Cleaning Acrylics

by April Reinhardt
(last updated June 22, 2015)

Acrylic fabrics are made from synthetic fibers of polymer containing at least 85% acrylonitrile—a small molecule that becomes chemically bonded with other molecules to form a polymer.

Both lightweight and soft, acrylic fibers form a fabric weave that resembles wool's bulk, fluffiness, and softness. It dries easily and most acrylic fabric is machine washable. Acrylics are popular because they are wrinkle-resistant. However, they can lose their shape, pill easily, and are prone to static cling, even when they are blended with polyester or wool. Proper care, washing, and handling of pure acrylic fabrics are essential to keep them in good condition. Follow these steps for proper care and cleaning of your acrylic clothing:

  • Always read and follow the care labels inside of acrylic garments. If the manufacturer recommends dry-cleaning, do not wash the garment.
  • If the labels says you can wash the garment, turn it inside-out before washing to avoid or reduce pilling.
  • Wash acrylic garments with the delicate cycle of your washing machine, or by hand, using a gentle detergent such as Woolite.
  • If you hand-wash your acrylic garments, hang them to dry.
  • If you machine wash your acrylic garments, read the label to see if you can dry them in your clothes dryer. If so, most manufacturers recommend tumble dry on low heat setting, removing promptly from the dryer.

Recently, the Monsanto Chemical Company has developed a chemical process for acrylic clothing to deter pilling, named Pil-Trol. It is still recommended that you treat acrylic fabric very gently to discourage pilling. The more carefully you treat the fabric, the longer the garment will retain its original appearance.

A fun fact: the National Football League uses pure acrylic socks as part of their uniform, and most little league and soccer teams use acrylic socks, as well. Acrylic socks are very elastic and retain their shape well.

Author Bio

April Reinhardt

An admin­istrator for a mutual fund man­age­ment firm, April deals with the writ­ten word daily. She loves to write and plans to author a memoir in the near future. April attend­ed More­head State Uni­ver­sity to pursue a BA degree in Ele­men­tary Edu­ca­tion. ...

MORE FROM APRIL

Cleaning Silk Ties

While some people say you should never use water to clean a silk tie, you can safely wash silk with mild detergents. The key ...

Discover More

Trimming Shrubs

The best time to trim your shrubs is late spring or early summer. Trimming later in the season puts the new growth of next ...

Discover More

Zinfandel Wine

Most wine enthusiasts think of Zinfandel as either an appetizer wine, or a wine to compliment a main course. Yet Zinfandel is ...

Discover More

Remove Stubborn Stains Quickly Get everything looking clean again: Walls, floors, baseboards, counters, blinds, appliances, and more. Micro-scrubbers easily reach into surface grooves, lifting dirt away. This low-cost 8-pack is great for stubborn stains and touble areas. Check out Mr. Clean Magic Eraser 8-Pack today!

More Cleaning Tips

Removing Stains from Wool

Stains in wool clothing or carpets can be removed by pre-conditioning and pressing. Many stains, including chocolate, beer, ...

Discover More

Removing Honey from Silk

Although not as difficult as removing a grease stain, removing honey from silk can prove difficult. The key to removing any ...

Discover More

Removing Dirt and Mud from Clothing

The number one rule when trying to clean mud or dirt from fabric is to allow it to dry before attempting to clean the ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 6 + 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR AUTHORS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2017 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.