How viscose behaves when washed – does it shrink or not?

Popular for its softness, breathability, and lovely drape, viscose is a fabric that is in demand. However, a lot of people are curious about whether washing will cause it to shrink or change shape. Since viscose is a semi-synthetic material and therefore more delicate than certain other fabrics, this concern is frequently raised.

Knowing how viscose handles heat and moisture will help you maintain your clothing and avoid any unpleasant surprises. Understanding the correct way to wash viscose can help you save a lot of trouble when it comes to your beloved blouse or comfortable pair of pants.

Let’s discuss how to maintain the best possible appearance for your viscose clothing and what to anticipate when washing it.

Question Answer
Does viscose shrink when washed? Yes, viscose can shrink when washed, especially if washed in hot water.
How can you prevent shrinkage? Wash viscose in cold water and air dry to minimize shrinkage.
Can viscose be machine washed? It"s best to hand wash or use a delicate cycle on your washing machine to avoid damage.
Does viscose wrinkle easily? Yes, viscose tends to wrinkle, so ironing on a low setting is recommended.

Because of its smooth, soft texture, viscose is a popular fabric; however, in order to prevent shrinking, it must be washed carefully. If viscose fibers are not handled properly, they may shrink noticeably when exposed to water. Its shape can be preserved by hand washing or using a gentle machine cycle, and drying it without using too much heat. These preventative measures will help you maintain the best-looking viscose clothing without having to worry about unintended shrinkage.

Who will be responsible for shrinkage?

Textiles made entirely of viscose are far less "hopeless" than, say, synthetic materials. Actually, the reverse. Among its noteworthy attributes are:

  • pleasant tactile sensations;
  • high hygroscopicity (ability to absorb moisture from the human body);
  • resistance to sweat;
  • good aeration (viscose allows air to pass through, allowing the body to breathe);
  • pure viscose does not become electrified;
  • it is a very light and durable (in dry form) material;
  • smooth surface contributes to low contamination of the fabric.

For 100% viscose, shrinkage is negligible. Why, therefore, are customers complaining so much that this fabric shranks to an unsafe level after washing? This is due to two factors: the precise fiber composition and inappropriate maintenance (laundry and drying). In order to enhance its qualities during production, viscose is frequently diluted with other fibers. These elements are "to blame" for viscose’s tendency to contract after washing or for any other unexpected unpleasantries.

  • Low-grade material with the addition of cotton or polyester will certainly shrink, and the latter will also “reward” the product with pellets.
  • With an admixture of wool, which itself likes to shrink after washing, the thing can easily lose several sizes.
  • Too hot water causes not only shrinkage, but also deformation (clothes can stretch, become skewed, lose their shape).
  • Drying on heating devices, electric dryers, batteries is also a sure way to spoil the shape and size of a viscose product.
  • Using a wringer during hand or machine washing, steaming when ironing can, on the contrary, stretch viscose items, and this most often cannot be corrected.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand the exact fiber composition of the fabric and take appropriate care of things in order to preserve the shape and size of viscose products to the greatest extent possible.

How to wash viscose correctly?

The journey to a "long and happy" life of viscose clothes begins with this. You should carefully read the label and follow the instructions before putting anything like that in the washing machine or a basin with powder and hot water. Make sure to choose the washing mode, ironing setting, and drying conditions (the latter being particularly crucial for blended viscose).

Sorting it into colored and white objects is now necessary. Although viscose ideally does not fade, it is best to use products designed specifically for white clothing when washing white clothes because they contain optical brighteners that can distort the color of colored clothing.

Next, carry out the customary manipulations:

  1. You need to check the pockets for contents;
  2. zip up all zippers or buttons;
  3. turn the clothes inside out.

In order to avoid viscose items shrinking while being washed, the water temperature should not be higher than thirty degrees. Additionally, keep in mind that viscose is easily deformed when wet, making strong friction, a centrifuge, and active hand wringing inappropriate. As a result, you should avoid mechanical impacts when hand washing and select a delicate mode in the machine without wringing.

Counsel Never put tennis balls or special balls inside the washing machine’s drum to effectively remove dirt. To begin with, viscose usually doesn’t get dirty as quickly as materials like cotton. Moreover, this "terror" will inevitably ruin the object because it will stretch and form unsightly puffs that are irreversible. even if the item was packaged.

What other information is crucial to have when cleaning viscose?

  • A concentrated alkali solution in the detergent is harmful to this material.
  • For machine washing, items must be placed in special protective bags.
  • They must be placed in the machine with fabrics of similar texture: coarse fibers of other clothes can leave puffs on the surface of viscose items.
  • Hand washing is reduced to half an hour of soaking and light "massaging" movements of the hands.
  • The choice of detergent plays an important role.

It is important to discuss this separately. Powders can be used to gently wash viscose, making it suitable for delicate fabrics. However, it is preferable to use liquid detergents because they have the following distinct advantages:

  • they act gently on the fibers, providing more gentle care;
  • always completely dissolve in water, which means that no grains will remain on the surface of the product after washing;
  • easily washed off during rinsing, leaving no white streaks.

Counsel If you have children or pets that misbehave or you have allergies, use liquid powder for cleaning viscose materials. Since it doesn’t produce dust, if the washing machine is located in the kitchen, food will not come into contact with it or breathe it in and develop allergies. If such a detergent ends up in the "wrong hands" (or paws), it won’t crumble or get wet. It also doesn’t contain any unduly strong ingredients, which often cause the body to react in an undesirable way.

Because of its softness and breathability, viscose is a popular fabric; however, when washing, it must be handled carefully. It doesn’t always shrink, but improper handling can cause it to lose its shape.

Always adhere to the care label’s instructions to prevent problems. Use a gentle cycle in the washing machine or hand wash viscose in cold water. This aids in preserving the fabric’s initial dimensions and form.

It is recommended to lay viscose clothing flat to dry after washing. This keeps your clothing from stretching out of shape or sagging, preserving its quality for longer.

Video on the topic

How to wash viscose

Viscose has shrunk after washing. What to do?

How to wash viscose in a washing machine

Staple decatization. Preparing fabric for cutting, staple decatization, viscose shrinks

The item has shrunk after washing, what to do.

Does polyester shrink after washing

What fabric do you most often choose for home textiles?
Share to friends
Anna Zorina

Textile technologist with many years of experience. My focus is on the development and production of fabrics, and I always strive to ensure that textiles are not only beautiful, but also durable. On the pages of this site, I share my knowledge and advice to help you understand the complexities of the textile world.

Rate author
Fabrics & Accessories
Add a comment