Can You Dry Rayon Clothing in an Electric Dryer?

Rayon was developed as an artificial silk that was dry-cleaned. Newer rayon fabrics may be dried in a clothes dryer.

Invented in 1884 and named in 1924, rayon is a fabric used for clothing and home furnishings. Rayon is made from wood pulp and is similar to cotton and linen. It is moisture absorbent and comfortable to wear, but traditionally requires dry cleaning. Newer types of rayon may be dried in an electric dryer.

Regular Rayon

Regular rayon is listed on labels as viscose. It has a low wet strength. This means rayon fabric stretches or shrinks when wet. Regular rayon is usually dry-cleaned. With care it may be hand washed. Smooth, shape and lay the rayon garment flat to dry. Do not place in a clothes dryer.

High Wet Modulus

High wet modulus is a modified rayon (viscose) with a high wet strength. It is listed as polynosic rayon on labels. Polynosic rayon does not stretch or shrink and may be machine-washed and tumble dried.

Polynosic Rayon Care

Follow the care label for recommended washing and drying. Usually polynosic rayon is tumbled dried on the warm setting. Remove the items from the dryer immediately or when slightly damp to avoid wrinkling. Rayon may be combined with other fibers such as cotton and drying instructions are listed on the labels.

References

• Fact Sheet from Ohio State: Rayon -- the Multi-Faceted Fiber
• Penn State Cooperative Extension: Coping with Today's Fabrics
• Textile Fabric Consultants: Is That Silk?