Is my jacket safe to wash in machine in hot water and tumble dry high
April 9, 2023 12:20 PM Subscribe
By word of mouth, the outer layer is nylon and the inner layer and lining is polyester. Is it debatable that it can go in hot water, in machine and can be tumble dried (high or medium)? If so, what makes it wash only in cold water and only hang to dry? As well how do you test it, (instruction and brand name is missing)
Response by poster: Thorzdad, of course. If I got a question "What kinds of materials do you need to cold gentle wash and hang to dry?" I would never put nylon and polyester in the list. But of course just to be on the safe side.
posted by amfgf at 12:40 PM on April 9, 2023
posted by amfgf at 12:40 PM on April 9, 2023
Best answer: It's not just the fabric that matters, it's also the construction techniques, the age of the garment, etc. Even things that can technically handle hot water and the dryer will generally last longer (and often look better) if you handle them more gently.
I think you and I would be of different schools of thought, laundry-wise - to me, cold wash and hang dry is the default unless I'm in a big rush. I really only use hot water and the dryer for things like sheets, towels, and everyday underwear.
To me, any garment you really care about should be washed as gently as is effective/as gently as you can afford the time for.
posted by mskyle at 1:17 PM on April 9, 2023 [6 favorites]
I think you and I would be of different schools of thought, laundry-wise - to me, cold wash and hang dry is the default unless I'm in a big rush. I really only use hot water and the dryer for things like sheets, towels, and everyday underwear.
To me, any garment you really care about should be washed as gently as is effective/as gently as you can afford the time for.
posted by mskyle at 1:17 PM on April 9, 2023 [6 favorites]
Response by poster: myskyle, I agree. Just that once in a blue moon,... Let's say it was involved with C.difficile or MRSA etc. kinds of thing.
posted by amfgf at 1:28 PM on April 9, 2023
posted by amfgf at 1:28 PM on April 9, 2023
Best answer: Is the garment interfaced, ie has it got lapels or cuffs or waistband that feel a bit thicker/sturdier than the rest? Chances are the interfacing is fusible, ie ironed on/adheres to the outer fabric with heat activated glue. Manufacturers have steam presses as well, not just an iron. That kind of stuff never takes well to later applications of heat because the glue can be re-activated and it will lose its shape. The bond to the fabric can also suffer through agitation. And neither problem can be fixed by ironing, not that most polyester takes well to ironing.
posted by koahiatamadl at 1:29 PM on April 9, 2023
posted by koahiatamadl at 1:29 PM on April 9, 2023
Best answer: In addition to glue and fragile stitching, there are fabric interfacings that do not take kindly to high heat or rough treatment. If you need to disinfect, I would get a laundry disinfectant and soak it for longer than the minimum time indicated in the instructions. Maybe I’d hang it in the sun for good measure after disinfecting. (I’ve had good luck with laundry disinfectant ever since one of my students cheerfully wiped his nose with the dangling end of my scarf.)
posted by corey flood at 2:31 PM on April 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by corey flood at 2:31 PM on April 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: If this is a water-resistant or water-proof jacket you may need to dry it to keep the coating active or whatever. I'm not sure from your description if that applies.
posted by fiercekitten at 6:39 PM on April 9, 2023
posted by fiercekitten at 6:39 PM on April 9, 2023
Best answer: If this garment came into contact with C diff or MRSA and isn't made of a material that could essentially be boiled, I would be throwing it away. No jacket is worth that kind of infection.
posted by ananci at 2:21 AM on April 10, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by ananci at 2:21 AM on April 10, 2023 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: koahiatamadl,
"That kind of stuff never takes well to later applications of heat because the glue can be re-activated and it will lose its shape. The bond to the fabric can also suffer through agitation." What if the manufacturer made it free of problems (i.e not involve glue, or use glue that is resistant to heat) ?
posted by amfgf at 5:56 PM on April 12, 2023
"That kind of stuff never takes well to later applications of heat because the glue can be re-activated and it will lose its shape. The bond to the fabric can also suffer through agitation." What if the manufacturer made it free of problems (i.e not involve glue, or use glue that is resistant to heat) ?
posted by amfgf at 5:56 PM on April 12, 2023
Response by poster: No question it is ideal to wash as many things as possible in gentle cycle cold water, and not to use the dryer or use it on low heat.
koahiatamadl, I meant do you think this kinds of jacket would cost much more if it has no glue or heat resistant glue in them.
corey flood, "a laundry disinfectant and soak it for longer than the minimum time indicated in the instructions. Maybe I’d hang it in the sun for good measure." I agree.
ananci "I would be throwing it away. No jacket is worth that kind of infection." I'm sure generally that's what people do, but if an item has a sentimental value it would be nice not to have to throw it out.
posted by amfgf at 1:36 PM on April 13, 2023
koahiatamadl, I meant do you think this kinds of jacket would cost much more if it has no glue or heat resistant glue in them.
corey flood, "a laundry disinfectant and soak it for longer than the minimum time indicated in the instructions. Maybe I’d hang it in the sun for good measure." I agree.
ananci "I would be throwing it away. No jacket is worth that kind of infection." I'm sure generally that's what people do, but if an item has a sentimental value it would be nice not to have to throw it out.
posted by amfgf at 1:36 PM on April 13, 2023
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That there are no care instructions on the garment. In such cases, it is always advised to exercise caution and go with the wash/dry methods least likely to damage the garment. In this case, cold wash (delicate setting) and flat dry on a rack.
posted by Thorzdad at 12:26 PM on April 9, 2023 [3 favorites]