Can You Iron Viscose? – How to Do Easily (and Safely)

Last Updated on March 14, 2023

Can you iron viscose: Ironing is an integral part of laundering your clothes, but not all fabric types are suitable for ironing. Take the time to determine if the garment you’re ironing is made of a type that should be ironed, and follow the instructions accordingly. Viscose is a popular fabric choice, so many people will ask – can you iron viscose?

Can You Iron Viscose?

Yes, you can usually iron viscose safely. However, it’s crucial that you take extra care when doing so, as using too high a temperature may cause irreversible damage.

What Happens When You Iron Viscose?

Ironing viscose fabric can be tricky since it tends to wrinkle easily. The key is to use the proper temperature and iron quickly, never letting the iron linger in any area for too long. 

The heat can cause the fabric to shrink, discolor, or burn if it gets too hot. It’s also important to test your iron on a scrap of fabric first to ensure it is not too hot for the type of viscose you are using. With these tips in mind, you should be able to get nice, crisp results when ironing viscose fabric.

What to Look Before Ironing Viscose?

1. Check Care Label

The first step should always be to check the care label on the garment you want to iron. The care label will often include washing and ironing instructions, such as maximum temperatures or suggested settings for steam irons.

It may also specify whether steaming is preferred over more traditional pressing forms. If the label indicates that an item can be pressed with an iron, then use caution and set it to a low-temperature setting.  

2. Test Temperature on Scrap Fabric

Viscose garments are especially prone to warping or burning when exposed to too much heat during pressing, so test the temperature before applying it directly to the item. Grab some scrap fabric in a similar weight and material as your item, set your steam or dry iron to the desired heat level, then press onto it for several seconds before releasing Steam Irons as an Option.

Press your viscose items with a steam iron instead of a dry one if possible. Steam irons offer more control and make it easier to distribute heat evenly over large swathes of fabric without marking them with creases from the direct contact of a dry metallic plate against delicate fabrics like silk and viscose blends. 

Natural fibers require more gentle handling than synthetic ones, which tend not to withstand stronger temperatures better – so using steam can help preserve garment appearance for more extended periods.

3. Use Press Cloth/Towel  

Ironing fragile materials like rayon (the cousin fabric of viscose) requires extra precautions since any contact between hot sources, such as an open flame or bare metal, might cause permanent scorching or melting if left unattended for several seconds!

How to Iron Viscose Fabric?

Viscose, a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp, is popular because of its soft, light, and breathable qualities. But when ironing a viscose fabric, you must be careful, as heat can cause permanent damage. Here are some tips on how to safely iron viscose fabric:

Step 1 – Prepare the Fabric

Before you iron, ensure the fabric is clean and dampen it with a spray bottle or steam from your iron. If the viscose fabric is too dry, there’s a risk of burning or shining the material. Turn the garment inside out since turning will allow for better surface contact between the iron and fabric.

Step 2 – Set Iron to Low Temperature

Choose an appropriate temperature setting for your viscose fabric. A low setting is best, as high temperatures may cause irreversible damage and shine or burn marks. Test your temperature settings on scrap fabric to ensure you don’t accidentally damage your garments!

Step 3 – Press Firmly

Once you have set your temperature settings correctly, place the damp cloth over the area that needs pressing. Then press firmly with the heated side of your iron in an up-down motion rather than circular action, as this might leave permanent creases or wrinkles in your fabric. Repeat this process until all areas of the garment are pressed nicely.

Step 4 – Turn Off the Heat & Use Non-Stick Pads

Once all areas of your garment have been pressed onto both sides, turn off the heat before using non-stick pads on top of fabrics that have delicate designs, such as lace or beading, which may get damaged due to excessive heat exposure.

Step 5 – Let It Cool before Moving On

Finally, let all parts of your garment cool down properly before moving on to another task; otherwise, it might lose shape while hanging around waiting to be worn! Ensure you follow all these steps while ironing fabrics other than viscose.

So they stay fresh looking for more extended periods without any damage from excessive heat exposure during pressing activities at home.

Does Viscose Shrink When Ironed?

Yes, viscose fabric can shrink when ironed at a high heat setting. Following the care label instructions closely is essential to avoid any possible shrinkage. To reduce the risk of shrinking, use the lowest heat setting and never iron directly on the fabric; always place a damp cloth between the fabric and the iron.

How Do You Get Wrinkles Out of Viscose?

It is essential to avoid wrinkles when drying your garments because they may become challenging. But if it is not impossible, and wrinkles set into the material, then try to remove it. The best way to dry viscose clothing is by hanging it on a clothes hanger so that air can circulate freely around the garment while preventing wrinkles.

It’s also wise to press when necessary to prolong your clothes’ life. However, gentle steaming is often can be an acceptable alternative as well.

Iron Setting for Polyester Viscose

When ironing a blend of polyester and viscose, you should use a low heat setting. The specific temperature may vary depending on the fabric’s ratio of polyester to viscose and any care instructions provided on the garment’s label.

As a general guideline, a temperature setting of around 300°F to 350°F (149°C to 177°C) is typically suitable for ironing polyester viscose blends. However, it’s always best to test a small, inconspicuous area of the garment with the iron first to ensure that the heat setting does not cause damage to the fabric.

Using a pressing cloth or a towel over the fabric is also recommended to prevent direct contact with the iron’s soleplate, which can prevent shine marks and damage to the garment.

Conclusion

When deciding whether or not ironing is necessary for your garment, it is essential to consider how you will wear it; for formal occasions like weddings or other special events where pressed fabrics are desirable for visual impact. 

Then, using an iron at low temperatures with steam may be appropriate to keep your clothes wrinkle-free. However, always remember that properly caring for any garment made from viscose will keep them looking their best for longer!