Care for Viscose

Viscose is soft and breathable, chosen for its smooth feel and nice drape. This fabric is a bit delicate and needs gentle care. With the right washing routine, you can help your viscose clothing last and look good.

How to Wash Viscose Clothing

Hand Washing

Hand washing is the best method for viscose. Wet viscose is fragile and can lose its shape easily. To care for your pieces:

• Use cold or lukewarm water (no hotter than 20°C).
• Add a small amount of gentle detergent made for hand washing.
• Soak for up to 30 minutes—never longer.
• Move the garment carefully in the water. Don’t scrub or twist.
• Rinse well in cool water.

Gently roll the item in a clean towel to remove extra water. Don’t wring or twist.

Machine Washing

Not all viscose can go in the machine. Check the care label first. If it’s allowed:

• Use a “hand wash” or “delicate” program—best in cold water.
• Keep the temperature at 30°C or lower, on the gentlest, shortest cycle.
• Choose the lowest spin.
• Place viscose pieces in a laundry bag for extra care.

Missing these steps or not checking care labels can cause shrinkage and damage.

Preventing Shrinkage and Damage

Viscose can shrink if washed or dried with heat. Help avoid problems by:

• Never using hot water. Stay within 20–30°C or colder.
• Not using a tumble dryer. Air drying is best.
• Laying clothing flat on a dry towel to dry and reshape. Keep away from direct heat or sunlight.
• Not hanging wet viscose—it may stretch out of shape.
• Handling the fabric gently and never wringing or twisting during washing or drying.

Choosing the Right Detergent

Viscose needs a mild detergent meant for gentle washing. Strong detergents can be harsh on the fibers. For the best result, always:

• Pick a “delicate” or hand-wash detergent.
• Use only what’s suggested for these loads.
• Don’t use bleach or fabric softener, as these can harm the fabric.

Can You Machine Wash All Types of Viscose?

No. Always check the care label carefully. Some viscose blends can handle a gentle machine cycle, but pure viscose is usually best washed by hand unless the label says otherwise. If machine washing is okay, use a mesh laundry bag and the coldest, gentlest setting.

How to Iron Viscose Without Damage

Viscose needs gentle ironing. This helps avoid shine or shrinkage:

• Always iron on the reverse side.
• Choose the lowest heat setting (synthetic/silk).
• Make sure the fabric is a little damp before ironing.
• You can use a pressing cloth for extra care.
• Don’t use direct steam unless your iron says it works for delicate fabrics.

If you’d like more help or ideas for caring for viscose, find tips and care guides on soyaconcept.com, or see our selection of dresses made for easy, everyday wear.

FAQ

What are the most common mistakes people make when washing viscose?

• Using hot water, which can shrink the fabric.
• Machine washing without checking the care label.
• Choosing harsh or regular detergents instead of gentle ones.
• Using a tumble dryer, leading to shrinking or misshaping.
• Wringing or twisting, which can weaken or stretch viscose.

How can I prevent my viscose clothes from shrinking?

• Wash viscose in cold or lukewarm water (not over 30°C).
• Hand wash unless the label says machine washing is okay.
• Air dry flat—don’t use a tumble dryer.
• Gently squeeze water out using a towel, not by wringing.

Are there any specific detergents recommended for washing viscose?

• Only use detergents for delicate or hand washing.
• Don’t use bleach, regular detergents, or fabric softener.

Can I machine wash all types of viscose fabrics?

• No. Always read the care label. Hand washing is safest.
• If machine washing is fine, use a delicate program, cold water, and a laundry bag.

What's the best way to iron viscose to avoid damaging it?

• Iron while the fabric is slightly damp, on the reverse.
• Use a low setting (synthetic/silk).
• A pressing cloth can give extra protection.