Known as artificial silk, viscose (also referred to as rayon in the US) has gained great popularity in the textile industry. It is renowned for its exceptional softness, sheen, and drape. Additionally, a viscose fabric exhibits outstanding breathability and absorbency.
Yet, the wet strength of viscose weakens significantly, making it prone to damage when washing. Have you ever found your viscose garment shrunk or encountered other annoying situations after daily cleaning? Don’t worry! As a fabric expert, Sino Silk introduces how to wash and care for viscose properly in this guide. In just 8 minutes, you can rescue your delicate viscose dress!
Is Viscose Washable?
Can you wash your viscose item? The answer is usually indicated on the label.
If it is labelled “do not wash” or “dry clean only”, then the viscose clothing is not washable. Professional dry cleaning might be the only method to handle it.
If your viscose garment is not tagged with such instructions, typically you can wash it. However, the safest way is to do a water test before washing. Specifically, drop water onto an inconspicuous area of the garment. Observe whether the damp spot wrinkles, shrinks, or fades. If there are no significant abnormalities, feel free to wash your viscose garments at home.
Does Viscose Shrink?
Yes, viscose significantly shrinks after improper washing and care, with a shrinkage rate higher than that of cotton. Typically, ordinary viscose bears a shrinkage rate of about 10%. Those with a loose fabric construction have a higher shrinkage rate, which even reaches up to 15%. Nevertheless, a viscose blend, such as poly-viscose fabric, exhibits greater resistance to shrinkage.
The reasons why viscose is prone to shrinking derive from multiple aspects. As a regenerated cellulose fiber, viscose is inherently hydrophilic. Additionally, its low crystallinity allows water molecules to be absorbed and penetrate the interior of the fibers quickly and effectively. After absorbing moisture, viscose fibers expand laterally while contracting longitudinally, thereby causing the overall fabric to shrink.
Most importantly, viscose fiber exhibits a significant reduction in strength when wet, reaching only 50% of its dry strength. This makes wet viscose highly unstable and vulnerable, aggravating shrinkage when exposed to high temperatures or vigorous agitation.
Does Viscose Stretch Out?
Yes, 100% viscose can become baggier or longer, particularly after multiple washes. Once overstretched, a viscose shirt tends not to return to its original shape and dimensions due to the inherent poor recovery in viscose fibers. Nevertheless, shrinkage, instead of stretching deformation, is the primary concern for viscose after washing.
How to Wash Viscose Without Shrinking it?
So, how to wash viscose the right way? This section provides a complete washing guide for your washable viscose, helping to prevent significant shrinkage.
Pretreat
When you get your viscose item, do not hurry to wash it immediately. Some preparations and pretreatments are essential.
- Check the care label or other available care instructions
Learning about the care instructions is always the first step for a specific viscose product. In this process, you need to check whether the viscose item is washable. If it is, note other important care information, including the appropriate water temperature.
- Prepare the right detergent and conduct a spot test
Next, choose the right detergent for your viscose clothing. Normally speaking, a mild and biodegradable detergent is recommended. Avoid any harsh detergents, chlorine bleaches, or softeners. Otherwise, they will weaken the viscose fibers, causing unnecessary damage to the viscose fabric.
After determining the detergent, conduct a spot test. Specifically, apply the diluted detergent to a hidden area of your viscose garment. Then, press a clean white cotton cloth against the treated area to inspect dye transfer. If no stains occur, rinse the area with clean water. After removing excess water, observe whether the viscose fibers harden, pill, or are damaged. If no abnormalities are found, the detergent can be used to clean your viscose fabric.
- Pretreat stains
Finally, be sure to inspect and pre-treat stains with a specialized stain remover before washing. This step is crucial, as the untreated stains would become stubborn and permanent. In detail, apply the remover to stains and gently rub to remove them using a specialized brush or your fingers.
Hand Wash
If your viscose clothes are not labelled “dry clean only”, hand washing is a safe option. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide.
- Prepare a basin of cold water and dilute the detergent. Generally, viscose should be washed in cool water at a temperature below 30 °C. Some delicate viscose garments require washing in cold water not exceeding 20°C (if the care instructions suggest). Next, add a few drops of neutral detergent to the water and stir the solution gently and thoroughly.
- Sort your viscose items and turn them inside out. Viscose garments always showcase vibrant colors. To prevent color bleeding, it is necessary to separately wash dark and light ones. Besides, to minimize fiber weakening and damage, it is also important to turn your viscose items inside out when washing.
