Can you wash viscose without ruining it? You may have wondered how to care for it properly if you own clothing made from this soft, drapey, and breathable fabric.
Don’t worry. With a few simple tips, you can keep your viscose clothing looking great for a long time. In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about washing viscose to help you maintain its quality and prevent damage.
Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Viscose fabric can be washed but requires gentle care to avoid damage.
- Use a gentle cycle and cold water when washing viscose, and avoid harsh detergents.
- If hand-washing, avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, and if using a washing machine, set it to a delicate cycle and wash separately from other fabrics.
Table of Contents
Can You Wash Viscose?
If you’re wondering whether you can wash viscose, the answer is yes, you can. However, it requires special care and attention. Viscose is a delicate fabric that can easily shrink, fade, pill, or tear if improperly washed.
There are a few reasons you can wash viscose, but it’s important to note that viscose is a delicate fabric that can be easily damaged if not washed properly. Here are some reasons you can wash viscose:
- Viscose is a breathable fabric that can be washed without shrinking or losing its softness.
- Viscose is a synthetic fabric made from wood pulp, which can withstand moisture and wash without losing shape or structure.
- Viscose can be hand-washed or machine-washed on a gentle cycle, making it a convenient fabric to care for.
However, it’s important to note that viscose can still be damaged if improperly washed. For example, washing in hot water or with harsh detergents can shrink or lose its softness.
Additionally, viscose can be prone to wrinkling, so it is important to handle it carefully when washing and drying.
Related: Can you wash Yeezys in the Washer?
How to Hand-Wash Viscose Step-By-Step
Hand-washing is how to keep your viscose clothing in good shape. Machine washing can damage delicate fabrics like viscose, and using hot water or a dryer can cause shrinkage.
To hand-wash viscose, follow the steps below:
- Fill a sink or basin with cold water and add a gentle detergent. Submerge the viscose garment and swish it around gently. Soak the garment for no longer than 30 minutes.
- Next, rinse the garment with clean water until the soap is gone. Squeeze out the excess water without wringing or twisting. Then, roll the garment in a thick cotton towel to absorb more water.
- Air-dry the garment flat or on a padded hanger, and reshape it as it dries to prevent wrinkles.
- Avoid fabric softener, as it can damage the cellulose fibers in viscose. If you need to remove stains from viscose fabric, use oxygen bleach or a mild soap.
- To protect the garment from damage, place it in a mesh bag before washing. Vinegar can also help remove odors and keep the colors bright.
Hand-washing is the best way to care for delicate fabrics like viscose. Follow these steps to keep your viscose clothing looking its best for years.
How to Wash Viscose Fabric in a Washing Machine
If you’re wondering whether you can wash your viscose garment in a washing machine, the answer is that it depends on the care label. Some viscose fabrics can be machine-washed, while others require hand-washing or dry cleaning.
If your care label allows machine-washing, you should follow several precautions and tips to ensure that your viscose garment comes out clean and undamaged. Here are some tips for washing viscose fabric in a washing machine:
- Wash viscose separately or with similar fabrics to avoid snagging or tearing.
- Use a net washing bag to protect the viscose garment from other clothes in the load.
- Choose a cold water setting and a delicate cycle for washing viscose.
- Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach and fabric softener.
- Remove the garment from the washer as soon as possible to prevent wrinkles.
When washing viscose clothing in a washing machine, it’s important to avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can cause it to lose shape and texture. Instead, gently shake out any excess water and lay the garment flat to dry.
It’s also worth noting that viscose rugs can be washed in a washing machine, but only on a delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Check the care label on your rug before washing it in a machine.
How Often to Wash Viscose Fabric
Viscose is a delicate fabric that requires proper care to maintain quality and longevity. But how often should you wash your viscose clothes? The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on various factors.
Firstly, it’s important to note that viscose does not need to be washed after every wear unless it is stained or sweaty. Overwashing can cause the fabric to lose its shape and color, leading to a shorter lifespan of the garment.
Some factors that affect how often to wash viscose include the type of garment, the frequency and duration of wear, and the level of activity and sweat. For example, a daily top may need to be washed more frequently than a skirt worn occasionally.
Here are some guidelines on how often to wash different viscose garments:
- Tops, dresses, and shorts: every one to three years.
