KNOW YOUR FABRIC
Choose care for polyester clothing by its label, including activewear finishes, fabric-softener restrictions, drying and ironing limits.
Polyester appears in everyday clothing, fleece, linings and performance fabrics. Fibre content alone cannot choose the right wash or establish whether ironing is allowed. Read the garment’s complete instructions, including restrictions on additives. For activewear, the fabric’s finish and any stretch fibres deserve as much attention as the word polyester.
Moisture-management fabrics can have specific detergent and softener instructions. Follow the product maker’s advice rather than adding conditioner automatically. A rule for one sportswear range is not a universal rule for every polyester item.
Check the temperature and any bars beneath the wash tub. A synthetics program still needs to match both. A lower temperature does not turn an intensive cycle into a mild one, and a mesh bag does not override a hand-wash-only instruction.
Inspect the label for lining, print and stretch-blend care notes. Follow preparation directions for zips and other fastenings, and avoid a load with exposed hooks that can catch the fabric. A polyester shell does not describe the care of its filling.
Read tumble-drying and ironing instructions separately. Many performance garments restrict heat, but the exact limit belongs to the item. Low dryer heat does not imply a hot iron is safe, and an unheated dryer still tumbles a garment.
Group compatible colours and care instructions. For worn activewear, follow the maker’s advice on washing after use rather than leaving it compressed in a damp bag. Turn items inside out only where recommended for their construction.
Use the type and dose appropriate to the garment, machine and load. Check restrictions on fabric softener, bleach and other additives. More detergent is not a reliable solution for an odour that remains after washing.
Set the permitted process and temperature, checking the display before starting. If soil or odour persists, consult the maker’s item-specific advice. Do not escalate to a hot wash or an improvised cleaning mixture.
Use the labelled natural-drying method or permitted dryer setting. Remove items promptly when the cycle finishes rather than leaving them compressed. Check that thicker seams and layers have dried before folding the item away.
Choose the marks actually printed on your item. Keep the complete instructions together, then copy or print your checklist.
Find the marks on my label