wash, you’ll want to pick a high quality, high efficiency detergent like smol laundry liquid or smol laundry capsules. This will ensure those fibres stay fresh and happy in a cooler wash.

4. microplastics.

It’s well worth noting that washing polyester can release tiny plastic fibres, known as microplastics, into the water system. These microplastics can end up in our oceans, posing a threat to marine life. To guard against this:

• Pop your synthetics into a Guppyfriend Bag to wash them - it can capture microfibres before they escape.

• Install a microfibre filter to your washing machine to reduce the amount of microplastics released.

• Wash less often and employ some of our clever no wash washing tips.

drying polyester.

Can you tumble dry polyester? Yes but take note of the following…

• Polyester needs a cool heat setting to avoid any mishaps. 
• Avoid wrinkles and static by removing it whilst still damp and finish drying on a hanger.
• If you’d rather save energy and money - try to line dry outside as much as possible and in the winter, check out some of the brilliant ways you can dry indoors without using a tumble dryer. 

ironing polyester.

Wrinkle-resistant doesn’t mean wrinkle-proof. 

So if your polyester looks like a crumpled napkin, can you iron it? YES… but:

• Choose a low heat setting on your iron. High temps can cause polyester to melt!
• Use the steam function with caution for the same reason. 

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