Nylon Washing Instructions Guide

Nylon is a popular fabric that’s used for a variety of clothing from yoga pants to swimsuits. Not only is it durable but it also has excellent abrasion resistance, meaning it can endure a lot of wear and tear compared to other fibers.

Unlike cotton, nylon is completely man-made and was originally created as an alternative to silk. Having said that, it’s often paired with semi-synthetic or natural fibers such as rayon or cotton in clothing.

What’s the best way to wash these types of fibers? Can you put them in the washing machine? For the answers, be sure to keep reading. We’ll be going all of the answers in detail below.

How to Wash Nylon Garments Properly

The great thing about nylon fabrics is that they are machine washable. In other words, you can toss your nylon clothes in the washing machine for easy cleaning.

Hand-washing is also an option for those who want to be more gentle on the nylon fibers.

Sorting Your Nylon Clothing Before Washing

Before you wash your nylon clothing, make sure to sort everything based on color. That’ll prevent the colors from bleeding, which will keep your garments looking new for longer.

For example, you wouldn’t want to put a pair of black leggings in the same wash load as a white tank top – the black dye can easily transfer onto the other item.

Machine Washing Nylon Clothes

The first thing you want to do is turn the nylon garment inside out. That will protect the outer nylon fabric while exposing the inner layer to the laundry detergent.

Next, place the item in a mesh laundry bag – it will keep your nylon garment from rubbing against your other laundry during the wash cycle. This is especially important for delicate items such as sports bras, which can easily become damaged when the washing machine is running.

Close the bag’s zipper all the way and place the bag into the washer tub. Do the same with the rest of your clothes.

Measure one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent powder and add it directly to the tub (or detergent drawer, depending on the model of your washer).

Tip: Skip the fabric softener. Not only will it coat the nylon fabric with a waxy layer, which can ruin the garment over time, but it also contains harmful chemicals that can accumulate in the body. If necessary, use white vinegar instead – it will eliminate odors and soften the nylon item at the same time.

Choose a delicate or gentle setting and run a cold water wash cycle. Avoid using hot water – the heat can cause the fibers to warp.

Once the cycle is finished, let the item air dry on a clothes line or drying rack, out of direct sunlight. Do not use the tumble dryer – it can damage your clothes even on low heat.

Hand Washing Nylon Clothes

Fill a sink with cool water by turning on the faucet. Next, add a bit of ACTIVE Detergent powder – you’ll have to swish the water with your hand to help it dissolve.

Turn your nylon clothes inside out and carefully place them in the sink once the detergent is completely dissolved. Gently massage the fabric with your hands for a few seconds to loosen any dirt or debris.

Let the nylon garments sit in the soapy solution for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing them thoroughly with clean water. Continue to rinse until there are no more soap suds on the fabric.

Gently press the excess water out of the fabric before placing it on a drying rack or clothesline. Remember, air drying is the way to go with nylon garments – never use the dryer.

How to Remove Stains From Nylon Clothing

Try to treat stains as soon as possible – the longer you wait, the deeper they’ll set into the fibers, making them tougher to remove.

Pre-treating With ACTIVE Detergent

Create a pre-treatment solution by mixing ACTIVE Detergent powder with some warm water in a small bowl. Using a clean cloth or a soft brush, gently work the mixture into the stain – the area should be completely saturated.

Let it sit on the fabric for at least 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

Once the stain is gone, you can wash the item as usual, either by putting it in the washer or washing it by hand. If the stain persists, repeat the steps again.

Pre-treating with White Vinegar

In a large bowl, mix one part white vinegar with one part water. Make sure it’s thoroughly combined and apply the solution to the stain using a sponge or soft cloth. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing. If the stain is still visible, repeat the steps.

Alternatively, you can fill a spray bottle with the solution and apply it to the stained garment as a spray.

Cleaning Nylon Fabrics – FAQs

Can you clean nylon with other delicate fabrics?

It’s best to wash nylon with other synthetic materials such as polyester or spandex. For the best results, use ACTIVE Detergent, which is specifically designed for manmade fibers.

How can you remove wrinkles from nylon fibres?

You can remove wrinkles with white vinegar. Mix one part vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle and apply it to the garment (you can also add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance).

Can you use chlorine bleach on nylon garments?

Avoid using bleach on nylon and other synthetic materials – the chemicals can cause discoloration or even damage the fibers.