How to Wash Polyester

Laundry symbols for polyester: symbols you’ll see on polyester labels

Polyester labels often show wash 30 or wash 40, tumble dry low, and iron low. These laundry symbols for polyester help you avoid heat damage and keep colours and shape.

Best water temperature for polyester

Polyester is a resilient synthetic fibre, but heat still affects colour retention, shape, and longevity. For most polyester and polyester-blend garments, warm or cool water is ideal.

• 30°C (86°F) / cold: Best for brights, darks, and anything you want to keep from fading. Use the cold or 30°C setting when your care label shows a wash 30 symbol.
• 40°C (104°F) / warm: A good default for everyday polyester, sportswear, and blends. Effective at removing sweat and light soiling without unnecessary heat. Match the wash 40 symbol when it appears on the label.

Avoid hot washes (50°C and above) unless the care label explicitly allows it. High temperatures can set oil-based stains, accelerate fading, and in some blends contribute to pilling or stiffness over time.

Dryer or air dry?

Both are acceptable for polyester, but the care label decides. Many polyester items can be tumble dried on low heat. Labels often show a tumble dry low symbol—use that setting only. High heat can cause shrinkage, wrinkles, and static, and can shorten the life of elastics and bonded layers.

When the label shows a do not tumble dry symbol, skip the dryer. Hang drying or laying the item flat preserves shape and finish and is often better for athletic wear, outerwear, and delicate polyester. Air drying also reduces creasing and is gentler on prints and bonded panels.

If you do use the dryer: remove items as soon as they’re dry, or use a cool-down or anti-wrinkle phase to avoid unnecessary heat and creasing.

Does polyester shrink?

Pure polyester is very resistant to shrinking compared with cotton or wool, because the fibres don’t absorb water and swell in the same way. Most shrinking you see in “polyester” clothes comes from:

• Blends: Cotton, rayon, or other fibres in the mix can shrink, and the whole fabric may look or feel smaller.
• High heat: Hot water and especially high-heat drying can relax or distort polyester and trigger shrinkage in blended fibres.
• Construction: Knits and stretch fabrics can tighten after washing and drying if heat or agitation is harsh.

To minimise shrinking: wash in cool or warm water (30–40°C), dry on low heat or air dry, and always follow the care label. For polyester–cotton blends, treating them as “polyester-friendly” (cool/warm wash, low or no tumble dry) usually keeps shrinkage under control.

Detergent type for polyester

A standard liquid or powder detergent is suitable for most polyester. Use the recommended dose for your load size and water hardness—overuse can leave residue and make activewear or technical fabrics feel stiff or smell musty.

• Everyday polyester: Any good all-purpose or colour-safe detergent is fine.
• Sportswear and odour: Prefer sport or technical-fabric detergents, or add a little baking soda to the drum for mild deodorising. Avoid fabric softener on performance layers; it can reduce wicking and breathability.
• Bleach: Only use bleach if the care label shows a triangle symbol that allows it. Many polyester items use a “do not bleach” symbol; follow it to avoid damage and yellowing.

Symbols commonly found on polyester

Polyester and polyester-blend care labels often use a small set of symbols. The ones you’ll see most are:

You may also see gentle cycle (one or two lines under the wash tub), “do not bleach,” and low-temperature iron symbols. Always read the full sequence on the label—washing, bleaching, drying, and ironing—to get the full picture.