Viscose, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fabric prized for its silky feel and beautiful drape. It’s a popular choice for clothing, home décor, and various other applications. However, one common concern among those who own viscose garments is shrinkage, particularly when it comes to using the dryer. Understanding how viscose reacts to heat and moisture is crucial for maintaining the shape and size of your favorite items.
Understanding Viscose and its Properties
Viscose is derived from cellulose, typically wood pulp, which is chemically treated to create a regenerated fiber. This process gives viscose many desirable qualities, including breathability, absorbency, and a soft texture. It’s often compared to natural fibers like cotton and silk, but its manufacturing process places it in a category of its own.
The Appeal and Limitations of Viscose
Viscose fabrics are popular because they mimic the feel of more expensive materials at a more affordable price point. The smooth fibers create a beautiful drape, making viscose ideal for flowing dresses, skirts, and blouses. It also takes dyes well, resulting in vibrant colors.
However, viscose is known for its susceptibility to shrinkage, especially when exposed to heat. The fibers tend to weaken and contract when wet, and high temperatures in the dryer can exacerbate this effect. This is because the hydrogen bonds within the cellulose structure are disrupted by heat and moisture, leading to fiber contraction and ultimately, shrinkage.
Different Types of Viscose: A Brief Overview
It’s important to note that “viscose” encompasses several variations, each with slightly different properties. These include:
- Regular Viscose: This is the most common type, known for its softness and drape but also its vulnerability to shrinkage.
- Modal: A type of rayon that is more resistant to shrinkage and stretching than regular viscose. It is also stronger and more durable.
- Lyocell (Tencel): Often considered the most sustainable and durable type of rayon, lyocell is less prone to shrinkage than regular viscose and modal. It’s known for its moisture-wicking properties and resistance to wrinkles.
Understanding the specific type of viscose in your garment can provide clues about its likely behavior in the dryer.
The Shrinkage Factor: What to Expect
So, how much can you realistically expect viscose to shrink in the dryer? The answer isn’t always straightforward, as several factors influence the degree of shrinkage.
Estimating Potential Shrinkage
On average, viscose can shrink anywhere from 2% to 5% after the first wash and dry cycle. However, in some cases, particularly with cheaper or lower-quality viscose fabrics, shrinkage can be even more significant, potentially reaching up to 10%. This can result in a noticeable and often unwanted change in garment size.
Keep in mind that these are just estimates. The actual shrinkage can vary depending on:
- The specific type of viscose used.
- The construction of the fabric (weave or knit).
- The temperature setting on your dryer.
- Whether the garment has been pre-shrunk.
- The presence of other fibers blended with the viscose.
Factors Influencing Viscose Shrinkage
The following factors play a crucial role in determining the extent to which viscose will shrink:
- Heat: High heat is the primary culprit behind viscose shrinkage. The hotter the dryer, the more likely the fibers are to contract.
- Moisture: When viscose is wet, its fibers weaken, making them more susceptible to stretching and shrinking.
- Agitation: The tumbling action in the dryer can also contribute to shrinkage, especially if the garment is already weakened by heat and moisture.
- Fabric Construction: Knit viscose fabrics tend to shrink more than woven fabrics due to their looser structure.
- Pre-shrinking: Some viscose garments are pre-shrunk during manufacturing. These items will generally shrink less than those that haven’t been pre-treated.
The Role of Dryer Settings
The dryer setting you choose can significantly impact the shrinkage of your viscose garments. Using a high heat setting is practically a guarantee of shrinkage, while lower heat settings are less likely to cause problems. Air drying is always the safest option.
Preventing and Minimizing Viscose Shrinkage
While completely eliminating the risk of shrinkage is difficult, there are several steps you can take to minimize its impact.
Washing Viscose Garments Correctly
- Check the Care Label: Always start by reading the care label on your garment. It will provide specific instructions for washing and drying. If the label says “Dry Clean Only,” heed that warning.
- Hand Washing: Hand washing is the gentlest way to clean viscose. Use cool water and a mild detergent. Avoid harsh scrubbing or twisting the fabric.
- Machine Washing (If Allowed): If machine washing is permitted, use a delicate cycle and cold water. Place the garment in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from excessive agitation.
- Avoid Bleach: Bleach can damage viscose fibers and increase the risk of shrinkage.
Drying Viscose: The Crucial Step
The drying process is where most of the shrinkage damage occurs. Therefore, take extra care:
- Air Drying is Best: The safest way to dry viscose is to air dry it. Lay the garment flat on a clean towel or hang it on a padded hanger away from direct sunlight.
- Tumble Drying (Use with Caution): If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting possible, ideally an “air fluff” or “delicate” setting. Remove the garment while it’s still slightly damp to prevent over-drying.
- Avoid Over-Drying: Over-drying viscose can lead to excessive shrinkage and damage to the fibers.
- Consider a Steamer: After drying, a steamer can help relax the fibers and remove wrinkles without the risk of further shrinkage.
