How to Wash and Care for Acrylic Clothes

Written by
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary has been writing professionally for more than 20 years and is a leading expert on fabric care and housekeeping.
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Mary Marlowe Leverette
Updated 02/03/20
Stack of blankets on the windowsill

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You can find acrylic fabrics in everything from sweaters to socks to children's pajamas. Popular for decades because of their durability and easy care, acrylic fibers are also used prominently in blankets, upholstery, and even luggage. 

Acrylic fibers are quick-drying and offer excellent ability to draw moisture away from the body. The fibers are resistant to mildew, odor absorption, insect infestation, deterioration from sunlight, oil and most chemicals. Acrylic fibers can be manufactured to resemble wool, cotton or a blended appearance with a smooth or fuzzy surface. The fibers hold their shape well and are easy to wash.

How to Wash Acrylic Clothes
Detergent Regular laundry detergent
Water Temperature Warm or cold
Cycle Type Permanent press
Drying Cycle Low heat
Special Treatments Use pressing cloth during ironing to prevent melting
Iron Settings Lowest setting

Project Metrics

Work Time: 5 - 30 minutes

Total Time: 1-24 hours

Skill Level: Easy

What You'll Need

Supplies

  • Laundry detergent
  • Stain remover

Tools

  • Washing machine
  • Large sink or tub
  • Automatic dryer or drying rack
  • Pressing cloth
  • Iron

Before You Begin

As with any garment, it is best to carefully read care labels and follow recommended cleaning guidelines for that specific piece of clothing. Most acrylic clothes can be machine washed. However, some labels may recommend dry cleaning because the trim or inner structure may not be washable.  Delicately-made items and sweaters should be hand washed and dried flat to prevent stretching.

How to Wash and Care for Acrylic Clothes

  1. Pretreat Stains

    Stains on acrylic fabrics should be treated immediately or as soon as possible following specific stain removal guidelines for the type of stain. Pretreat the stains at least 15 minutes before washing so the stain remover has time to break apart the stains so the wash water can carry it away.

  2. Select Laundry Products and Load the Washer

    Use your favorite laundry detergent for acrylic clothes. If the garments are heavily soiled, a heavy-duty detergent like Tide or Persil will be more effective in removing soil.

    Acrylic fibers can build-up excessive static and a small amount of fabric softener in the final rinse will eliminate clinginess or use a dryer sheet.

  3. Choose a Water Temperature and Wash Cycle

    Acrylic fibers should be washed in warm or cold water. Select the permanent press cycle to help prevent wrinkles that are difficult to remove. If your washer has a high spinning rate for the final cycle (usually a high-efficiency washer), set the spin cycle rate to low.

    Tip

    Do not overload washer, acrylic clothes should move freely in the washer to prevent wrinkling.

  4. Check for Stains After Washing

    Take a few seconds to check acrylic clothes for any remaining stains before tossing in a dryer. Never place an acrylic garment stained with oil in a hot clothes dryer because the heat can set the oil stain permanently making it almost impossible to remove.

  5. Select a Drying Cycle

    Acrylic clothes can be tumbled dry on low temperatures. Do not use excessively high heat which can damage fibers, causing them to shrink or stretch and set wrinkles almost permanently. It is best to remove the clothes that will still slightly damp and hang to finish air-drying. 

  6. Choose a Low Ironing Temperature

    If ironing is necessary, use a very low iron temperature, steam, and a pressing cloth to avoid melting of the fibers. If the fabric becomes shiny or develops a hole, there is no way to reverse the damage.

Repairs

Ripped seams are easily repaired by hand or machine sewing. Repairing large holes in the surface of the fabric will be more difficult and the repair will be noticeable.

Storage

Before storing acrylic clothes, be sure that they are washed and cleaned. Knitted garments should be folded and stored flat to prevent stretching. Keep

What Is Acrylic Fabric?

Acrylic fibers are a man-made fiber produced with long-chain synthetic polymers composed of at least 85 percent acrylonitrile, a petrochemical. To improve the fiber's ability to absorb dyes, the acrylonitrile is usually combined with small amounts of other chemicals. Once the fibers are dyed, the fabric is colorfast. Acrylic fibers can be dyed in clear, vibrant colors that don't fade over time. Acrylic fibers can be dry spun or wet spun depending on the special properties needed for particular end-use. Many of the performance microfiber fabrics are made of acrylic fibers.

Acrylic fibers are one of the few synthetic fibers that have an uneven surface when manufacturing is complete. The fibers can be cut into short lengths and spun into threads that resemble natural fibers. They produce a fabric that drapes well and has a silky feel. Acrylic fabrics can have bulk but still be lightweight.

The textile giant, DuPont developed acrylic fibers in 1941 and gave them the trademarked name, Orlon. By the mid-1950s, acrylic fibers and fabrics were in mass production for sweaters, gloves and any product that needed to provide lightweight warmth.