Synthetic Fabric Stain Removal Tips
Polyester, Olefin, vinyl, etc.
What are you doing with items of these materials?
If you get a stain on an item made of these materials, instead of
considering trying to remove a stain, consider it an opportunity to
dump the item.
People don't have to jump like a sheep into clothing or other items
made of the "latest and greatest" chic, but sleazy, "miracle fabric"
conjured up by the lunatics of modern chemistry and latched onto by
wannabe "trendy kewl" designers and manufacturers to put into
throwaway items to foist onto idiot naive shoppers.
Remind you of anyone?
End of rant.
Polyester
Every time I get something of polyester, I end up regretting it. Yes, it is generally durable, but that is the only thing it has going for it. Polyester is notorious for attracting oil stains in addition to being uncomfortable to wear, generating static cling, and being all too susceptible to getting unwanted creases and wrinkles set in.
Remove oil stains promptly. Oil stains appear as darkened spots or splotches on most plain medium colors, such as light blue or khaki permanent press shirts. If oil stains are treated promptly, they usually can be removed easily. The best preliminary step for polyester stain removal is to rub and rinse the item in cool, not warm or hot, water. Avoid excessive or vigorous rubbing.
Pretreat the oil stains with laundry detergent, possibly a commercial
preparation such as Shout® spray or gel, or even Prell shampoo
for hair.
Then wash in warm, not hot, water.
Use the "permanent press" setting for both a washing machine and
dryer, if used.
A not uncommon source of stains on light-colored polyester or
polyester/cotton blend items is the use of fabric softening and
static reduction sheets in the dryer with the items.
If you insist on getting your continual dose of strange
chemicals, you can instead put some liquid fabric softener in with
the final wash rinse.
Olefin
Olefin, a trade name for polypropylene and polyethylene, is actually one of the better synthetic fabrics. Olefin stain removal can usually be accomplished easily. Most stains on polypropylene and polyethylene fabrics can be easily removed by just spotting with lukewarm water and detergent. Bleaches can be used if needed. If items of the fabric are laundered, they should be hung to dry or tumble dried with gentle or no heat. Olefin dries rapidly and clothing articles made of it should not be ironed.
Disclaimer
Note that many stains cannot be removed. Some stain removal chemicals,
agents, or even commercial stain removal products can damage or
discolor fabrics, making the result even worse.
If you have any doubt as to the safety of your fabric or the fabric
color, test the chemical(s) or product(s) you want to use to remove
stains on an inconspicuous location on the garment.
If in doubt, consult a professional cleaning service.
No liability is assumed -- use this advice at your own risk.
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