- Soak and gently wash them. Firstly, immerse your viscose items in the solution for no more than 30 minutes. This helps keep every viscose fiber thoroughly in contact with the detergent without being damaged. Then, gently rub the garments, especially the collar, cuffs, and front placket areas, to clean stains. Avoid using hard brushes or other vigorous scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly and gently squeeze out water. After the viscose textiles are clean, rinse them several times with clean water until the water is completely clear. Once all detergent residues are removed, gently press your viscose clothes to remove water. Don’t wring them violently.
Machine Wash
Can viscose go in the washing machine? For washable viscose, the answer is yes. The specific washing procedures are slightly different from those of hand washing.
- Prepare your viscose garments. This step is the same as that of hand washing, including separating dark viscose items from light-colored ones and turning them inside out. Uniquely, it is best to place your viscose clothes in a laundry bag before machine washing. This process further protects the garments from snagging, pilling, and tearing while washing.
- Pour the detergent into the washing machine. If your washing machine has a dedicated detergent drawer, pour the appropriate amount of detergent there. If not, pour the detergent directly onto the clothes or the laundry bag.
- Choose a delicate cycle. Viscose garments are delicate. When washing them by machine, use a gentle or delicate cycle to prevent fibers from tangling, breaking, or shrinking. What’s more, if the water temperature is optional, select a cold or lukewarm setting.
- Remove promptly. Once the cycle is completed, take your viscose items out of the machine immediately. Gently shake them out and smooth out any wrinkles with your hand in preparation for drying.
How to Care for Viscose After Washing?
After washing, improper drying, ironing, and storage methods also cause viscose to shrink or become damaged in other ways. Thus, this part introduces more care tips for viscose.
Can 100% Viscose Go in the Dryer?
When it comes to drying, many users inquire whether viscose can be dried in a dryer. Our opinion is, don’t do that as soon as possible. Tumble drying will cause viscose to shrink significantly. What’s more, it may lead to other issues, such as pilling, stiffening, loss of luster, and creases, as well. This occurs because a dryer offers external factors, including high temperatures and mechanical agitation, which weaken and damage the fragile wet viscose fibers.
So, how to dry viscose properly?
- Wrap your viscose clothing with a dry, clean towel. Then, roll the towel gently to remove excess water.
- Turn it inside out and lay the viscose item flat on a drying rack or a dry towel to air-dry it in a shaded, well-ventilated place. Alternatively, hang it to dry. When drying, don’t expose it to direct sunlight to prevent fading. It is also not recommended to adopt a peg to prevent stubborn creases.
Is it Better to Iron or Steam Viscose?
Viscose is prone to wrinkles. To keep your viscose shirt looking decent, ironing is a crucial process. Getting back to the frequently asked question, is it better to iron or steam viscose? Generally, steaming is a better choice. If you don’t have a steam iron at hand, a regular ironer is an alternative.
How to steam viscose?
Steaming is highly effective to unwrinkle your viscose garment. However, improper steaming will cause a significant shrinkage. Be sure to do the steaming the right way!
Typically, you need to hang the garment first. Then, set your handheld steamer on a low or delicate setting. Before steaming, it is pivotal to keep the nozzle approximately 6 inches away from the garment to avoid scorching or damage.
When steaming, hold the garment taut and slowly move the steamer up and down over each area of the garment for about 1 to 2 minutes. If the steamer runs too fast or lingers for too short, your viscose item will wrinkle again quickly. For severely creased areas, hover the steamer just over the spot for like 30 seconds to completely relax the fibers.
Finally, as a steamer works by penetrating distilled water into the fabric to relax the fibers, air-dry your viscose clothing before wearing.
How to iron viscose?
Ironing also helps smooth out the viscose fabric. When ironing viscose, take care of the timing, temperature, and other points. Specific ironing instructions are as follows.
- Lay your viscose textile flat on the ironing board when it is slightly damp. If it is totally dry, spray some water on it to dampen it.
- Turn the garment inside out.
- Place a thin cotton fabric as a pressing cloth onto the viscose fabric.
- Turn on your ironer on a delicate or low-temperature setting, usually approximately 110 °C. A spot test of the temperature on a hidden area is the best before formal ironing.
- Gently press down and lift the iron frequently, avoiding prolonged contact in one spot.
- Once the ironing is completed, hang the item to dry naturally.
How to Store Viscose?
The proper storage of viscose also plays a crucial role in maintaining its shape and extending its lifespan.
Before storing, make sure that the viscose fabric is completely clean and dry. Otherwise, permanent stains, odors, mildew, and others occur.
