Polyester is one of the most popular fabrics on the market today. It is a synthetic fabric known for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and affordability. But does it shrink in the dryer? The answer may surprise you!
Does Polyester Shrink in the Dryer?
The short answer to this question is no. Polyester does not shrink in the dryer. It can be safely washed and dried without shrinking at all.
This is because polyester fibers are made from large molecules tightly woven together and are unaffected by heat or moisture. To make them resistant to shrinking even if exposed to high temperatures or steam from a dryer.
So why do so many people think polyester will shrink in the dryer?
The answer lies in the way it was manufactured. Many polyester fabrics have been treated with chemicals during production, making them susceptible to damage when exposed to heat or moisture.
For example, so e types of nylon and rayon (which also contain polyester) can be damaged by high temperatures or steam from a dryer, leading people to believe that all forms of polyester will suffer similar consequences.
Your fabric has not been treated with those chemicals during production; you can safely clean and dry it without worrying about damaging it or having it shrink up on you.
However, this is not true. To ensure that your fabric has not been treated with any chemicals, check the care instructions on the label before washing or drying it.
If you’re worried about your clothes shrinking after washing and drying them in a machine, there are several steps you can take to minimize any potential damage:
- Always read and follow the care instructions on each item’s label before washing or drying;
- Wash items inside out;
- Use cold water for all washes;
- Avoid overloading your washing machine;
- Don’t use too much detergent;
- Don’t leave wet items in your washing machine for too long;
- Avoid using hot water when laundering delicate items;
- Always use low heat when using a dryer;
- Remove items from the dryer right away once they have finished drying;
- Hang fragile items to air-dry instead of putting them in the tumble dryer whenever possible.
No matter what type of fabric you have, following these tips will help keep your clothing looking new for longer and prevent unnecessary shrinkage due to heat or moisture exposure!
So while it’s true that some forms of polyester can shrink if exposed to heat or moisture, as long as yours was manufactured correctly, then you should be able to safely wash and dry it without worrying about damaging it – regardless of whether you choose handwashing or machine laundering methods!
And remember– always read and follow all care instructions on labels carefully before attempting any laundry process!
