Who doesn’t know about Polyester? Even though the use case is different, once in our lifetime, we were tempted to wear shirts, jackets, pants, and hats of polyester, and we did!
However, many polyester items come with care labels. The labels recommend washing and drying at specific temperatures. It leads to the question: does polyester shrink in the dryer?
And, what does washing at 60 or 90 degrees Celsius even mean? Lucky for you, today our article is about the shrinking nature of polyester. Buckle up your seat and hop on!
Key Highlights
- Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from plastic materials.
- It is less likely to shrink compared to natural fabrics like cotton or wool.
- Heat is the primary reason for polyester shrinking. Additionally, high dryer temperatures can lead to shrinkage.
- Polyester that’s been blended with other fibers may shrink more than pure polyester.
- Manufacturers often pre-shrink polyester fabrics during production to reduce further shrinkage.
- You shouldn’t wash polyester at higher temperatures (e.g., 60 or 90 degrees Celsius) as it can increase the risk of polyester shrinkage.
- If you use lower washing temperatures (e.g., 30-40 degrees Celsius), it can help minimize shrinkage.
Does Polyester Shrink?
To put it simply, yes polyester does shrink, but not more than natural fabrics like cotton or wool. The main catalyst behind the shrinking of polyester is heat. So, when you expose it to high heat, like in a hot dryer, it can become smaller.
However, when it comes to putting your polyester suit in the washing machine, you can safely perform the task. The regular dryer settings will do just fine.
But, don’t leave it in the dryer for too long or soak it in hot water. The fabric may shrink or wrap so soon. So, how do you wash polyester? We will find out soon.
Should I Wash at 60 or 90 Degrees?
Based on our previous experience, you should generally wash polyester at lower temperatures, neither at 60 or 90 degrees Celsius. Both 60 and 90 are considered high for polyester. You may face issues such as,
- Shrinkage: Although polyester is less prone to shrinkage, high temperatures can increase the risk of shrinkage. To avoid this, you better wash polyester at cooler temperatures, ideally around 30-40 degrees Celsius.
- Color Fades Away: Wash it at a high temperature and your polyester garments may become vulnerable to color fading or even bleeding. Bright polyester (colored or printed) garments are especially vulnerable to this.
- More Efficiency: Low machine temperatures are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. It requires less energy to heat the water.
Polyester garments have different properties than other regular fabrics – a synthetic polymer fiber, primarily derived from petroleum-based chemicals. And hence, the maintenance method is also different than regular fabrics.
However, in some cases, you may have to consider washing your polyester fabric at 60 or 90 degrees. If you do, some measures are essential. Here! Have a look at that,
Test Case: Polyester Wash at 60 or 90 Degrees
When do you have to wash your polyester garment? Avoid washing your polyester garments at a high temperature, unless you face one of the situations here below,
1) Stubborn Dirt: Tea stains or oil are too stubborn to remove with regular care. High washing temperatures, such as 60 or 90 degrees are generally more effective at removing tough stains and dirt.
When your polyester item is heavily soiled, a higher-temperature wash is unavoidable. Before you do, don’t forget to check the care label.
2) Sanitization: Sometimes, washing polyester at higher temperatures (around 60-90 degrees Celsius) may become necessary for sanitization purposes. It is especially relevant for items like kitchen towels, bedding, or medical garments, as they often require thorough disinfection.
3) Industrial or Commercial Use: In hospitals, hotels, or industrial laundries, hygiene and sanitation are paramount. Industrial polyester garments are often washed at higher temperatures to meet stringent cleanliness standards.
It is important to note that, polyester garments and textiles can be effectively cleaned and maintained at lower temperatures, ideally around 30-40 degrees Celsius. It may require a little bit of patience and time to effectively remove the stains at low-temperature settings.
Industrial use may not afford to invest all the added time and hence, high-temperature wash becomes essential for commercial polyester garments.
Even if you have to wash the polyester garments at high settings, always follow the care instructions on the garment’s label. At least, it would ensure you are washing it at the appropriate temperature for specific needs.
Does 100% Polyester Shrink?
Polyester, when made of 100% pure polyester fibers, is generally less prone to shrinking. However, it is not entirely immune to shrinking, and it can still shrink under certain conditions. Details below,
Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from plastic-like materials. The yarns of polyester fabric are long and durable. 100% pure polyester can withstand almost anything without a scratch or shrinkage.
Point to note that, polyesters are developed in the lab. The fiber combines both alcohol and acid, before being worked out as thin fibers. So, yes they are pretty much invincible.
Having said that, you can still destroy or shrink polyester without proper care to it. High heat can often melt, shrink, and even destroy these rough and tough polyesters.
Hence, always select a low heat setting in the dryer to maintain proper care of your polyester garments.
In Summary,
- Always follow the care instructions on the garment’s label.
- Have lower heat settings when drying polyester items in a dryer.
- A wise selection of temperature is around 30-40 degrees Celsius.
- Heavily stained or soiled polyester items may need higher temperatures for effective cleaning but also could contribute to some shrinkage.
Final Words
Polyester has a different fanbase. Some people may love this durable and sturdy fabric while others may prefer the breathable fabrics more. Additionally, polyester may not be ideal to wear for casual use.
Whatever you select, without proper care and maintenance, any garment will die out. In the case of polyesters, it is essential to start with the common question, does polyester shrink in the dryer?
We provide regular and useful articles like this. Stay in touch with us to read our next article on how to shrink denim. Also, share our article with your friends and help us grow!
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