When storing, a cool, ventilated place is essential. Different storage methods are applied to distinct viscose fabrics. For knitted viscose garments, it is best to fold them for storage. This helps prevent the loose viscose textiles from stretching and deformation. For woven viscose fabrics, hanging for storage is also utilized due to their stable and rigid constructions.
If you’d like to package your viscose products for storage, a breathable storage bag, typically made from cotton, is preferred. Avoid using a plastic bag to prevent moisture, mold, and odor.
Moreover, natural moth repellents such as lavender sachets and cedarwood can be utilized to protect your viscose items from pests.
How to Unshrink Viscose?
Viscose garments often shrink or develop other tricky issues when improperly washed or cared for. Prevention is a prior measure. If, unfortunately, your beautiful viscose summer dress or shirt has shrunk, can you restore it to its original size? Try the following approaches.
- Prepare the solution: Prep a basin of lukewarm or cold water. Add some baby shampoo or a hair conditioner to the water. Gently stir the solution.
- Rewash the fabric: Soak the shrunk viscose item in the solution for around 30 minutes. Gently press the fabric or swish the solution to soften and relax the fibers.
- Remove water: Take out the viscose and gently squeeze out the excess water. Avoid any wringing or twisting. Instead, roll up the viscose fabric with a dry towel and press the towel to further remove water.
- Reshape: Lay the viscose on a flat surface and smooth out creases. Gently stretch it with even pressure. Repeat several times until it recovers to its original dimension. Subsequently, settle the shape by securing the edges with weights or pins.
- Dry and steam/iron: Air-dry the viscose clothing. Don’t tumble-dry it to prevent shrinkage again! If necessary, steam or iron it at a low heat to remove remaining creases.
Other Common Issues in Washing and Caring for Viscose
In addition to shrinkage, improper washing and care of viscose can lead to other issues. This section will detail the most common types of damage. Moreover, the corresponding prevention and remedial measures are also introduced.
Wrinkling
Cause: Viscose is naturally of low elasticity and poor recovery, making it prone to wrinkles, particularly when wet.
Prevention & Remedies: Avoid using hot water when washing. Do not twist or wring. Prohibit tumble dry. For wrinkled viscose, steaming or ironing on a low setting can help effectively unwrinkle the viscose. If you don’t have an iron, hang your clothes in the bathroom. The steam from your shower will also help smooth out wrinkles.
Stretching and Losing Shape
Cause: Wet viscose is heavy. Wrong drying methods, such as hanging to dry, can lead to severe stretching or distortion. For loosely woven or knitted viscose, prolonged hanging for storage also causes it to misshape.
Prevention & Remedies: Gently squeeze viscose fabric with a dry towel to remove excess moisture. Lay flat to dry. For stretched-out viscose, rewash it. Once slightly damp, lay it flat and reshape it. When storing viscose, it is better to fold it and store it in your wardrobe.
Pilling and Snagging
Cause: Viscose is a delicate fabric. Vigorous washing, tumble drying, and exposing it to sharp objects while worn or stored will cause it to pill or snag.
Prevention & Remedies: Avoid scrubbing or rubbing viscose violently during washing. Do not put your viscose in a dryer. Store it in a storage bag, protecting it from snagging or pilling under friction. During daily wear, avoid keeping it in contact with coarse garments. For pilled viscose, use a fabric shaver or comb to remove pilling from the fabric.
Color Fading and Dullness
Cause: Viscose is sensitive to water and light. Washing it with hot water, harsh detergents, or exposing it to direct sunlight will cause the fabric to fade and lose its shine.
Prevention & Remedies: Wash it in cold water and with a mild detergent. Avoid using chlorine bleaches or softeners. Dry it in a shaded place, and remove your viscose promptly as it is dry.
Stiffness
Cause: Improper washing and drying of viscose will constrict the fibers and stiffen the fabric. Typically, high heat, vigorous agitation, chemical residues, and tumble drying need to be avoided.
Prevention & Remedies: Use cold water, a neutral detergent, and a delicate cycle to wash your viscose. After washing, make sure to rinse it thoroughly. At last, avoid tumble drying or drying it under direct sunlight. For stiffened viscose, try a light steaming or gentle ironing at a low temperature to recover its softness.
Mildew
Cause: As a hydrophilic fiber, viscose is susceptible to mildew when it is not cleaned promptly and stored after completely drying or in a dry environment.
Prevention & Remedies: Clean your viscose garment promptly, especially when it is wet or stained. Store it in a cool, ventilated place when it is thoroughly dry and clean.