- Skirts and pants: every three to five wears.
- Scarves and accessories: every five to ten years.
By following these guidelines, you can help extend the life of your viscose garments and keep them looking their best. Always check the care label for instructions and choose a mild detergent for delicate fabrics.
How Do You Fix Viscose After Washing?
Washing viscose can sometimes cause problems, such as shrinking, fading, pilling, or stretching. If you have already washed your viscose garment and it has shrunk, don’t worry. There are a few solutions you can try to fix it.
If the garment has shrunk, gently stretch the fabric while it is damp and air-dry it flat or on a hanger. Do not hang it to dry, as it may cause the fabric to stretch back. If it is still too small, try soaking it in lukewarm water with a hair conditioner for a few minutes, then gently stretch it again.
To avoid fading, use a color-safe detergent and wash in cold water with similar colors. Please do not use bleach or fabric softener, as they can damage the fabric and cause fading.
Pilling can be a common problem with viscose. [1] Use a fabric shaver or a razor to remove pills from the fabric’s surface. Be gentle and careful not to damage the fabric.
If your viscose garment has stretched out of shape, you can try steaming or ironing it on a low heat setting to restore its shape. Be careful not to apply too much heat, which can damage the fabric.
To fix common issues with washed viscose, follow these steps. Firstly, gently stretch the garment while it is still damp. Air-dry it flat or hang it on a hanger to fix shrinking. Secondly, use a color-safe detergent to wash it in cold water with similar colors to fix fading.
Additionally, if you notice any pills on the fabric’s surface, use a fabric shaver or a razor to remove them. Finally, steam or iron the garment on a low heat setting to restore its shape to fix stretching.
How to Take Care of Viscose Fabrics
Viscose, or rayon, is a breathable fabric often used to make delicate clothing items. Proper viscose care can extend its lifespan and appearance, ensuring your delicate viscose clothing looks great for years.
When caring for viscose fabric, paying close attention to the care label is important. Many viscose garments are labeled as “dry clean only,” meaning you should take them to a professional dry cleaner rather than attempting to wash them at home.
If your viscose clothing is labeled machine washable, using a gentle cycle and a biodegradable detergent is important. Avoid using fabric softeners, bleach, or any other harsh chemicals that can damage the delicate fibers of the fabric.
When ironing viscose clothing, use a low heat setting and iron on the fabric’s reverse side or a pressing cloth to avoid damaging the fibers. When storing viscose garments, fold or hang them in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and damage.
Acting quickly is important if you get a stain on your delicate viscose clothing. Blot the stain with a damp cloth and a mild detergent as soon as possible, and avoid rubbing or scrubbing the fabric, as this can cause the fibers to weaken and break.
Frequently Asked Question
Can you wash viscose if it says dry clean only?
No, you should not wash viscose if it says dry clean only on the care label. Washing viscose that is not meant to be washed can cause it to shrink, lose its shape, or bleed its color. You should always follow the care instructions on the label to avoid damaging your viscose garment.
What happens if you wash 100% viscose?
If you wash 100% viscose, you risk damaging the fabric. Viscose is delicate and prone to shrinking, stretching, wrinkling, and losing color when washed.
Viscose should only be washed if the care label says it is washable, and even then, it should be hand-washed in cold water with a mild detergent and dried flat or on a padded hanger.
Does viscose shrink when washed?
Yes, viscose can shrink when washed, especially if exposed to high heat or warm water. Viscose is made from wood pulp, which contracts when wet and expands when dry.
To prevent shrinking, viscose should be washed in cold water and air-dried. If the care label says dry clean only, do not wash viscose.
Can you wash viscose on delicate fabrics?
Yes, you can wash viscose on delicate fabrics if the care label says it is washable. However, it would be best not to mix viscose with rougher fabrics like denim or wool, as they can snag and tear the viscose fibers.
It would be best to use a net washing bag to protect your viscose garments from getting tangled or twisted in the washing machine.
Can viscose be ironed?
Yes, viscose can be ironed only in a low or medium heat setting. Viscose is sensitive to high heat and can scorch or melt if ironed too hot.
It would be best to use a pressing cloth or a thin towel between the iron and the fabric to avoid direct contact. Alternatively, you can use a steamer to remove wrinkles from viscose.
