Acetate and triacetate are popular fabrics used in clothing, linens, and other textiles. While easy to care for, proper washing and drying are essential to keep these fabrics looking and feeling their best. This comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know about caring for acetate and triacetate fabrics.
Washing Acetate and Triacetate Clothes
When it comes to washing acetate and triacetate fabrics, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
Use a Gentle Cycle and Cool Water
Always wash acetate and triacetate garments on the gentle or delicate cycle in cool or lukewarm water, around 30°C or 85°F. The agitation from regular wash cycles can damage the fibers, while hot water can cause pilling or shrinkage. A gentle cycle will clean effectively without harming the material.
Wash Similar Colors Together
Group lights and darks when washing to prevent dye transfer issues. Wash brights and deep colors separately as well. Acetate and triacetate are prone to crocking, where excess dye rubs off onto other fabrics. Washing similar shades together minimizes this problem.
Use a Mild Laundry Detergent
Reach for a gentle, dye-free liquid detergent or one specially formulated for delicates when washing. Powder and regular detergents can be too harsh for acetate and triacetate fabrics. Avoid using chlorine bleach as well, which weakens fibers over time.
Check Care Labels
Always double check clothing tags for any special washing instructions. While most acetates and triacetates can be washed gently, care labels may specify hand washing or dry cleaning for certain items. Follow any guidelines on the label to maintain the garment properly.
Use Color Catchers
Tossing a color catcher sheet in with lights and darks will also prevent dye transfer issues. These sheets absorb and trap any excess dyes during the wash cycle. They provide extra insurance against colors bleeding and discoloration.
Turn Items Inside Out
Flipping garments inside out when washing protects the outside of the fabric from pilling and fading. This puts more delicate interior fibers on the inside, away from abrasion during the cycle. Turning items also keeps embellishments from snagging.
Use Mesh Bags for Delicates
For bras, slips, and other delicates, use a mesh zippered bag for the wash. This prevents stretching, tangling, and damage to fragile fabrics. Lingerie bags keep all the pieces together as well.
Drying Acetate and Triacetate Clothes
Drying is just as crucial as washing when it comes to maintaining acetate and triacetate fabrics. Here are some key drying guidelines:
Lay Flat to Air Dry
The best practice for drying acetate and triacetate is to lay items flat on a drying rack or towel. Allow garments to air dry fully before wearing or putting away. Exposure to high heat can cause shrinking, warping, and other damage.
Skip the Dryer
Avoid using the dryer completely when drying acetate or triacetate fabrics. The tumbling motion and heat degrade fibers much faster over time. Air drying is gentler and helps fabrics maintain their shape.
Reshape While Damp
To minimize wrinkles while drying, gently smooth and reshape garments while still slightly damp. Stretch and realign any areas that may have gotten distorted in the wash as well.
Dry in the Shade
When hanging pieces outside to dry, keep them out of direct sunlight. The sun’s UV rays can fade and weaken fabric over time. Drying in the shade prevents sunlight damage.
Use a Drying Rack
Invest in a wooden or mesh drying rack to lay flat drying items. These provide plenty of space for air circulation so clothes dry faster. Some racks are collapsible for easy storage when not in use.
Dry on a Towel
In a pinch, clothes can be laid out evenly on a clean, dry towel to air dry. Use multiple towels if needed to keep layers from overlapping. Rotate pieces occasionally for even drying.
Steam After Drying
Once fully dry, use a steamer to get rid of any remaining wrinkles and give garments a refreshed finish. The moisture from steaming helps relax fibers as well.
Avoid Dryer Sheets
When using a dryer for other fabrics, toss clothes in a lingerie bag first if dryer sheets are present. The chemicals and fragrances in dryer sheets can cling to acetates and triacetates.
Ironing Acetate and Triacetate Fabrics
Ironing these fabrics properly maintains their smooth, crisp finish. Follow these tips for the best ironing results:
Use Low Heat
Always opt for the lowest heat setting when ironing acetate or triacetate items. High heat can scorch, shine, or melt fabrics. Ideally, the iron should be set right below or at the “synthetics” heat level.
