A Note About Modern Fabrics
How synthetic fibers and modern finishes change stain removal
Synthetic fibers such as acrylic, nylon, olefin and polyester — and blends of these fibers or cottons with permanent-press finishes — are tough and durable, but they have a special attraction for oil stains. This sheet of the Ohio series explains the consequence: oil stains on synthetics should be removed promptly, because once they are heat-dried or ironed they become extremely difficult, and the oleophilic nature of these fibers holds grease against ordinary washing. It also covers how resin-based permanent-press finishes alter absorbency and treatment on blends.
A Note about Modern fabrics
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A Note about Modern fabrics
Synthetic fibers such as acrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, and blends of these fibers or cottons with permanent-press finishes are tough and durable , but have a special attraction for oil stains. Oil stains should be removed promptly. If oil stains get dryer dried or ironed into fabrics containing these fibers or finishes, removal may be extremely difficult, if not impossible. These oil stains show most on plain medium colors such as light blue or khaki. On the other hand, if treated quickly, oil stains usually can be easily removed.
Synthetic fiber fabrics are also heat sensitive. These fabrics shrink and melt in high temperatures. They can get more-or-less "permanent" wrinkles in the spin-cycle of a washing machine set for a hot-water wash, or from an over-crowded dryer that has run too long. Steam pressing can sometimes remove heat-set wrinkles, but the melting temperature of the fibers is so close to the temperature needed to iron out wrinkles that pressing is tedious and must be done carefully to avoid melting and creating holes. The restored garment may fit differently because of the heat shrinkage.
It is easy to prevent wrinkling in washable blends and permanent press clothes:
- avoid overloading the washer; clothes should move freely,
- be sure the washer is set for "warm" not "hot" water temperature or for the "permanent press" cycle,
- dry on permanent press setting,
- remove from dryer at end of cycle; do not overdry,
- hang on hanger; temporary wrinkles generally "elax" or fall out in a few hours.
fabrics containing -vinyl or natural rubber will be damaged by most oil solvents. Oil solvents tend to remove the plasticizer in vinyl film fabrics, making them stiff.
Olefins may be damaged by perchloroethylene solvent, but are resistant to trichloroethylene and fluorocarbon dry cleaning solvents.
Acetate fabrics will dissolve in fingernail polish remover (acetone). Triacetate and modacrylic fabrics can be damaged by acetone or paint thinners.
Silk, wool, and other hair fibers, such as camel or cashmere, will dissolve in fresh liquid chlorine bleach. Dilute solutions of liquid chlorine bleach will cause permanent yellowing and stiffening of wool fibers and usually cause weakening and color loss in silk.
Cellulosic fibers, such as cotton, linen, rayon, and ramie, will be weakened by repeated exposure to dilute solutions of liquid chlorine bleach, but bleaches can be safely used on cellulosic fibers for purposes of stain removal. Undiluted bleach can weaken fabrics so that they tear or wear out more quickly.
Special thanks to Iowa State University for allowing us to reproduce this information.
Reproduced with permission from the Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011.
Prepared by: Janis Stone,
Textiles and Clothing Specialist,
Iowa State University
Oil-Loving Fibers, Water-Based Washing
The mismatch at the heart of this sheet is chemical: polyester and its fellow synthetics are oleophilic — they bond readily with oils — while home laundering is water-based, and water alone does not break that bond. Effective treatment therefore starts before the wash, with a solvent or a heavy-duty detergent worked into the oil stain to carry it away in the wash water. Skipping pre-treatment and relying on the cycle is why greasy marks survive washing on synthetics that come out of the same load clean in cotton.
Heat Is the Deadline
An oil stain on a synthetic is removable until it is heated. Dryer heat and ironing bond the oil into the fiber and can also set any dye component of the stain, which is why the sheet's standing instruction is to check treated synthetics while they are still wet and re-treat if the mark remains — never machine-dry a synthetic garment with a stain unexamined. Air-drying preserves the option to treat again.
Common Questions
Why do oil stains cling to polyester?
Polyester and other synthetics are oleophilic — they attract and hold oils — while wash water alone cannot break that bond, so pre-treatment with solvent or detergent is essential.
What makes an oil stain on synthetics permanent?
Heat. Dryer heat or ironing bonds the oil into the fiber; treated garments should be checked wet and air-dried until the stain is confirmed gone.
Do permanent-press finishes change stain removal?
Yes — resin finishes reduce absorbency, so treatments sit on the surface longer and stains can behave differently on blends than on untreated cotton.