Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is used to make a number of familiar items. It resists wrinkling, making it a popular choice for clothing. It is also used to make upholstered furniture. To make it last longer, it's important to follow the proper cleaning instructions.
Clothing made with this material may be washed by hand or in a washing machine. Hand washing is considered the safer option, since there is less chance of the garment developing unsightly snags on the outside. If a clothing item made of this fabric is being washed by hand, warm water and a mild detergent should be used. Once it has been washed and rinsed, it can be hung up to dry.
When cleaning polyester clothing in a washing machine, use warm water and select the permanent press cycle. Turning the item inside out before placing it in the machine will keep the outside surface looking new for a longer time. If bleach is being used to remove stains, use only a small amount, since bleach products tends to break down fibers in fabrics. The clean clothes may be placed in a dryer on low heat when the wash cycle is completed.
If the item contains at least 50 percent polyester, it can be cleaned with a spray upholstery cleaner. Before applying the cleaning solution to the entire surface, test it in a small spot that will not be readily visible to ensure that it doesn't cause the color to bleed. If the test area doesn't run, then the product is safe to use for the rest of the furniture.
Cleaning polyester used to make furniture is a different process. Before using any type of cleaning product on couches, chairs or cushions, take the time to find out what the polyester content is. If it's less than 50 percent of the fabric, hiring a professional company to come out to clean the item is the best idea. They will use a process that is similar to the one used to dry clean clothing, which reduces the risk of stretching or damaging the fabric.
If the item contains at least 50 percent polyester, it can be cleaned with a spray upholstery cleaner. Before applying the cleaning solution to the entire surface, test it in a small spot that will not be readily visible to ensure that it doesn't cause the color to bleed. If the test area doesn't run, then the product is safe to use for the rest of the furniture.
It's important to treat the stains on polyester promptly. If the spot isn't removed and the clothing gets heated in a dryer or by an iron, the stain will become set in. Instead, place it in the wash promptly and use a heavy-duty detergent. A pretreater may be used to loosen the stain beforehand.