NEWS & CSR

Tips Merawat Viscose: Pencucian hingga Penyimpanan

12 Okt 2025

If you’ve just bought a viscose garment that feels soft, light, and drapes beautifully on the body, you might notice that after a few washes it suddenly stretches out or the color fades. This doesn’t mean the viscose is of poor quality — it often happens because of improper care.

As a textile made from regenerated natural fibers, viscose requires special attention to maintain its softness and appearance. Through this guide, we’ll help you understand the right way to care for viscose—from washing to proper storage—so your garments stay beautiful for a long time.

Understanding Viscose Fabric and Its Characteristics

Viscose is known as a silk-like fabric that is more affordable and widely available. According to Good on You, viscose is made from cellulose extracted from wood or bamboo, offering softness, high absorbency, and a luxurious appearance. However, behind its advantages, this fabric is quite sensitive to heat and water, which means it needs gentle handling.

By understanding the characteristics of viscose, you can choose the best care methods to keep the fabric from wearing out too quickly.

Key Characteristics of Viscose Fabric

Soft and smooth: similar to silk, providing comfort for daily wear.
Highly absorbent: suitable for tropical climates as it absorbs moisture easily.
Wrinkles easily: requires extra care when washing and ironing.
Sensitive to high heat: excessive temperature can cause shrinkage or texture changes.

How to Wash Viscose Safely

Washing is the most crucial step in caring for viscose. A single mistake can weaken the fibers or alter the shape of the garment.

Hand Wash for the Best Results

We recommend washing viscose by hand using cold or lukewarm water (maximum 30°C), as suggested by SABA. Use a mild detergent formulated for delicate fabrics. Avoid soaking the fabric for too long to prevent color fading.

Steps for hand washing viscose:

Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of liquid detergent.
Stir gently until the soap dissolves, then add your viscose garment.
Wash carefully without vigorous rubbing or wringing.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water at a normal temperature.

Use the Delicate Cycle if You Wash by Machine

If you must use a washing machine, select the “delicate” or “hand wash” setting. Place viscose garments inside a laundry net to prevent tangling with other fabrics. Avoid high spin speeds, as they can deform the shape of the fabric.

Avoid Bleach and Fabric Softeners

Bleach and harsh chemicals can damage viscose fibers. Fabric softeners can also leave residue and reduce the fabric’s natural softness.

Related article: Cotton Combed vs Carded – Features, Advantages, and Disadvantages

How to Dry Viscose

Drying is often the main cause of viscose damage when done incorrectly. Because of its sensitivity to heat, viscose should never be tumble dried.

1. Gently Remove Excess Water

After washing, avoid wringing the fabric. Instead, gently press it to release excess water, or wrap it in a dry towel to absorb moisture.

2. Air Dry Naturally

Hang your garment in a shaded area with good airflow. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the color to fade and the fibers to weaken.

3. Do Not Hang When Soaking Wet

Viscose that is too wet can stretch out of shape. Lay it flat on a drying rack or hang it only when it’s half dry to help retain its original form.

How to Iron Viscose

Viscose wrinkles easily but is also sensitive to high temperatures. Therefore, ironing must be done carefully.

Use a Low Heat Setting

Set your iron to low heat (around 120°C) or use the “silk” mode. Iron the fabric on the inside to keep the surface smooth and prevent shine marks.

Iron While Slightly Damp

Ironing viscose while it’s still slightly damp helps minimize the risk of burning or discoloration. You can also place a thin pressing cloth on top of the fabric for extra protection.

Tips for Storing Viscose

Proper storage helps maintain the shape and color of viscose garments over time.

1. Fold Instead of Hanging

Hanging viscose garments for too long can cause stretching due to the fabric’s weight. It’s better to fold and store them neatly in a drawer or wardrobe, as recommended by Cefinn.

2. Use Silica Gel or Camphor

To prevent moisture and mold, place silica gel or camphor in your storage area. Make sure your closet stays clean and dry.

3. Keep Away from Heat and Sunlight

Avoid storing viscose in areas exposed to direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can damage the natural color of the fabric.

Caring for viscose is not difficult — it simply requires understanding its characteristics and handling it gently. By washing carefully, drying naturally, and storing it properly, your viscose garments will stay soft, durable, and comfortable for years to come.

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