Can I Bleach Polyester Fabric?

Polyester is a widely used fabric that requires special washing care.

Polyester is a man-made fabric consisting of strong woven fibers, according to the Fabrics website. Although polyester is used in many items, including clothing and upholstery, it can be difficult to clean and should not be bleached.

Basics

Polyester fabric is usually colorfast, according to the Threads sewing website. Since most polyester fabrics and polyester blends are colorfast, bleach cannot be used to intentionally remove their color, in tie-dying, for example.

Warning

Bleach may actually damage polyester fabric, according to the website of Paula Burch, a former biologist at the Baylor College of Medicine. Since polyester is a synthetic fabric, exposure to bleach can give it an irreparable yellow appearance.

Considerations

Polyester fabrics come in a variety of styles, including dyed solid, linen spun, T-spun, filament and stitchbound. Bleach, abrasive cleaners and other harsh chemical detergents should never be used on any polyester fabric, according to the Outdoor Fabrics Direct website. Some cotton blends containing polyester can be bleached, but it's important to check product labels for washing and care instructions before exposing any blended fabric item to bleach.

References

• Fabrics: Manufactured or Man Made Fabrics
• Threads: Dyeing with Bleach
• Paula Burch: All About Hand Dyeing Q & A--Is is Possible to Bleach Polyester?
• Outdoor Fabrics Direct: Types of Fabric

Resources

• Ohio State University: Chemical Solvents and Supplies
• LOTR Costume: Fabric Dyeing
• Cleaning Tips: Cleaning Polyester Clothes