General Rayon Fiber Care

Most rayon fabrics should be dry-cleaned, but some types of fabric and garment construction are such that they can be hand or machine washed. For washable items, use the following as a guide.Fabrics containing rayon can be bleached; some finishes, however, are sensitive to chlorine bleach. Use mild lukewarm or cool suds. Gently squeeze suds through fabric and rinse in lukewarm water. Do not wring or twist the article.Smooth or shake out article and place on a non-rust hanger to dry. Rayon sweaters should be dried flat. Press the article while damp on the wrong side with the iron at a moderate setting. If finishing on the right side is required, a press cloth should be used.The critical element in successful care of rayon is the type of fiber. Regular or viscose rayons usually require dry cleaning for best results, while high wet modulus, high wet strength or polynosic rayons, will normally machine wash and tumble dry satisfactorily (see Fiber Types and Cautions sections). The low wet strength of untreated viscose rayon is likely to cause shrinkage and loss of body if fabrics made from these fibers are hand or machine washed. Viscose rayons are usually labeled "dry clean only." Check and follow garment labels for care and instructions. Consumers who do not follow care instructions will have no recourse to manufacturers should damage occur during laundering.Since many dyes and finishes applied to viscose rayon are moisture-sensitive, consumers should protect garments from contact with moisture. Raincoats should be worn on stormy days. Also, care should be used when washing hands or working in the kitchen to avoid splashing water. The problem with sizing or dye migration increases the longer the area remains damp. Spills or moisture should be blotted with absorbent cloth to remove moisture. Avoid spilling acid or alkali, such as foodstuffs or perfume, as certain dyes used on rayon are especially sensitive to these substances. Use caution or avoid treating stained areas with water. Take the garment to a dry cleaner for stain removal. Rings or darker shading caused by sizing migration and lighter areas resulting from dye migration may be permanent.