Will Rayon Shrink with Washing?

Rayon is a textile human-made fabric made from regenerated cellulose (viscose). It is blended from wood pulp, cotton, and other natural or synthetic fibres.

Unlike most human-made fibres, rayon is not synthetic but partially natural as it is extracted from naturally occurring cellulose-based raw material.

Yes, rayon can shrink as it has the lowest elastic recovery rate compared to other materials. Rayon is one fabric that is very delicate as it has no immunity against heat.  It is recommended to avoid washing rayon clothes and go for the dry-clean option instead. (See Why many people choose to wear branded clothes?)

Yes, there are some ways you should consider before you wash rayon clothes which does not let it shrink:

• Please use the cold or cool water; it stands a good chance of being the same size after washing.
• Always ensure the water is not hot and you are not using the dryer after washing as it may harm the fabric.
• No twisting; always roll them in a clean towel.
• Wash with similar colours since rayon can be dyed effortlessly.
• Iron when the item is thoroughly dried.

• The material is versatile and holds the colour very well, which is why dyeing it is very convenient
• The fabric is very soft, smooth, and pleasant to touch
• A cheaper alternative to silk, cotton, and linen fabrics
• It does not intake our bodies’ heat very well as it is incredibly absorbent

1. Soaking the fabric relaxes the fibres of the material and helps it to unshrink
2. Using Hair Conditioner stretches the fibres.
3. Making use of Clothes Steamer is a perfect technique to stretch the cloth even without causing further damage.
4. Clothespins also facilitate rayon clothes to unshrink.
5. Try using a Steam Iron and some water to help the fabric come back to its shape and size.

The best way to avoid any shrinkage is to go for a dry-clean option. If you chose to wash it at home, prefer opting for handwashing rather than doing it in a machine. Always use baby shampoo, warm water, and avoid intensive rubbing moves. Then rinse the apparel in lukewarm water and roll them in a clean towel.

Before laying the rayon clothes out to air dry, always dry them on a half cycle in low heat. Also, keeping the clothes in a mesh bag will increase their lives and not let them shrink.

Although rayon is produced from plants; still, it is not eco-friendly. It is because of its toxic production and the wood pulp involved to create it. To extract the wood pulp, leading to a lot of deforestation.

One of the major disadvantages of buying a rayon cloth is its poor water resistance and low mechanical strength. Also, it is a fibre made from cellulose, and it needs certain chemicals to be converted from wood pulp. Even excess wearing of rayon can lead to nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia, and muscle pain.