How to Clean Rayon

Rayon is a manufactured fiber made from cellulose derived from wood or cotton. It's sold under multiple product names, including viscose, high-wet modulus and Lyocell. Rayon's very nature makes it quite fragile compared to other products. Many of the dyes used in rayon garments are not color-safe and will bleed if you wash them, and the agitation cycle of a washing machine may stretch or distort the garments. It is possible, however, to clean rayon garments by hand-washing if they don't color-bleed when subjected to a quick spot test.

Things You'll Need

• Laundry detergent or mild all-purpose soap

Instructions

1. Fill a clean sink with cool water and mild all-purpose soap or laundry detergent.

2. Dip an inconspicuous corner of your rayon garment into the cool water. Fold or scrunch the wetted-down fabric together and rub it in your hands. If the color blurs or transfers, your rayon garment is not water-safe and must be dry cleaned.

3. Continue washing by hand if the colors did not blur or transfer when you spot-tested the garment with water. Place the garment in the sink and swirl it gently--don't twist or wring.

4. Drain the water from the sink once you're done washing.

5. Fold the rayon garment into a small block and gently press water out of it. Again, don't wring or twist.

6. Lay the rayon garment out on a drying rack and let it drip dry. Rayon fibers are quite fragile, so avoid hang-drying if possible.

References

• Care2
• Drycleaning & Laundry Institute