How to Wash Spandex & Elastane

Laundry symbols for spandex and elastane

Care labels on stretch fabrics often show wash 30 (cold), gentle cycle, do not tumble dry or tumble dry low/no heat, and do not bleach. These symbols protect the elastic fibres—ignoring them leads to heat damage and stretch loss.

Heat damage warnings

Spandex and elastane are damaged by heat. High temperatures break down the polymer chains that give the fibre its stretch. Once damaged, the fabric loses bounce, goes baggy, and can look dull or feel stiff.

• Hot wash: Avoid. Use cold (30°C / 86°F) or at most a cool wash. Hot water weakens elastane and can cause permanent stretch loss.
• Hot dryer: One of the main causes of ruined stretch clothes. High-heat tumble drying degrades spandex quickly. If the label shows a do not tumble dry symbol, air dry. If tumble dry is allowed, use only low or no heat.
• Ironing: Don’t iron spandex or elastane directly. If you must press, use the lowest setting and a pressing cloth, or steam only.

Dryer risks

The dryer is where many people ruin stretch fabrics. Even “low” heat can be too much over time. Tumbling also causes friction and stress on elastic fibres.

• Best practice: Air dry spandex and elastane items. Hang or lay flat away from direct sunlight. This preserves stretch and shape.
• If you must tumble dry: Use the no-heat / air fluff setting, or tumble dry low only. Remove as soon as the cycle ends to limit exposure.
• Never use: Medium or high heat on stretch fabrics. It dramatically shortens the life of the garment and causes bagginess and loss of recovery.

Stretch loss: how to prevent it

Stretch loss happens when elastane is overheated, overstretched when wet, or exposed to bleach or harsh chemicals. To keep your stretch fabrics snapping back:

• Wash in cold water and use a gentle or delicate cycle.
• Avoid wringing or twisting—squeeze gently or roll in a towel. Follow a do not wring symbol when you see it.
• Don’t use bleach or chlorine-based products. Use a mild detergent and skip fabric softener on stretchy items.
• Air dry when possible; if tumble drying, use low or no heat only.

Best cycle for spandex and elastane

Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. The care label often shows a bucket with one or two lines underneath—that’s the gentle wash symbol. Normal or heavy-duty cycles are too aggressive and can stress elastic fibres and cause pilling or stretching.

Wash stretch items with similar colours and avoid overloading the drum so they have room to move without snagging or overstretching.

Related symbols for spandex and elastane

These are the care symbols you’ll commonly see on labels for stretch fabrics. Following them helps avoid heat damage and stretch loss: