Viscose clothing: how to care for it so it lasts much longer (definitive and easy guide)

Viscose has a beautiful drape, a soft touch and a glamorous stitch that makes you fall in love. But it is also delicate when wet and needs a little "pampering" to keep it perfect wash after wash. Here is Instinto's guide —fun, useful and 100% practical— to extend the life of your garments.

What exactly is viscose?

Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fiber: it comes from wood pulp, is chemically transformed and spun into fiber. It has good breathability and a fluid fall reminiscent of silk. Its “Achilles heel”? It loses strength when wet, so it must be handled gently during washing and drying.

The great secret of viscose: delicate when wet

When you wrap it in water, the viscose becomes weak and can deform or tear if you squeeze it too much or twist it. That's why we recommend washing by hand or on a gentle cycle with laundry bags, without twisting or wringing.

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How to wash viscose (step by step)

1) Always read the care label

If it says Dry Clean Only or Do not wash, respect it. The GINETEX symbols are the universal code (tub = wash, triangle = bleach, square = dry, iron = temperature).

2) If it can be washed at home, better by hand

·         Cold or lukewarm water.

·         Mild detergent (neutral pH) and without bleach.

·         Submerge, gently agitate and rinse. Do not wring or scrub.

3) Machine washable option (only if the label allows it)

·         Delicate cycle + cold water + minimum spin.

·         Piece inside a laundry bag.

·        Wash inside out and with similar colors.

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4) Be careful with the color

Some viscose colors (especially black!) may fade in the spring: check the color fastness on an edge before the first wash.

Drying and ironing (where the game is won)

Drying

·         Do not tumble dry: it is the fast path to shrinkage and deformation.

·         Dry off excess water by wrapping the piece in a towel and pressing gently.

·        Dry flat, shaping the piece; for very light fabrics you can also hang it on a wide clothes hanger, but without direct exposure to the sun.

Iron

·         Better with the piece slightly damp, inside out and at a low temperature (dots on the iron = maximum temperature).

·         If necessary, place a thin cloth between the iron and the garment. Gentle steam helps.

Stains: What to do (and what not to do)

·         Act immediately: remove the excess with absorbent paper without rubbing.

·         Treat locally with mild detergent and cold water; do not rub the wet area vigorously (the fiber is more fragile).

·         For complicated stains or structured pieces (linings, grippers), professional dry cleaningal.

How to store viscose

·         Heavy or knitted fabrics: folded (this will prevent them from stretching).

·         Dresses and light blouses: wide, non-slip hangers.

·         Avoid overcrowding the closet (deep wrinkles are more difficult to recover).

Quick checklist (save it!)

·         Cold, soft and untwisted.

·         Washing bag + minimum spin.

·         No dryer; dry flat if the garment is very heavy.

·         Iron on low, inside out, best with gentle steam.

·         When in doubt: follow the label.

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Quick questions

Can I put viscose in the dryer?
Better not: increases the risk of shrinkage and deformation. Air dry and lay flat.

Is it better to wash by hand or machine?
If the label allows it, hand washing is the safest option. Machine washing only on a delicate cycle, cold and in a bag.

Why is it shrinking?
Due to its low wet strength and sensitivity to temperature and agitation, treat it gently and cold.

How do I understand the symbols on my label?
Consult the official GINETEX guide to washing, drying, ironing and cleaning symbols. GINETEX

Our philosophy at Instinto

We love viscose for its drape, softness and color. And also because, with care, it can last you a long time.

Take good care of your viscose... and it will take care of your style.

Camiseta de viscosa pintada a mà

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