How to Wash Viscose Without Shrinking or Stretching It

Viscose is weak when wet

Viscose (also called rayon) is made from cellulose from wood and behaves like a plant fibre. The crucial thing to know is that viscose loses much of its strength when wet – the fibre swells, weakens and stretches out of shape easily. If you handle a wet viscose garment roughly, wring it or hang it up wet, it can end up permanently stretched or torn. Viscose also shrinks easily with heat and movement. So the whole recipe is cold temperature and gentle hands.

• Wet = weak: never wring, rub or stretch the garment while it is wet.
• Shrinks with heat: wash cold, and keep the garment away from the tumble dryer and radiators.
• Colour can bleed: wash separately or with identical colours the first few times.

Check the label and test the colour first

Many viscose garments are marked 'dry clean only'. Sometimes that is a precaution, other times it is because the garment is lined, structured or dyed with colour that bleeds – then you should not wash it at home. If the label allows washing, always test the colour first: dampen a hidden seam with a white cloth and lukewarm water, and see whether it transfers. If it does, wash the garment alone. Blends with modal or lyocell (Tencel) often take more than pure viscose, but treat the garment according to the weakest fibre in the fabric.

How to hand-wash the viscose

Hand-washing in cold water is the safest way. If your machine has a gentle delicate/wool cycle with a low spin, it can work at your own risk – but the less the garment is moved while wet, the better.

1. Fill a basin with cold water and a little mild detergent for delicates.
2. Put the garment in and move it gently around – do not rub, wring or leave it soaking for long.
3. Rinse in clean, cold water until the detergent is out.
4. Support the garment as you lift it out of the water, so the weight of the water does not pull it out of shape.
5. Press the water out gently while the garment lies flat, and roll it in a towel – never wring.

Dry flat and iron slightly damp

Wet viscose stretches under its own weight, so never hang it up wet. Lay the garment flat on a dry towel, reshape it to the right form, and let it dry away from direct sun and heat. If the garment is creased, iron it on medium heat (viscose/silk setting) while it is slightly damp, preferably inside out – dry viscose can scorch and go shiny. Always test on a hidden area first.

• Dry flat, never hanging wet – or the garment will stretch.
• Reshape the garment to the right length and width while damp.
• Iron slightly damp on medium heat, inside out; test first.

When should the viscose go to a professional?

Some viscose garments you should not wash at home: if it says 'dry clean only' and the piece is lined, structured or pleated, if it has deep or uneven dye that bleeds, if it has already shrunk, stretched or picked up water marks, or if it is a viscose blend with tailoring. Then you can send it to us. We clean viscose gently according to the garment and its care label, and can repair it in the same round if needed. You order online, and you see the price before you order.

Frequently asked questions