Iron Inside Out
Flip garments inside out before ironing to protect embellishments and delicate exterior fibers. This prevents damage to outside surfaces while still smoothing inner linings.
Use Press Cloth
Place a clean cotton press cloth over the fabric when ironing to avoid shine. Alternatively, iron through a damp cloth. The steam from a damp cloth also helps relax fibers.
Iron Under Moisture
To safely iron at slightly higher heats, place a damp towel over the garment to provide steam and moisture. This minimizes the risk of scorching.
Iron on a Mattress
For items like dress shirts, iron while flat on a mattress. This provides an evenly cushioned surface so seams get pressed smoothly without imprinting.
Avoid Too Much Pressure
Glide the iron lightly over fabrics rather than pressing down firmly. Acetates and triacetates are heat-sensitive and can crush easily under heavy pressure.
Let Garments Cool
Allow pieces to fully cool before wearing or folding to avoid impressions from hot creases. Hanging items after ironing helps them keep their shape as well.
Touch Up with Steam
Freshen up wrinkled garments between washes by lightly steaming them. Hold a steamer or iron above fabrics to relax fibers and smooth out creases.
Storing Acetate and Triacetate Clothes
Proper storage helps minimize wrinkles and maintains the shape and appearance of acetate and triacetate items over time:
Use Breathable Storage
Avoid storing clothes in air-tight plastic containers or bags. Instead, use breathable, cotton wardrobe bags and acid-free tissue paper to let fabrics breathe while being protected.
Hang Up Garments
Hang dresses, coats, and other garments evenly on sturdy hangers in the closet. This keeps weight distributed evenly so items don’t become misshapen.
Fold Properly
When folding pieces, be sure Creases are smooth with no harsh lines. Refold garments seasonally to avoid permanent fold imprints as well.
Put Away Clean Items
Always store clothes that have been freshly washed, dried, and pressed so they have a smooth, wrinkle-free finish before being put away.
Use Cedar
Add cedar blocks or cedar-lined drawers when storing to repel moths and other insects that could damage fabrics. Cedar also lends a light, fresh scent.
Control Closet Humidity
Use moisture absorbing crystals or bags to regulate humidity levels in closets. High humidity causes mildew growth and fabric damage over time.
Pad Hangers
Slip hanger covers over wire hangers to pad shoulders and prevent imprints on delicate fabrics. Shoulder pads also help garments hold their shape.
Store Seasonally
Rotate clothing stored in drawers or boxes each season to avoid pieces sitting compressed for too long. Periodically airing out stored items also helps.
Washing Different Acetate and Triacetate Garments
Acetate and triacetate fabrics are commonly used in various garments and household items. Here are some tips for properly washing different acetate and triacetate items:
Blouses and Shirts
- Wash on delicate cycle in cool water
- Hang dry or lay flat
- Iron inside out on low setting
Dresses
- Zip or button closure before washing
- Use mesh bag for delicate fabrics
- Dry flat and reshape while damp
Coats and Jackets
- Check tag for dry clean only
- Air dry fully before storing
- Steam instead of ironing to avoid shine
Suits
- Dry clean or wash separates as needed
- Use press cloth when ironing
- Hang up fully buttoned to keep shape
Lingerie
- Hand wash or use lingerie bag on gentle cycle
- Dry flat on towel or mesh rack
- Avoid wire hangers which stretch straps
Ties and Scarves
- Wash in mesh bag on delicate
- Roll in towel to absorb moisture
- Air dry flat or hung on skirt hanger
Table Linens
- Pretreat stains before washing
- Reshape while damp to minimize wrinkles
- Lightly steam iron under press cloth
Upholstery
- Spot clean only when possible
- Use mild, enzyme-based cleaners
- Blot-dry damp spots to limit rings
Curtains
- Vacuum gently before washing
- Machine wash on delicate if needed
- Refold along original crease lines
No matter the garment or item, following a gentle wash, dry, and care routine is key to keeping acetates and triacetates looking their best. Always defer to fabric care tags for any special instructions as well. With proper care, these fabrics will maintain their properties and appearance over many wears and washes.
