How to Care for Synthetic Fabrics

Fabrics come in a large assortment of materials. The fabric industry has grown and diversified amazingly in the last few decades. It can be difficult to know just how to take care of all of them. Now add to the quotient an array of combinations of these materials, and you can get really confused. However, with a little information about clothing content, laundry time can become easier.

Instructions

1. Know that polyester is one of the most widely used fabrics around. It's strong, color fast, and wrinkle resistant. Its also yellows, stains and pills easily and is nonabsorbent. Polyester can be dry cleaned without damage, but it also washes beautifully. Wash polyester items inside out to prevent the fabric from snagging. Use warm water and low heat. You can use stain pretreat on it. It usually needs little or no ironing, either. Polyester is often mixed in with other fabrics, especially cottons.

2. Understand that rayon is also a very commonly used fabric but it has completely different properties than polyester. Rayon is used in drapes and clothing and even some upholstered fabrics. It is strong and absorbent but it has no strength when it's wet. Rayon should be dry cleaned usually, but there are rayon blends that are washable. Don't ever wash it unless it says so. Wash in warm water with a gentle detergent or wash by hand. Hang dry and turn inside out. Iron with a medium iron.

3. Learn the properties of acrylics. Also commonly used in clothing, acrylics are machine washable and wrinkle resistant. They often resemble wool in bulkiness and, softness. Acrylics are often paired with polyester and wool. This helps to prevent the pilling that acrylics are famous for. There's no right or wrong way to launder acrylics because they come with all manner of cleaning combinations. Some are hand wash or dry clean only while others are sturdy enough for the washing machine using warm water and a medium heat dryer. It depends on what acrylics are paired with so you'll have to resort to meticulous label reading with these.

4. Be aware that nylon is a very strong, versatile and lightweight fabric. It's popular in lingerie, carpeting, raincoats, hats and tents. It can usually be washed in warm water and a low heat dryer setting. If the nylon item is delicate like lingerie, you may want to wash it by hand to prevent tearing or use a mesh bag made for delicates. These items should be hung to dry or dried on a no heat setting.

5. Know how to care for acetate. Used widely in taffeta, satins, crepes and brocades, acetate is a silky fabric that drapes well but is not absorbent or colorfast. You can dry clean acetate, but it can be hand washed if you use great care with it as it has no strength when it's wet. Wash it very gently in warm water with a delicate hand laundry detergent. You can add some fabric softener to the water to prevent wrinkling. Iron inside out when the fabric is still damp with the coolest iron setting. Always use a pressing cloth if you have to touch up the front of the garment.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the manufacturer's label. When your labels start to fade mark them with a permanent pen--especially if you have several family members who pitch in with the wash.

• Remember that most fabrics can't take high washer or dryer heat and anything with color can only take bleach made for colored fabrics.