Can You Iron Polyester? [A Complete Guide]

Some of you may be a great fan of the polyester garment. You always pack your fancy polyester shirt, pants, or sleeveless dress with you when you travel.

Why do you do so? Yeah, it is wrinkle-resistant, durable, and always fancy-wearing. I have no problem with that as I am a big fan of this fabric too.

Can you iron Polyester? Yes, you can. But, it would help if you kept the temperature at a lower level. Try to fix it around 300 F or 148 C. Otherwise, iron will destroy the fabric. 

Are you curious to know more? Luckily, you are in the right place.

What is Polyester?

Polyester is a synthetic fabric derived from petroleum. It is one of the most popular fabrics in the world for the following issues-

• It is Durable
• Moisture-resistant.
• Extremely strong.
• Can be easily washed and dried.
• Wrinkles are resistant and can retain their shape over time.
• Non-biodegradable.
• Easy to clean.

However, Polyester doesn’t give a premium feel. Therefore, one may feel uneasy in hot weather. For such weather, try to wear something softer. So, never forget it when you want to buy a dress.

Is ironing Polyester safe?

It’s a difficult question to answer. If you can’t set the temperature to a lower level, ironing may ruin your dress. Polyester can’t resist high temperatures.

However, it’s okay if you know how to iron a polyester dress and do it properly. First, observe the temperature panel of your ion. Now, move it to the polyester setting. Some irons may use a scale of 1 to 3. Set your iron to scale 1 or 2. Otherwise, place it at 300 F or 148 C. Now, ironing is safer for your fabric. 

For a better understanding, visit the manufacturer’s website.

Safest Temperature to iron fabric

You have already known the safest temperature for iron Polyester. However, I am presenting you with two tables to understand the perfect temperature and scale for each fabric for your convenience.

I hope you will find these tables handy.

Scaling table

Temperature table

Hence, always take a look at the temperature and scale table before ironing. It is a better way to improve the longevity of your favorite garments.

Does polyester wrinkle after ironing?

We have already mentioned that Polyester is wrinkle-resistant. Is it true? No, if you don’t take good care or wash polyester clothes regularly, they may have wrinkles in the long run.

Therefore, always wash or iron it properly. Sometimes, if you pack polyester clothes in the closet or bags with other fabrics, they may be damaged. So, be careful.

How to Remove Wrinkles From Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic that requires intense care. It can’t endure high temperatures. So, it would help to be more careful when removing wrinkles from such clothes. Luckily there are three ways to remove wrinkles out of Polyester. These three methods are-

• Wash and dry properly.
• Iron at low temperatures.
• Steam out wrinkles.

Wash and dry properly

To remove wrinkles from Polyester, washing, and drying can be immensely important. Follow the instructions below to do it properly-

1. Check Clothes Tag: Checking clothes tags can help you understand the exact wash cycle and water temperature for that dress. Such measurements may vary depending on the clothes type. Your dress may be 100% Polyester or a blend of Polyester and another softer fabric. So, check that tag first.
2. Turn Cloth Inside Out: Although Polyester is durable and extremely strong, you should wash clothes inside out. It would protect clothes from the rough moment inside the machine. 
3. Add Gentle Detergent and Fabric Softener: Choose a detergent that is free of harsh chemicals. Toxic and intense material can ruin the texture of Polyester. Therefore, using a soft one is always better. 
4. Start Washing Machine and Remove After Cycle Ends: After starting the washing machine, wait a while for the process to finish. After finishing, transfer clothes as soon as possible. Otherwise, new wrinkles may develop.
5. Don’t Overdry: Always use a clothes dryer for 15 to 20 minutes. While working, check the condition of your clothes after every 5 minutes. Use the permanent press cycle of your dryer. Otherwise, use a lower temperature for a perfect result. Remember, you can also hang your clothes on the roof to air dry. Air drying never hurts the fabric.
6. Hang the Dress: When your clothes become dry, hang them on a hanger. Don’t put your dresses in the closet or drawer just after drying. Hang those for at least 5 minutes.

        Now, you can keep dresses in your wardrobe. Never forget to check those every month.

Things You Need

• Washing Machine
• Detergent
• Fabric Softener
• Clothes Dryer
• Hanger

Iron at Low temperature

Iron at lower temperatures can easily remove wrinkles from dresses. Read the instructions below-

1. Use steam iron: Choose a steam iron. It works better with almost every fabric. Most importantly, its performance on Polyester is satisfactory.
2. Spray with plain water: Try to dampen the fabric a bit. Use a spray bottle. It would make the ironing process easier. However, never try ironing a fully wet dress. If needed, hang it to dry slightly at first.
3. Use an ironing board: Turn your clothes inside out and spread them on an ironing board. Using an ironing board is more accessible and saves you from a lot of trouble. Many renowned companies are producing ironing boards in the market. You can easily buy a board for just $30.So, never worry about it.
4. Use a thin towel: Take a clean towel and place it on your dress. Make sure that the towel is dry and it will protect your clothing from being damaged. Now, move the iron back and forth on the towel for a few moments. Try to cover the whole dress 3 to 4 times. Never place iron at any spot for more than 10 seconds.
5. Hang the dress: After ironing, use a hanger to cool your dress. However, if you want, you can also leave it on the board. After cooling down, please keep it in the closet or where you want.

