One of the few problems with synthetic fabrics is the issue of stain removal. These fabrics are often delicate and have special care instructions that set them apart from basics such as cotton. Spandex is included in this category. However, removing stains from spandex does not have to be an ordeal.
Check the care label to see what methods will negatively affect the fabric. Make sure the item is not dry-clean only.
Rinse the affected area with cold or lukewarm water. Hot water can actually set stains into fabric, so it is never recommended.
Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain. If powdered detergent is being used, mix with a small amount of water to form a smooth paste. Gently rub the detergent into the affected area. Do not scrub, as this can damage the fiber of the fabric.
Make a soaking solution if concerned about concentrating detergent onto the stain. Mix detergent with cold/lukewarm water in a sink or bucket. Add the article of clothing and allow to soak for at least a half-hour. To keep the article submerged, a towel can be used to weigh it down.
Wash the pre-treated item in the washing machine as usual. Be sure to check the article of clothing after the washer and before the dryer to make sure the stain has been eliminated. The dryer can help to set a stain that hasnt been removed in its entirety.
Test the stain removal product on an inconspicuous area of the clothing to ensure there is no bleaching or further staining. This, of course, comes after the label is checked against the active ingredients of the product. Spandex does not do well with bleaching chemicals.
Apply the stain remover to the affected area, working on the stain from back to front (underside of the garment first). Avoid harsh scrubbing so the fabric fiber is not damaged. If the stain is bad, allow the treated garment to sit for a few minutes before washing.
Wash the garment by hand or in the washing machine, according to care instructions. Check the garment before drying. If the stain remains, repeat the stain removal steps until it is gone. Allow the garment to air dry.
When it comes to spandex, the sooner the stain can be treated, the better. If the staining agent is liquid, be sure to absorb excess liquid from the garment and rinse in cold water immediately.
Do not use bleach on spandex, even if the article of clothing is white. Any garment tag, website, etc. will tell you that bleach should never be used on nylon and spandex.
Tips for Washing Elastane (Spandex) Clothing Avoid using chlorine bleach, which will destroy the elastane fibers. Instead, use oxygen bleach to brighten white clothing and remove stains. If you prefer, it’s safe to take elastane clothing to the dry cleaners.
Apply the stain remover to the affected area, working on the stain from back to front (underside of the garment first). Avoid harsh scrubbing so the fabric fiber is not damaged. If the stain is bad, allow the treated garment to sit for a few minutes before washing.
When it comes to spandex, the sooner the stain can be treated, the better. If the staining agent is liquid, be sure to absorb excess liquid from the garment and rinse in cold water immediately.
Do not use bleach on spandex, even if the article of clothing is white. Any garment tag, website, etc. will tell you that bleach should never be used on nylon and spandex.
Test the stain removal product on an inconspicuous area of the clothing to ensure there is no bleaching or further staining. This, of course, comes after the label is checked against the active ingredients of the product. Spandex does not do well with bleaching chemicals.
Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain. If powdered detergent is being used, mix with a small amount of water to form a smooth paste. Gently rub the detergent into the affected area. Do not scrub, as this can damage the fiber of the fabric.
For ongoing good cleaning so the shirt doesn’t get dingy, try soaking your white items with spandex for 8 hours or overnight with 1 scoopful of Clorox 2® For Colors Powder added to 2 gallons hot water. Following the soak time, drain the soaking solution and then wash the items in the hottest water recommended on the care label with detergent and more Clorox 2®. If you can, wash them separately or in a load with just white cotton/spandex items. I get lots of questions about these items after people have had them for a while – they get pretty dingy over time, especially if they are washed in cold water with a low quality detergent. Using Clorox 2® For Colors Stain Remover and Laundry Additive on a regular basis (and the presoak whenever possible) will really help keep these items white, especially if you can wash the items in hot water. Air drying is also helpful at reducing shrinkage.
I washed a new white top with spandex in it with light colors and now it is grey. How do I get it back to white?
Follow our spandex stain removal tips to learn how to remove stains from spandex including white spandex, polyester, nylon, and other spandex blended fabrics.
Your issue is dye transfer after just one cycle. Unfortunately, the fact that your top contains spandex means you won’t be able to use a bleach and water soaking solution to remove the dye transfer since spandex (along with wool, silk, mohair, and leather) should never be bleached. However, you can give RIT Color Remover a try. You can usually find this product at drug and even hardware stores – it’s a reducing bleach that is safe for spandex and often is very helpful at removing dye transfer when you can’t use regular bleach. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and it should work.
How to lighten nylon or polyester fabric with bleach and water
FAQ
Can you bleach 95 cotton 5 spandex?
What fabrics are not bleach safe?
Can you bleach polyester spandex white?
How do you clean spandex fabric?
Can you use bleach on spandex?
The latter leaves a residue on spandex that can dull the finish and attract bacteria, which causes excessive odor. Avoid using chlorine bleach, which will destroy the elastane fibers. Instead, use oxygen bleach to brighten white clothing and remove stains.
Can you use bleach if your clothes don’t contain spandex?
If your clothing doesn’t contain any spandex, here’s how we recommend using bleach to brighten them up. Soak clothes in a solution of ¼ cup Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach per gallon of water. Fully submerge for 5 minutes. Wash in hot water using detergent and 1/3 cup bleach (or fill the dispenser to the max-fill line) to remove dingy yellow buildup.
How do I remove stains from spandex?
Follow our spandex stain removal tips to learn how to remove stains from spandex including white spandex, polyester, nylon, and other spandex blended fabrics. Tackle household messes with 10% off curated cleaning bundles or build your own. I washed a new white top with spandex in it with light colors and now it is grey.
How do you brighten clothes if you don’t have spandex?
Wash in smaller loads and fill the dispenser to the “max fill” line. If your clothing doesn’t contain any spandex, here’s how we recommend using bleach to brighten them up. Soak clothes in a solution of ¼ cup Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach per gallon of water. Fully submerge for 5 minutes.