How to Remove Shiny Iron Spots from Polyester

Whether it’s a single spot or your entire piece has become shiny, iron marks on polyester and synthetic clothing can be a real pain.

These shiny spots are created when the hot iron touches the fibers of the clothing and causes them to melt. Unfortunately, there is no way to “undo” this melting once it has occurred. The best method is prevention in this case. When ironing synthetics, such as polyester, be aware of the following guidelines:

Always use a cool to warm iron (low to medium heat). Unlike some other fabrics, polyester does not require a high level of heat to remove wrinkles. Most irons have separate polyester settings that help identify the proper temperature.
It is also helpful to cover the clothing with a pressing cloth to keep the iron from touching the fabric. A moist pressing cloth will help remove wrinkles.
A mixture of vinegar and water can be sprayed on to the fabric prior to ironing to help set or remove a crease.
Once the piece is ironed, hang it immediately to avoid any further wrinkling.
If the piece is severely wrinkled, it may be best to wash it again and hang it to dry. Often the weight of the material will remove most wrinkles as it dries.

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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Tray July 22, 2009 at 1:42 am Still can't get wrinkles out...: I have a pair of 100% polyester shorts that I absolutely can not get wrinkle-free (it was sitting crumpled up in a pile of clothes for weeks). I tried ironing it with a pressing cloth, pressing it directly, washing it and letting it hang dry, spraying it with a water and vinegar solution and then ironing it again. Nothing works, and yes, I pressed REALLY hard when ironing and went at it for a good long while.
JMEDELMAN July 24, 2009 at 8:38 pm Getting wrinkles out of polyester shorts: Sorry- never-
You did every thing wrong. Leaving wrinkled for long period of time is same as leaving in dryer too long.SET WRINKLES. The SHINE means that the poly melted from hot iron. No way to cure. Sorry. You should have washed cold, Let tumble in warm dryer till damp, then hung to dry. Very little touchup is needed with luke warm iron.