Water Stains
Cause: Similarly, viscose tends to have water stains when it is washed improperly due to its high absorbency. Generally, improper spot cleaning and insufficient rinsing are the main causes.
Prevention & Remedies: Don’t hand-wash viscose tagged with “dry clean only”. Avoid high-humidity spot cleaning on apparel. Rinse completely to prevent any detergent residue.
How to Remove Stains from Viscose?
If your viscose is stained, prompt and proper cleaning is pivotal. Typically, you should gently remove stains from viscose with a professional stain remover or diluted solution. A spot test on an inconspicuous area first is necessary. Notably, use cold water and avoid scrubbing or twisting. The following table introduces common types of stains and their removal methods on viscose.
Common stains and treatments on viscose:
| Types of Stains | Recommended Stain Removers | Removal Methods |
| Coffee and tea stains | Detergent, or white vinegar |
|
| Wine stains | Salt and a mild detergent, or a specialized stain remover |
|
| Tomato sauce stains | Dish soap, or a stain-removal spray |
|
| Grease and oil stains | Dish soap, baby powder, or cornstarch | Baby powder or cornstarch:
Dish soap:
|
| Ink stains | Rubbing alcohol, or milk | Rubbing alcohol:
Milk:
|
Caring for Different Viscose Items
The previous parts introduce the general care instructions for viscose. In real cases, different viscose items require slightly different washing and care methods. Even for the same garment, the specific care tips can vary due to distinct techniques. Here, we provide an expert care guide to common viscose textiles.
Viscose Blouses and Dresses
Viscose blouses and dresses are widely found on the market. Their washing and care tips are basically consistent with the general guide for viscose. Specifically, you need:
- Check the care label first.
- Gentle hand washing with cold water and a mild detergent is preferred. For machine washing, you should choose a gentle cycle with a low dehydration speed.
- When drying, it is better to lay them flat on a dry and clean towel to dry them naturally in a cool, ventilated place.
- It is essential to unwrinkle your viscose blouses and dresses by steaming or ironing them on low heat. During the process, turning the garment inside out and using a pressing cloth are necessary.
- Ultimately, folding for storage is recommended. Be cautious with snagging, pulling, and mildew issues.
Viscose Suits
When caring for viscose suits, the essence is to maintain their shape, drape, and stain removal.
- Make sure your viscose suits are washable by checking the care instructions.
- Hand-wash them in cold water. Use a mild detergent or baby shampoo. Finally, rinse them until the water is clear.
- To maintain their softness and shape, air-drying is the best recommendation.
- Steam or iron your viscose suits on low heat. It is important to use a pressing cloth.
- When storing, hang it up on a broad hanger, typically a wooden or felt hanger. Do not use thin wire hangers.
- Once your viscose suit is stained, remove the stains promptly. Before that, a spot test is really important.
Viscose Carpets
For viscose carpets, you should pay attention to protect them from mildew, color fading/bleeding, and abrasion. You should note:
- Avoid scrubbing your viscose carpet vigorously while washing.
- Do not use harsh detergents. A spot test is key.
- Remove excessive water promptly after cleaning.
- Regularly maintain and care for it.
FAQs
Can viscose be washed at 40 degrees?
It is not recommended to wash viscose fabrics, especially 100% viscose fabrics, in water at 40°C. A water temperature of 30°C or lower is more suitable.
Can you hand-wash viscose that says dry clean only?
You’d better not do that. Otherwise, your viscose would face a significant shrinkage. Other issues, such as stretching and wrinkling, occur as well.
Does viscose shrink every time you wash it?
No, viscose does not necessarily shrink with every wash. Generally, viscose shrinks the most with the first wash. After that, only improper washing conditions, including high heat and vigorous agitation, cause it to shrink a lot.
Can I use fabric softener on viscose?
It is best to avoid using a softener on viscose. Otherwise, it may damage the fibers, causing your viscose item to stiffen, weaken, and get duller. Also, a fabric softener will reduce the breathability and absorbency of the fabric.
Does vinegar damage viscose?
Proper use of vinegar won’t damage viscose. Instead, a white vinegar solution is great for getting stains out of viscose fabric. But it is noted that do not apply the vinegar to the fabric directly.
Final Thought
Viscose fabric is a fine and delicate textile material. To extend the lifespan of your viscose item, this article provides an in-depth guide to its washing and care.
So, where can you wholesale premium custom viscose fabrics? Sino Silk is a reliable fabric supplier with years of experience. In addition to viscose, we also offer other eco-friendly or refined fabrics, including silk, cotton, linen, tencel, and more. If you have any needs, feel free to contact us to get free fabric samples and more expert advice.
