What to do if viscose has shrunk after washing?

Viscose is a delicate and soft fabric that can shrink if not cared for properly. Clothing made from this material feels so comfortable that this flaw is often overlooked. But what should you do if a viscose garment does shrink after washing? Is it possible to restore your favorite garment to its original appearance, or will you have to part with it forever? Let's take a closer look.

The simplest ways to restore

If you notice your favorite viscose blouse has shrunk after washing and drying, you need to act quickly to save it. Here are three simple, time-tested methods to help you restore the shape of your viscose garment:

• By thoroughly wetting the item with a spray bottle. Afterward, put the garment on and wear it until the fabric dries. In most cases, this helps correct the situation—your favorite viscose T-shirt or blouse will return to its original shape.
• Prepare the iron and set it to the silk ironing program. Iron the garment thoroughly, wetting it with water. It's best to use the steam generator setting. When ironing, be sure to stretch the fabric outward with your palms; this will help restore the garment's original appearance.
• Completely immerse the viscose item in a container of clean water. Then wring it out and hang it on a line to dry. Stretch the sleeves of the shirt or dress and secure them with clothespins. After two hours, remove the clothespins and let the garment air dry.

If you don't know what to do, you can try any of the suggested methods. Usually, restoring the shape of a shrunken item is not that difficult; just wet it again and dry it, following all the recommendations.

We act more harshly

If following the simplest tips doesn't help save a viscose item, you'll have to resort to "advanced" methods. Experienced housewives advise not to get discouraged, but to consider backup plans.

A solution of baking soda, table vinegar, a hair dryer, or a weight hung from the hem can help restore the shape of a shrunken viscose item.

You can try to return the product to its original appearance.

• Prepare a baking soda solution (1 teaspoon per cup of water) and soak a piece of gauze in it. Then place the gauze on the garment and iron it using the steam setting.
• Wet the item in clean water, then treat it with a similar baking soda solution. Next, roll the viscose blouse or dress into a tube and gently pull the edges. Then unroll the item and roll it again, but in the opposite direction. Repeat the stretching process. Once finished, rinse and dry the item.
• Take a cotton sheet and soak it in a baking soda solution (one teaspoon of baking soda per 300 ml of water). Lay the sheet flat and straighten it. Place the shrunken viscose item on the sheet and cover it with the free edge of the sheet. Wait two hours, then rinse and dry the garment.
• Place a completely wet viscose sweater over the back of a chair or box and dry with a hairdryer.
• Use a weight. This method is suitable when an item has shrunk in length. If the hem has shortened, the bottom of the garment is secured with an elastic band, and then a light weight (about 400 grams) is hung onto it. Similar steps can be taken with sleeves that have shrunk or pants that have become shorter. The item should hang in this position for a maximum of an hour; otherwise, the hem will stretch too much and become uneven.
• Moisten the viscose with vinegar solution (100 ml vinegar and half a liter of water). The item should be stretched out on a hard surface and secured on all four sides with heavy objects. Rinse the item after 30 minutes.

If you don't want to mess with a shrunken garment, it's best to take it to a reputable dry cleaner. Qualified professionals can stretch it back to the desired size while preserving its shape and shine.

From now on, wash according to the instructions.

Washing viscose fabric in hot water causes it to shrink. The temperature determines whether the garment shrinks or not. Before washing, carefully read the care instructions on the label to avoid problems with deformation.

The water temperature when cleaning viscose clothes should not exceed 50°C.

It's important to use high-quality detergents. The following are acceptable for washing:

• liquid gels;
• special capsules for SMA;
• powders, but definitely for delicate fabrics.

Avoid using optical brighteners and harsh stain removers when washing. Boiling is strictly prohibited, as it will be impossible to restore your favorite item.

   

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