Tips and Tricks for Handling Viscose
- Stretch Gently While Damp: If you notice slight shrinkage after washing, gently stretch the garment back to its original shape while it’s still damp.
- Use a Cool Iron (If Needed): If ironing is necessary, use a cool iron and iron the garment inside out. Place a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric to protect it from direct heat.
- Store Properly: Store viscose garments folded or hung on padded hangers to prevent stretching or distortion.
- Consider Professional Cleaning: For delicate or expensive viscose items, professional dry cleaning is often the safest option.
The Verdict: Shrinkage is a Risk, but Manageable
Viscose is a beautiful and versatile fabric, but its tendency to shrink can be a source of frustration. By understanding the factors that contribute to shrinkage and following the proper washing and drying techniques, you can significantly minimize the risk and keep your viscose garments looking their best for longer. The key is to be gentle, avoid high heat, and prioritize air drying whenever possible. Remembering that prevention is better than cure will save you time, money and keep your favorite viscose items in excellent condition.
FAQ 1: What is Viscose and Why is it Prone to Shrinkage?
Viscose is a semi-synthetic rayon fabric made from wood pulp or other plant-based materials. It undergoes a chemical process to transform the pulp into a usable fiber, resulting in a fabric known for its silky texture, excellent drape, and breathability. Viscose is commonly used in clothing, linings, and home textiles.
The main reason viscose shrinks is its inherent molecular structure. When wet, the fibers swell and loosen their connections. The heat from a dryer then causes these loosened fibers to contract and re-bond in a smaller configuration, leading to shrinkage. This is particularly true for viscose fabrics that haven’t been pre-shrunk during manufacturing.
FAQ 2: How Much Shrinkage Can I Expect from Viscose in the Dryer?
Viscose is generally known for being susceptible to shrinkage, especially when exposed to heat. On average, you can expect viscose to shrink anywhere from 3% to 10% in the dryer. This means that a garment could become noticeably smaller, especially in length.
The amount of shrinkage can vary based on several factors, including the specific weave of the fabric, the quality of the viscose, and the temperature setting of the dryer. Higher heat settings will almost certainly lead to more significant shrinkage. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid high heat when drying viscose.
FAQ 3: Can I Completely Avoid Shrinking Viscose in the Dryer?
While completely eliminating shrinkage is difficult, you can significantly minimize it. The best approach is to avoid putting viscose items in the dryer altogether and opt for air drying instead. Laying the garment flat on a clean surface or hanging it on a clothesline away from direct sunlight is a safer method.
If you absolutely must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting possible, or even better, the air-dry or tumble-dry-no-heat setting. Remove the garment while it’s still slightly damp and lay it flat to finish drying. This will reduce the potential for the fibers to contract excessively.
FAQ 4: What Dryer Settings are Safest for Viscose?
The safest dryer setting for viscose is undoubtedly the air-dry or tumble-dry-no-heat setting. These settings use only room temperature air to dry the fabric, significantly reducing the risk of shrinkage caused by heat. This method is slow but gentle, preserving the fabric’s integrity.
If your dryer doesn’t have an air-dry setting, opt for the lowest heat setting available. Monitor the garment closely and remove it as soon as it is mostly dry to prevent over-drying. Over-drying can also lead to increased shrinkage, even on low heat.
FAQ 5: Are There Any Ways to Unshrink Viscose After it’s Been Shrunk in the Dryer?
Yes, you might be able to unshrink viscose, though the results aren’t always guaranteed. One method involves soaking the garment in lukewarm water mixed with a mild fabric softener for about 30 minutes. This helps to relax the fibers.
After soaking, gently squeeze out the excess water (do not wring it) and lay the garment flat on a clean towel. Gently stretch the fabric back to its original size and shape while it’s still damp. Weigh down the edges with heavy objects and allow it to air dry completely, periodically re-stretching it as needed.
FAQ 6: Does the Viscose Blend Affect Shrinkage?
Yes, the fiber blend significantly influences how much viscose shrinks. If your garment is a blend of viscose and another fiber, such as polyester or cotton, the shrinkage rate may be different compared to 100% viscose. Fabrics blended with more stable fibers like polyester will typically shrink less.
A blend with a high percentage of synthetic fibers can help counteract the shrinkage tendency of viscose. Check the garment’s care label for information about the fiber content. Understanding the blend will help you estimate the potential shrinkage and choose the appropriate drying method.
FAQ 7: How Should I Care for Viscose to Prevent Shrinkage in General?
To minimize viscose shrinkage, prioritize hand washing or using a delicate cycle in your washing machine with cold water. Harsh detergents can damage the fibers, making them more prone to shrinkage. Use a mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
Always air dry viscose garments whenever possible. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can distort its shape and lead to unwanted stretching or shrinkage. When ironing, use a low heat setting and iron the garment inside out to protect the fibers. Proper care will extend the life of your viscose clothing and reduce the risk of shrinkage.