Laundry: Washing Rayon

Rayon, a delicate semi-synthetic fabric, is primarily derived from cellulose in wood pulp but can also incorporate materials like nylon and polyester. Its soft, smooth texture allows it to closely mimic natural fabrics such as silk, wool, cotton, and linen. Careful consideration is needed when laundering rayon garments due to their delicate nature. Do note that some rayon clothes are dry-clean only.

Before reading the rest of this article, consider reading the post Laundry 101 which contains some of the basics one may need.

Water Temperature

Prefer using lukewarm or cold water for rayon textiles. The water temperature should be below 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Due to rayon's delicate nature, simply being wet weakens its fibers. Water that is too hot can cause fiber damage and shrinkage.

If you notice color bleeding in your rayon clothes, consider setting the colors by including a spoonful of salt in the wash water.

Choose the Right Detergent

Rayon is particularly delicate, prompting the need to use only mild detergents or no detergent at all. When washing clothes, it is generally advisable to use gentle eco-friendly detergents that are free from harsh chemicals. Using harsh detergents can weaken fibers over time and cause them to break down faster.

Remember to always follow the instructions on the detergent packaging and stick to using the recommended amount for each load size.

Notes on Fabric Softeners

It is best to pass up on fabric softeners when handling rayon. Fabric softeners can leave undesirable residue on rayon, making it stiff.

You may want to try using a vinegar rinse as a natural substitute instead. Just pour a small amount of white vinegar (around half a cup for a regular machine wash load) during the rinse cycle to eliminate any soap buildup and keep your rayon clothes feeling soft and clean.

Choose a Wash Cycle

Since rayon is a delicate fabric, it naturally requires a gentle, delicate wash cycle. Choose cycles with low agitation and gentle spinning. Regular or heavy wash cycles can shrink, misshape, or even tear rayon.

To further protect rayon clothes, put them in a mesh bag. This will protect them from snagging on zippers and buttons, or getting tangled with other articles of clothing.

Hand Washing

Rayon garments are quite delicate, thus hand washing is the best option.

1. Fill a clean basin or sink with cool water and add a mild detergent.

2. Submerge the garments in the soapy water and gently agitate them for a few minutes. Rub the fabric gently if needed.

3. Allow the clothes to soak for 10-15 minutes.

4. Drain the soapy water and rinse the garments thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.

5. Gently press out the excess water without twisting or wringing the clothes.

Drying Considerations

To dry rayon fabric properly and prevent shrinking or stretching, it is important to handle it with care. The recommended method is to lay the fabric flat on a clean, dry surface to maintain its shape and prevent distortion. If space is limited, hanging the fabric to dry is also an alternative option.

To safeguard the integrity of rayon fabric, it is crucial to refrain from using a dryer for drying. The high temperature of the dryer can result in shrinking or deformation of the fabric. Moreover, the tumbling motion in the dryer may cause excessive wrinkling. Opting to air dry your rayon fabric is the best way to preserve its quality.

Ironing

If your rayon fabric retains some dampness after air drying, employing an iron can help eliminate any remaining wrinkles. It is crucial to iron the fabric while it is still slightly damp to prevent any damage.

To maintain the quality of rayon, it is recommended to iron it using a low heat setting as rayon is sensitive to high temperatures. An effective method is to use the steam press feature on your iron. Adjust the iron to the lowest heat setting and employ a pressing cloth to safeguard the fabric. Press the iron gently onto the fabric, refraining from dragging or pulling motions.

You may opt to use spray starch for a slightly stiff appearance, but keep in mind that this might affect the fabric's flowy and drape-like characteristics.

See post Laundry 101: Ironing for more ironing tips.