Common Questions About Washing Acetate and Triacetate Fabrics
Caring for acetate and triacetate fabrics often brings up many common questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked queries:
Can you put acetate in the dryer?
No, acetate should always be air dried and not placed in the dryer. The tumbling motion and heat will damage and shrink the fibers. Acetate must be laid flat or hung up to fully air dry.
Does acetate shrink when washed?
Acetate can shrink slightly when washed in hot water or placed in a hot dryer. To prevent shrinking, always wash in cool water on delicate and avoid dryers to keep acetate fabrics their original size.
Can you iron acetate?
Acetate can be ironed, but only under very low heat to prevent melting or scorching the fabric. Use the “synthetics” setting and press lightly with steam. An ironing cloth also helps prevent shine.
What happens if you overheat acetate?
Excessive heat causes acetate fibers to shrink, yellow, or melt. With extreme overheating, acetate can become misshapen, stiffened, cracked, or weakened. Heat damage is irreversible, so low iron temperatures are crucial.
Should you wash acetate in hot or cold water?
Acetate should always be washed in cool or lukewarm water, never hot. Warm or hot water can cause acetate to shrink, warp, or become prone to pilling. Lukewarm water sufficiently cleans acetate without heat damage.
Can you bleach acetate fabrics?
No, bleach should never be used on acetate textiles. The chemicals in bleach break down acetate fibers and cause yellowing over time. Non-chlorine bleaches are also too harsh for the fabric.
How do you get wrinkles out of acetate?
To remove wrinkles from acetate, use a steamer held over the fabric or lightly iron on low heat through a damp press cloth. The moisture helps relax fibers. Acetate may also be steamed while hanging to remove creases.
Does acetate pill easily?
Yes, acetate is prone to pilling, especially with friction and improper washing. To minimize pilling, turn garments inside out for washing, dry flat, and avoid overly hot water or dryers. Pilling can be gently removed with a fabric shaver.
Can you put triacetate in the dryer?
Never put triacetate fabrics in the dryer. The heat and tumbling can cause shrinkage, wrinkling, or other permanent damage. Triacetate should always be washed gently and laid flat or line dried away from direct sunlight.
Tips for Extending the Life of Acetate and Triacetate Garments
With proper care and storage, acetate and triacetate clothes can last and retain their beauty for many years. Here are some top tips for maximizing the lifespan of these fabrics:
- Hand wash or dry clean special occasion pieces instead of regular machine washing which gradually weakens fibers over time.
- Alternate wears between a few different pieces to allow each item to fully rest and air out before wearing again. This prevents oils and perspiration from building up.
- Store off-season garments cleaned, pressed, and in breathable cotton storage bags to prevent creasing, yellowing, and damage from humidity and insects.
- Use a clothes steamer instead of an iron as often as possible. The gentle steam relaxes fibers without the risk of iron impression marks or heat damage from repeated pressing.
- Hang delicate camisoles, slips, and dresses on padded skirt or lingerie hangers to maintain their shape and prevent stretch marks.
- Hand wash or dry clean coats and jackets instead of frequent machine washing to maintain structure and minimize breakdown of fibers and interlinings.
- Mend any holes, ripped seams, missing buttons, or damage right away to prevent tears and deterioration over time. Use clear nail polish on minor snags.
- Periodically use a fabric shaver/depiller to gently remove any pilling or bobbling and restore a smooth surface texture. Avoid over-shaving the same area repeatedly.
- Turn garments inside out and reshape while still slightly damp after washing to prevent permanent creases and maintain the drape of the fabric.
- Look for acetate and triacetate blends which incorporate durable yet gentle fibers like silk that add strength and minimize pilling.
With attentive care and maintenance, acetate and triacetate clothes can stay beautiful staples in your wardrobe for many seasons to come. Follow these tips and proper washing methods for maximum longevity.
Conclusion
Acetate and triacetate fabrics require special care and handling to keep them looking their best. By following the guidelines outlined here for washing, drying, ironing, and storing these fabrics properly, you can maintain their proper fit, feel, and appearance for years. With a gentle approach and attention to fabric care labels, even delicate acetate and triacetate items can stay beautiful staples in your wardrobe.