eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Wash Spandex

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(4 Ratings)

Spandex, also called Lycra or elastane, is a polyurethane fiber with elastic properties ideal for athletic wear, swimsuits and underwear.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Warm Water
  • gentle detergent
  1. Step 1

    Read the care instructions that came with your garment, if available, and follow them. Some spandex items can be tossed in the washer and dryer, while others require more tender care.

  2. Step 2

    Pretreat stains by spot cleaning them with a gentle fabric detergent.

  3. Step 3

    Hand or machine wash in warm (not hot) water, on a delicate cycle, using gentle fabric detergent.

  4. Step 4

    Hang to dry, or place item in the dryer on a low setting.

Tips & Warnings
  • Wash your spandex garments every time to wear them to avoid the build-up of body oils.
  • Ironing spandex - if needed - can be tricky. To avoid damaging the cloth, use a low temperature setting and iron rapidly, not allowing the iron to stay on one spot too long.
  • Do not use bleach on spandex.

Comments  

twins2001 said

Flag This Comment

on 8/25/2008 What can I use to brighten my white shirts that contain spandex? They look dull and grey.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

eHow Article: How to Wash Spandex

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Home & Garden
Ruby Bayan,

Meet Ruby Bayan eHow's Home & Garden Expert.

Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden