An acrylic sweater and an acrylic-containing sports garment may not call for identical treatment. Ariel's guide says to check the fabric care label because acrylic is used in different combinations and products. Where machine washing is allowed, it describes a cool wash and turning clothing inside out to reduce pilling.

Illustrative image of clothing care
Illustrative image.

The guide's drying advice also uses a cool setting rather than treating the synthetic fiber name as a heat allowance. Check what the individual garment permits before applying these general suggestions. Reading the label first keeps advice about a broad material category from becoming a rule for every item that contains it.