Caring for your synthetic fabrics properly is key to maintaining their look, feel, and performance over time. Simple adjustments to your washing routine can make a significant difference.
Taking care of synthetic fabric involves specific washing techniques like using colder water, reducing spin speed, and avoiding certain products.
Optimizing Your Wash Cycle for Synthetics
How you wash your synthetic garments directly impacts their longevity and function. Follow these guidelines to ensure the best results:
Washing Frequency
- Wash less. Washing less often is beneficial for synthetic fabrics. It reduces wear and tear on the fibers, helping the garment maintain its structure and appearance. It also conserves water and energy. Only wash items when they are genuinely dirty or odoriferous.
Water Temperature
- Wash in colder water. Cold water is generally sufficient to clean synthetic fabrics effectively. Using cold water prevents potential heat damage to the fibers, helps maintain color vibrancy, and significantly reduces energy consumption compared to using hot water.
Washer Settings and Load Management
- Reduce the washer's rotation speed (also called spin cycle). High spin speeds can put excessive stress on synthetic fibers, potentially leading to stretching, damage, or pilling. A lower spin speed is gentler on the fabric.
- Wash full loads. Washing full loads is more energy and water-efficient per item. Ensure the machine isn't overloaded, but aim for a load size that allows items to move freely while still being substantial.
- Do not wash solid or hard surfaced items with your synthetics. Items with zippers, buttons, hooks, or rough textures can snag, abrade, or damage delicate synthetic fabrics during the wash cycle. Wash synthetics separately from items that could cause physical damage.
Choosing the Right Products for Synthetic Fabrics
The type and amount of detergent, as well as other laundry additives, play a crucial role in caring for synthetics.
Detergent Use
- Use less detergent. Using too much detergent, especially with colder water and synthetics, can lead to residue build-up on the fabric. This residue can affect the fabric's breathability, wicking properties, and feel. Follow the detergent manufacturer's instructions, but consider using slightly less than recommended, especially if you have soft water.
- Choose the "best" detergent. While "best" can be subjective, for synthetics, this often means a mild, liquid detergent. Liquid detergents are less likely to leave residue compared to powders, and mild formulations are gentler on the fibers.
Avoiding Fabric Softener
- Do not use fabric softener when washing synthetics. Fabric softeners can coat the fibers, reducing the fabric's natural wicking abilities (how it pulls moisture away from the body) and breathability, particularly in performance wear. They can also leave a residue that attracts dirt and can be difficult to remove.
Summary of Synthetic Fabric Care Tips
Here’s a quick overview of key practices:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Wash less frequently | Wash after every single wear (unless necessary) |
| Use cold water | Use hot water |
| Use a low spin setting | Use a high spin setting |
| Wash full loads | Wash small, unbalanced loads |
| Wash synthetics separately | Wash with items that have zippers, buttons, etc. |
| Use less detergent | Use excessive amounts of detergent |
| Choose a mild, appropriate detergent | Use harsh chemicals or bleach (check care label) |
| Avoid using fabric softener | Use fabric softener |
| Air dry or tumble dry on low/no heat (check label) | Tumble dry on high heat |
By following these guidelines, derived from best practices for synthetic fiber care, you can significantly extend the life and performance of your synthetic garments. Always double-check the specific care label on your garment for any unique instructions.
