Viscose clothing is extremely popular. The fabric has many positive properties, but it is not exactly easy to care for. Here you can find out how to wash viscose properly and how to prevent the material from shrinking. Viscose is considered a particularly breathable, soft and skin-friendly material. Since viscose clothing feels nice and cool on the skin and also absorbs moisture well, it is often worn in warm spring and summer months. But clothes made of the material have a catch: Viscose has many positive properties, but is also quite sensitive when it comes to care.
Rayon, for example, as viscose is also called, tends to shrink quickly if handled incorrectly. We have put together the most important care tips for viscose for you and show you how to wash the material properly and what you have to consider when drying and ironing viscose. Viscose is considered a particularly breathable, soft and skin-friendly material. Because viscose clothing feels nice and cool on theskinfeels and absorbs moisture well, it is often worn in warm spring and summer months. But clothes made of the material have one catch: Viscose has many positive properties, but is also quite sensitive when it comes to care. Rayon, for example, as viscose is also called, tends to shrink quickly if handled incorrectly.
What is viscose?
Viscose or rayon is a semi-synthetic material that is obtained from natural cellulose sources such as wood, but is then chemically processed.
The material feels lighter and softer on the skin than cotton, for example. And viscose is also ideal for allergy sufferers. Since the surface of viscose is smooth and shiny, the fabric is often referred to as rayon. On the skinthe material feels lighter and softer than cotton, for example. And viscose is also ideal for allergy sufferers. Since the surface of viscose is smooth and shiny, the fabric is often referred to as rayon.
Wash viscose: care instructions provide information!
You don’t know whether you can put your viscose clothing in the washing machine and if so, at what temperature? This and other information can be found in the instructions on the sewn-in care label from the manufacturer, which you should pay attention to before cleaning each item of clothing.
Wash viscose in the washing machine
Unless otherwise stated, viscose can usually be washed in the washing machine . However, since viscose shrinks quickly, it should never be washed too hot. A washing temperature of 30, maximum 40 degrees is recommended .
The best washing program is “Delicates” or the gentle cycle.
Important: Laundry items made of viscose should also only be spun briefly and at a low speed to protect the fabric from damage. A low spin speed of 600 revolutions per minute is best. In order to protect the material, it is also advisable to fill the washing drum up to two thirds full. If you like, you can also put the rayon textiles in a laundry net ( here at Amazon*) give.
Before machine washing, the following applies: sort clothes by color, turn inside out and close all zips and Velcro fasteners to avoid damage.
Washing viscose: which detergent is suitable?
It is not only the temperature that is decisive when washing viscose, but also the right detergent. It is best to use a liquid mild detergent to clean the rayon. Powdered detergents often get stuck in the fine fibers of viscose and can dull them.
A fabric softener is not necessary for the viscose laundry because the material stays nice and soft on its own. Since fabric softener usually contains bleach additives, it can even damage the delicate fabric.
Wash viscose by hand
If you prefer to wash your viscose garments by hand to avoid possible damage or shrinkage, you can proceed as follows:
1. Fill the sink or bowl with cold water.
2. Add some mild detergent and textile.
3. Soak the fabric in the wash water and gently rock it back and forth. Caution: Do not rub, squeeze, or scrub the fabric too hard. This can cause the fibers to tear.
4. Then pour off soapy water and rinse the textile well with cold, clear water and carefully shake dry. In no case should you wring out your clothes.
Can you iron clothes made of viscose?
Viscose is unfortunately quite susceptible to creasing and therefore has to be ironed frequently to be really free of creases. Clothing made from semi-synthetic fibers should always be ironed when they are damp and at low temperatures. If the fabric is already dry, you can place a damp cotton cloth between your clothes and the iron . A steam iron is also suitable.
Also important: turn the laundry inside out before ironing to avoid unsightly traces of sheen on the fabric. In some cases, it is sufficient to smooth the fabric with your hands after the wash cycle.
Viscose shrunk during washing: that helps!
You washed your viscose clothing too hot and it shrunk? Then a water bath with baby shampoo can help to save the textile:
- Fill a large bowl or tub with warm water and baby shampoo.
- Put in the viscose textile and let it soak.
- Always pull gently into shape and carefully knead the fabric.
- Take out after 30 minutes and rinse well (do not wring) with cold, clear water.
- Then roll the laundry in towels to draw out the residual moisture.
- The fibers are now loosened and can be carefully pulled back to their original state.
- Then let it dry completely.
Sometimes it is enough to wash the shrunk viscose garment again at a low temperature (30 degrees) and carefully pull it into shape while it is still wet and let it dry.
Contents