Things You Need

• Steam Iron
• Pressing Cloth
• Spray Bottle
• Ironing Board
• Hanger

Steam out wrinkles

The steam feature of iron can process Polyester without damaging it. Do you want to do it?

Follow the instructions mentioned below-

1. Turn on the steam setting: Firstly, fill the water tank and turn on the steam function. You may know that the steam option is only available in the steam iron. If you use a dry iron, you can’t use this feature. Therefore, buy a steam iron.
2. Turn inside out: Start your iron and keep it on its heel to prepare steam. Now, turn the clothes inside out and place them on the board. You may use a table or your bed if you want.
3. Move iron over the dress: Keep your iron at least 2-3 inches above the garment and move it back and forth. Sometimes, move it up and down for perfect finishing. Never place the iron on the item. Most importantly, keep your kids away!
4. Hang item: Now, it’s time to cool down. Transfer it to a hanger or leave it on the ironing board. Your fabulous dress may be cool down just after 5 minutes. Now, is the perfect time to fold up the dress, or you may wear it.

Things You Need

• Steam Iron 
• Handheld Steamer
• Ironing Board
• Hanger

Can I iron the polyester flag?

Yes, you can iron polyester flags with iron. For your convenience, I am providing detailed steps just for you-

• First, fill the water tank and turn on the iron. Give it some time to heat up. Set the temperature to a lower or medium level.
• Apply your hands to remove wrinkles from the flag.
• Now, collect a pressing cloth and place it on the flag.
• Iron the whole flag slowly and smoothly.
• When wrinkles vanish from the flag, hang it for a moment.

Can I iron patches on Polyester?

Ironing patches on clothes is an easy task. If your dress is Polyester, don’t worry. Let’s take a look-

• Firstly, turn off the steam feature.
• Set the temperature to the lowest level.
• Gently move the iron on the patch. Make sure that the patch sticks properly and is not burned.
• Move the iron back and forth several times.

If you iron gently and be careful during the whole process, patches will be fine.

Getting wrinkles out of the polyester tablecloth

To remove wrinkles from tablecloths, you need to follow some rules. Without following instructions, removing wrinkles is almost impossible.

Let’s take a look at the steps-

• First of all, put the tablecloth in the washing machine. Use a permanent press cycle.
• After washing, transfer it to the clothes dryer. Again use a permanent press cycle.
• Now, please put it on the ironing board and keep the wrong side up.
• Hold a pressing cloth on it. If it is dry, use a spray bottle to moisten it.
• Set the temperature of the iron to 300 F or 148 C.
• Now, smoothly move it over the pressing cloth. Never place the iron on its soleplate for more than 10 seconds.
• Cover the whole tablecloth area to remove wrinkles.
• Let it cool down by keeping it on the ironing board or using a hanger.
• Be careful about folding. If you fold it too tightly, wrinkles may appear again.

Removing shiny marks from Polyester

Removing shiny marks from natural fibers is comparatively easy. However, eliminating such spots from Polyester is tough.

Let’s explore the steps-

• Start the iron and keep it on steam mode. Set the temperature level to low.
• Place your damaged cloth on the ironing board.
• Collect a pressing cloth and dampen it a little.
• Hold it on your dress.
• Now, steam towards the pressing cloth for a minute.
• Remove the pressing material. Use a clean clothing brush to remove the loosened marks from the dress.
• Gently scrub the shiny area with steel wool. Take a moment and don’t hurt the fabric.
• File down the glossy area with the weak side of a nail file.
• Wash the fabric and dry it.

Lastly, always be gentle during the cleaning and ironing of polyester fabric. If you hurry, you may lose your favorite garment.

Removing Polyester from the soleplate

If you work with Polyester several times, melted Polyester may stick to the soleplate. While removing those melted objects, you need to be very careful. Otherwise, you may destroy the soleplate and the iron. There are two ways-

• Soleplate cleaning kit
• Homemade soleplate cleaner

Homemade soleplate cleaner

• Turn on the iron and set the temperature to a lower level. Allow it to heat up. The heated soleplate may soften Polyester marks.
• Take a spoon and gently try to remove the spot. Never hurry. If so, you may ruin the surface. You may use tweezers for better finishing.
• Unplug the iron and give it some time to cool down. Prepare a mix of baking soda and water by maintaining a ratio of 1:1.
• Take a clean cloth and immerse it into the mixture. Now, use this cloth to clean the surface.
• If you still observe any last residue of Polyester, don’t worry. Take a clean towel and soak it into the acetone-based nail polish remover. Use that towel on the surface.

