A versatile fabric widely used fabric rayon has gained popularity in the fashion and textile industry and is commonly used due to its characterological features and economical advantages. However, one thing that pledges the consumers today is the fact that whether rayon fabric will shrink and how to ensure one gets the best in washing the rayon dresses and garments. As for this blog, it is focused on giving its reader a detailed understanding on rayon fabric and its ability to shrink and the right method of handling it.
Understanding Rayon Fabrics
Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber that came from natural cellulose fibers, which is gotten from the pulp of wood or also cotton plant and it shrinks. It dawned the scene in the late nineteenth century as a silk substitute hence the early name known as artificial silk Rayon’s texture is super smooth, it is breathable, and has the fancy characteristic of emulating other natural fabrics such as silk, wool, and cotton.
There are several types of rayon fabrics:
There are several types of rayon, including:
Viscose Rayon
It consists of most common type that is famous for its brittleness as well as softness.
Modal rayon
Special type of rayon which is produced from the pulp of beech trees which is one of the softest kind of fabrics and has very good absorption qualities.
Lyocell (Tencel)
Another variation of rayon that is more sustainable and produced using a circuit system that recycles water as well as solvents.
Will Rayon Shrink?
Thus, the possibility of shrinkage of rayon fully depends upon the type of rayon and the method used for its washing. Here are the main factors to consider:
Type of Rayon fabrics
There is variation of different rays that are produced with varying sensitivity to shrinkage. There are some differences, for instance, viscose rayon is more shrinkable material than lyocell.
Pre-Treatment
Certain rayon fabrics are treated before production to decrease the amount of shrinking the fabric endures. Before any treatment of the garment, one should solve to the label for further instructions.
Care Method
Effectiveness and manner of washing dry cleaning and drying Rayon apparel influences the extent of shrinkage that the garment will experience. Rayon is glossy, soft and sensitive fabric for appearance, size and shape it has to be handled with care.
How to Prevent Rayon Shrinkage
To minimize the risk of shrinkage and prolong the life of your rayon garments, follow these care guidelines:
Washing
Hand Wash: The best washing practice that can be done to minimize shrinkage of rayon garments is by washing by hand. Cold or lukewarm water should be used with a mild washing detergent namely. Wring or twist the fabric since this will cause damage or shrinkage.
Machine Wash: In case of washing by a washing machine, make sure it is on the side-by-side cycle, preferably a cold water cycle. This garment is made of rayon; therefore, it should be washed in a mesh laundry bag to minimize rubbing against other clothes.
Avoid Hot Water: Hot water should not be used on the fabric or material since it will shrink the rayon and change the shape. Avoid using hot or warm water while washing and should strictly be taken to either cold or lukewarm water.
Drying
Air Dry: For the drying of the rayon garments, it is advisable to avoid the use of high heat as they can shrink more as highlighted above; instead, it is advisable they be hung on hangers or ironed flat on a clean dry towel. To avoid the clothing getting spoilt through fade, do not expose it to direct sunshine.
Avoid the Dryer: Radiation from a dryer can make rayon to become very small. If a dryer is necessary, choose the option with the least heat and pull the garment off while it has a damp feel so that you can continue to dry it in a flat manner.
Reshape While Damp: To set the garments made of rayon, you should use your hands to re-establish the outline once the garments are slightly wet.
Ironing
Low Heat: Do not iron the fabric when the heat setting of the iron is high, this is because it is very damaging to the fabric and might cause it to catch fire. It is essential to really press the clothes and thus it is recommended that upon placing the rayon garment in question on the iron, there be placed in-between a pressing cloth.
Steam Ironing: Hence, steam ironing can remove wrinkle on rayon cotton fabric only. Do not lower the iron on the fabric as this may burn the fabric Instead, wave it slightly over the material.
Additional Tips for Rayon Care
Storage: To prevent Nairobi rayon garments from fading, they should be stored in a cool dark area not in contact with the sunlight. To prevent the nice material of blouses, dresses, etc., to wrinkle or lose their shape, use padded hangers.
Stain Removal: Accidents should never be left unattended and if you spill some substance which gives a stain, immediately wash the area with a mild stain cleaner wrinkle resistant. Do not use strong bleach that may harm sensitive skin or the material of the clothes.
Professional Cleaning: Otherwise, for the greatest utilization of synthetic materials or the pieces with profound sections or delicate rayon fabric, it is better to clean it with specialist. Thirdly, rayon has to be washed by professionals and the dry cleaners are equipped with appropriate facilities for this.
Understanding Rayon Blends
Rayon fabric is also combined with other fibers of textiles to improve the strength of raw material and also the appearance that it has. Some of the familiar examples are rayon blended with cotton, polyester or spandex. These blends may change the care instruction and shrinkage factor of the respective fabrics.
Rayon-Cotton Blends
These blends provide softness that the fibers give and breathability that the other had provided. But they can still contract if not well managed. Use the care instructions for the most sensitive fiber in the mix.
Rayon-Polyester Blends
Polyester for use in the fabric increases the strength of natural fabric and at the same time, it eliminates the possibility of shrinking. These blends are slightly more hardwearing but this hair needs to be treated gently in order not to stray away from its original look.
Rayon-Spandex Blends
rubber makes any rayon fabric more comfortable and robotic stretched because the spandex contains that feature. These blends should be washed in cold water and left to dry because machine drying compromises the ability of the fabrics to regain their shape.
Common Misconceptions About Rayon shrink
Rayon is Always Delicate: However, this does not mean that all rayon clothes are delicate as rayon does need relatively soft treatment. This paper further shows the roles that quality and type of rayon together with the construction of the garment, have on the durability of such garments.
Rayon is Synthetic: This fabric is for most of the time mistaken simply for synthetic fiber material. However, it is a semi-synthetic fabric produced from natural cellulose fibers that provides characteristics from both natural fiber and entirely synthetic fabrics.
All Rayon Shrinks the Same: As for the amount of shrinkage which various forms of rayon respond to, this also varies cotton fabrics. Caring for the specific kind of rayon used will also be vital in minimizing the amounts of shrinking that garment is subjected to.
Conclusion
Rayon is another medium widely used in fashion and it is a man-made fabric which gives look and feel of natural cotton fibers at cheaper cost than natural fibers. However, it should be noted that rayon has this tendency to shrink and although there is not much that can be done to wholly eliminate this problem, there are ways that the shrinking process can be at least slowed down so that your rayon garments last longer wood pulp. To get the best out of your rayon, know the material, follow the laid down cleaning and washing practices, and avoid the customs most people hold concerning rayon clothes, your garments will serve you for several years.
Therefore, it is recommended to read and adhere to the care labels while handling rayon garments, avoiding pulling, wringing or twisting, and differentiate between washing machine and hand washing as well as between ironing and air drying. In this manner, you will be able to care for the specific structures of your rayon garments and keep them as stunning staples of your collection for as long as possible.
