Can i use fabric softener on polyester? (2023)

What clothes Cannot use fabric softener?

Due to polyester's strength, it doesn't require specialty laundry detergents. Any regular commercial detergent will suffice. One thing to avoid, however, is any detergent intended for deep stain removal.

Polyester blankets

Use a mild detergent, with no bleach or fabric softener, and do not wash with other textiles. Tumble dry on the lowest possible heat setting – again, no more than 120 degrees – and without other textiles or fabric softener present.

Set the wash cycle to normal and use a gentle laundry detergent. Because polyester is a synthetic material, high heat can break down the fibers and cause damage to your clothes. As a result, polyester should be washed using warm or cold water. Make sure to check your care label.

Polyester is quick-drying, so you may not even need to use a clothes dryer, but for peace of mind, you won't ruin your clothes if you do use a machine. Using a low temperature cycle will also avoid any possible damage or shrinkage.

Yes! Fabric softener creates a waxy coating that can actually ruin your clothes over time. This is because fabric softener essentially applies a thin, waxy coating to your laundry which must be water-resistant to survive the washing process.

Your fabric softener may contain phthalates, which disperse scent; synthetic musks such as galaxolide, which accumulate in the body; and much more. Fragrance mixes can cause allergies, skin irritations such as dermatitis, difficulty breathing and potential reproductive harm.

The main reason is that they wash their towels in hot water 40-50c with commercial detergent and no fabric softener. Fabric softener can really reduce the absorbency of your towels,which leave a waxy residue on towels, for example. Also, cotton gets more absorbent with use, and hotel towels are well-used.

Your polyester fabrics will not shrink in the washer unless under extreme conditions. Your polyester clothes should come out just fine if you use cool or lukewarm machine cycles. However, your polyester might have a small shrinkage if you use hot water. The safest temperatures to wash polyester are those below 230F.

Washing with cold water is always a safe bet when it comes to cleaning your clothing, especially if it's with a material you're unfamiliar with. But 100% polyester will also do very well with warm water, which can help remove stains, prevent shrinkage, and avoid color bleeding into other clothing in the cycle.

Can you use Dawn dish soap on polyester?

For stubborn stains on polyester couches, it's okay to use a drop of dish soap, like Dawn, to spot treat, being sure to wash the soapy residue away with clean water when you're done.

Always use lukewarm water (max 30°C) for both washing and rinsing. Use a mild detergent that contains no chlorine bleach. Add the garment and gently agitate it, lightly rubbing any stains. Rinse the item in changes of lukewarm water until all soap residue has been removed.

Polyester Dress

Polyester washes very well! Oftentimes polyester dresses have "dry clean only" tags to ensure that the dress keeps its shape. By washing on the delicate cool cycle with an enzyme-free detergent and hanging dry you'll be able to save a few bucks on dry cleaning your favorite dress.

In fact, polyester's properties make it one of the easiest fabrics to wash because you can actually machine wash polyester. Polyester is a synthetic fiber, so to ensure it does not break down from heat, opt for cool or warm water when washing. Polyester washing starts with pretreatment.