Try until the stain is removed and you are satisfied with the final result.

Soleplate cleaning kit

Using a cleaning kit is tremendously easy. It’s hassle-free. Just follow the rules mentioned below-

• Keep the water tank of iron empty.
• Set the temperature to Cotton (3 dots) setting. Give it some time to heat up. Never use a cold iron.
• Cover the ironing board with an old cloth.
• Pick a cotton terry cloth and fold it into two. Apply two inches of cleaner on it and place it on the board.
• Move your iron in a circular motion on the cloth with cleaner. Cover the whole soleplate area. You may notice some smoke. It’s normal.
• Remove the iron and rub it on a second cloth to clean it properly.
• You may use another cloth for better results. Remember, you can’t use dirty ones.
• Now, your iron is ready to start. Check the soleplate before starting. Sometimes cleaner may block the steam holes.
• After cleaning, turn on the iron and apply steaming on a piece of cloth. Check the performance before starting ironing clothes.

Using a soleplate cleaning kit is convenient for you. However, you need to understand that it can’t remove the permanent damage to the soleplate. It can only remove melted fabric from iron.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does polyester shrink in the washing machine or dryer?

Yes, polyester shrinks. Polyester is a robust and shrink-resistant fiber. If you don’t wash it properly, it may shrink down the road. Polyester can shrink in washing machine or dryer –

• If you use hot water in the washing machine, Polyester will shrink. You know that Polyester can’t resist hot water. So, try to use warm or cold water.
• Drying Polyester with a clothes dryer may shrink it permanently. So, never use a dryer for a more extended period. If so, your garment will shrink and damage permanently.

Sometimes, you may have a large polyester dress, and you want to shrink it. Then, you can easily apply the tips mentioned above. You don’t need to use detergent or fabric softener to do so. 

Can I heat-press polyester?

Yes, you can. If you love customizing your dress, you may want to heat press to your favorite polyester fabric too. Am I right?

First, the heat press works better on natural fabric, such as Cotton. As Polyester is synthetic, you may face some difficulty in this case. But, I am giving you a guideline-

• Find the ideal temperature for your clothes. It may be somewhere between 270 to 300F.
• Use the perfect transfer. Success depends on what type of transfer you use. If you choose a transfer that works better at high temperatures, never use it for Polyester. You may use it for another type of fabric.
• Use a thin sheet to stop damaging the garment. Luckily, there are different types of thin sheets in the market. Choose a thinner one.
• If you want to apply heat pressing on many clothes, select one or two pieces of clothes and give them a try. Remember, the process may not work if the temperature is too low.
• Be gentle. If you hurry, you may fail. Patience is the key here.

If you follow these rules, you can successfully heat press on Polyester. However, sometimes it may leave scorch marks on the fabric. If so, wait for a few minutes until it cools down. Then, the damaged area may disappear. Otherwise, wash the dress properly.

Does Polyester wrinkle easily?

No, Polyester doesn’t wrinkle easily. However, if you wear it too often, wrinkles may appear. It is a fabric that deserves intense care. So, always wash and iron it properly. It is not that expensive, but you need to be very careful. When iron, use a low temperature.

Generally, Polyester is notable as it is –

• Durable
• Wrinkle-resistant
• Affordable
• Surprisingly soft and comfortable to wear.

So, if you want to buy a polyester garment, purchase it without any doubt. It is fantastic to wear Polyester.

What is the best wrinkle-free material?

Wrinkle-free material can be handy for you. I assume you love to travel just like me. Such wonderful fabric can assist you in packing. According to the experts, the best wrinkle-free materials are-

• Polyester
• Wool
• Lyocell
• Cashmere
• Spandex
• Denim
• Knit (Cotton knit, wool knit, and synthetic fiber)
• Rayon

The biggest lead of these fabrics is that you don’t need to iron these materials regularly. You can quickly wear them for too long.

What is the most comfortable material to wear?

In summer, everybody loves to wear comfortable dresses. The following fabrics can present you with a beautiful summer.

Take a look-

• Cotton
• Linen
• Rayon
• Denim
• Chambray
• Seersucker

Does Polyester breathe better than Cotton?

The answer is no. Cotton always breathes better than Polyester, allowing airflow to pass through fibers easily. Whereas Polyester seldom allows air to pass.

That’s why Polyester is not a comfortable dress to wear during hot weather. Cotton is always better for such a purpose.

Final Thought

Polyester doesn’t need frequent ironing. That’s why you like this fabric. Isn’t it? When you iron, be gentle and keep the temperature warm, not too hot.

Wear your polyester shirt, and pants and go to the party. Just remember one thing, iron it correctly.

Feel free to comment.

Kristina Veskovska

This is Kristina, a passionate bookworm and copywriter. I am always dedicated to sharing my experiences through informative articles. In my free time, I love spending time in nature and with animals and doing yoga.

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