Can you wash viscose? Does viscose shrink? These are common questions we get on viscose fabric care.

How to Wash Viscose Material

Viscose rayon is generally not safe to wash (unless labeled otherwise). Often, rayon is mislabeled or partially labeled; perform a water test in an inconspicuous area when in doubt. If your viscose dress passes the water test, treat it as a delicate item.

Properly washing your acrylic blankets or garments that contain acrylic starts with pre-treatment. Pretreat and spot clean stains with Stain Solution or the Wash & Stain Bar (the best silk stain removers) . To remove odor from a viscose item, presoak it lukewarm water mixed with a ¼ cup of Scented Vinegar.

You can hand wash or machine wash viscose. Handwashing is the safest viscose washing method; simply add two capfuls or a squirt of Delicate Wash to a washbasin or clean kitchen or bathroom sink filled with cool water, and agitate the water with your hands to evenly distribute the soap.

Submerge the item and gently agitate the water with your hands to evenly distribute soap. Soak for up to 30 minutes. Rinse the item well with cool water; do not wring; instead, press the water out of the item and lay it in its natural shape to dry.

If you opt for machine washing, you should turn the viscose item inside out, and place it in a Mesh Washing Bag to avoid snags and tears.

Select the delicate cycle on the washing machine, and make sure the water temperature is cold and the spin is on low.

Add the appropriate amount of Delicate Wash according to the machine and load size.

Lay the item flat in its natural shape on a drying rack or hang to dry. Do not put it in the dryer, as it may shrink!

To remove wrinkles, we recommend steaming for the best and safest finish.

To freshen items between wearings, spritz with Delicate Spray.

How to Avoid Viscose Shrink

Never place viscose items in the dryer because viscose does shrink! For more expert fabric and home care tips, check out the Clean Talk Blog.

Knit items should be stored folded to prevent stretching or distorting. Woven items such as pants can be hung.

Always store items clean.

We recommend storing in a breathable cotton storage bag to protect items from bugs.

Storing in plastic encourages yellowing and can trap mildew-causing moisture, a prime environment for bugs.

All techniques are based on textile science. Not all garments perform and react as science would predict.