Acrylic T-shirts: How to Wash & Care

Acrylic fabric is a synthetic material made up of acrylonitrile. This fossil fuel-based chemical undergoes polymerization to form a viscous plastic solution. This plastic solution is spun to form fibers that are then dried to form acrylic fabric. Acrylic fabric is not breathable like cotton and linen. It is soft and lightweight to wear. Manufacturers blend it with all other fabrics to provide cost-effective acrylic T-shirts. It is hypoallergenic and doesn't cause any rashes on the skin. Acrylic fabric is durable, and it requires special care to add longevity. Poor washing and drying techniques increase the release of microplastics into water that contaminates the marine environment. Follow the right washing guide and drying methods to enhance the lifespan of acrylic T-shirts.

How to Wash Acrylic T-shirts?

Here are the tips to wash acrylic T-shirts:

1. Cold or Lukewarm Water: Use cold to lukewarm water of 30 C to protect the color of acrylic T-shirts. Hot water weakens the fabric and affects the color quality of T-shirts. All types of fabric, including silk, wool, and cotton, are washed with cold water. 
2. Gentle Cycle: Set the machine mood to low spin (gentle) to minimize the friction and tangling in T-shirts. The higher the spin, the higher the damage to acrylic fibers. The manufacturer recommends handwashing the acrylic T-shirts to avoid fraying. Fill the water bucket with lukewarm water and soak the T-shirts to remove loose stains.
3. Mild Detergent: Use mild detergents free from fragrance, dyes, and chemicals. Check the labels and select the ones without sulfates and phosphates. These chemicals cause skin disease and affect the lungs. Prefer the liquid detergents over the powder ones because they don't stick in acrylic threads. 
4. Wash Inside Out: Wash the acrylic T-shirts inside out to minimize the risk of pilling. It is important when washing in a machine, and T-shirts have embroidery on them.

Can Acrylic T-shirts Shrink in the Wash?

Acrylic T-shirts are less likely to shrink due to their synthetic nature. Here are the three factors that affect their shrinkage:

1. Minimal Shrinkage: Acrylic fabric has the memory to bounce back into its original shape. Unlike the natural fibers that are prone to shrinkage, these synthetic fabrics are shrink-resistant at standard temperatures. 
2. High Heat: Acrylic T-shirts are prone to shrinkage when subjected to high temperatures of 60 °C. Acrylic fibers relax and change their dimension.
3. Air Drying: Air drying is the best technique to restore the original shape of acrylic T-shirts after shrinking. Many people soak acrylic T-shirts in cold water to restore them. Read the care label and manufacturer's instructions before washing. Verify with the seller if the acrylic T-shirts are pre-shrunk or need to be shrunk.

What is the Best Way to Dry and Iron Acrylic T-shirts?

Here are the four best ways to dry and iron acrylic T-shirts:

1. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Don’t spread the T-shirts in direct sunlight. It increases the risk of fading and weakening of acrylic threads. UV radiations from the sun brighten the T-shirts and decreases their lifespan. Make sure to spread clothes in the shade when drying.
2. Air Dry Flat: Spread the clothes on a flat surface and leave them to dry in the open air. Air drying helps to reshape the T-shirts without any tumble drying. Reshape the collar, sleeves, and T-shirts. Bring the T-shirts back when they are slightly damp for better ironing. 
3. Low Heat Iron or Steam: Set the iron to low heat mode to protect the acrylic fibers from melting. Always place a pressing cloth between the iron and T-shirts to reduce the transmission of high heat. Turn the acrylic T-shirts inside out to protect the designs and prints from smudging.
4. No Tumble Dry: Avoid drying with tumble as it increases the melting of acrylic fibers. Spread clothes in the shady open air for longevity.

How to Store Acrylic T-shirts? 

Here are the three tips to store acrylic T-shirts:

1. Folded Storage: Fold the clothes neatly and organize them in the storage bags. Keep the most used ones on top to avoid the mess. 
2. Cool, Dry Place: Store the acrylic T-shirts in a clean and dry place. Moisture produces a bad odor and increases the mildew growth. Clean the area well and use cedar blocks (aromatic wood) to keep moths away. It helps to protect the acrylic T-shirts from holes and cuts.
3. Use Fabric Bags: Use breathable fabric bags with zippers to store the acrylic T-shirts. Plastic bags are prone to cuts and trap moisture. They increase the likelihood of a bad odor in T-shirts when stored for years.

How to Remove Stains from Acrylic T-shirts?

Here are the five tips to remove stains from acrylic T-shirts:

1. Act Quickly: Don’t pile the stained acrylic T-shirts in the washing machine and treat them quickly. The longer the stain rests on the T-shirt, the harder it gets to remove. Take a newspaper and blot the stain. Don’t rub the stains as they spread all around.
2. Mild Detergent & Cold Water: Use mild detergent and cold water to remove stains. These detergents are safe for T-shirts for all people.
3. White Vinegar Solution: Take one part of vinegar and two parts of water to prepare a stain remover. It is used to rmeove grease and sweat food stains. Spray the liquid detergent with a spraying nozzle and rub the baking soda paste. Allow them to rest for at least 15 minutes before rinsing.
4. Stain Remover for Synthetics: Use only the recommended amount of stain remover to avoid damage to acrylic fibers.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Place T-shirts under running water to remove the detergents. Wash until all the chemicals and residues (in case of powder detergent) are washed away.

What Are the Common Care Mistakes with Acrylic T-shirts?

Here are the four common care mistakes with acrylic T-shirts:

1. Using Bleach: Bleach causes discoloration and damages the acrylic fibers.
2. High Heat Drying: High heat drying melts the acrylic fibers and affects the quality of acrylic T-shirts.
3. Overwashing: Overwashing increases the wear and tear. Rotate the usage of T-shirts with others to reduce the frequency of washing.
4. Ironing on High Heat: High heat melts the fibers and weakens the acrylic threads. Use a low-heat iron to increase its lifespan.