How to Clean Mylar Dress Acetate

Mylar and acetate materials are often used to make fancy dresses.

Acetate is a special man-made material that wrinkles easily and dissolves when it comes in contact with certain chemicals.Mylar is another synthetic material that is a type of polyester. Though this material does not wrinkle the same way, it is heat-sensitive. Given the restrictions of the fabrics, dresses containing both Mylar and acetate are often dry-cleaned. If you prefer to wash the dress yourself, take special care.

Things You'll Need

• Prewash stain treatment solution (optional)
• Delicate laundry detergent
• Hanger
• Iron

Instructions

1. Check the dress for stains and spray the soiled areas with the prewash treatment solution. The treatment must not contain vinegar or acetone, as these can damage or even dissolve acetate.

2. Turn the washing machine to the coolest setting and add laundry detergent that does not contain any vinegar or acetone. Use the coolest setting because Mylar can melt on higher temperatures.

3. Remove the dress from the wash after the cycle is complete and place it on a hanger to dry. Do not place in the dryer, as the Mylar can melt in the high heat of a dryer. Do not wring it out, as this will further wrinkle the acetate.

4. Set the iron to the coolest delicate setting it has, such as "Silk." Gently iron out the wrinkles. If there is a stain that did not come out, don't run the iron over it or the stain will further set. Have the dress professionally dry-cleaned to remove the stain.

References

• Ohio State University Extension: Selecting a Blouse
• eDressMe: Dresses Care Guide
• All About Hand Dyeing Q&A: Dyeing a Polyester/Mylar/Acetate Dress with Prosperse Disperse Dye