How Much Does Viscose Shrink in Washing Machine?

How Much Shrinkage Are We Talking About?

Viscose has been known to shrink anywhere from about 3% up to a whopping 25% when washed in a machine. That’s not your average one-size-smaller drama — that’s the difference between a wearable shirt and a fabric frisbee.

Here’s the deal: most viscose garments today come pre-shrunk or treated with shrink-resistant finishes, which means you’ll likely see a modest 3–5% reduction in size after the first wash. That’s like your clothes saying, “I’m a little slimmer now.”

However, untreated viscose? That’s where the full horror story lies — expect 10–20%, sometimes up to 25% shrinkage, especially if you throw it into hot water and tumble dry it like there’s no tomorrow. Ouch.

Detailed studies show these figures vary widely depending on how you launder the item. So, if you want to avoid turning your fashionable viscose into a regrettable shopping mistake, keep reading.

What Causes Viscose to Shrink in the Washing Machine?

Now, before we sign viscose up for the laundry witness protection program, let’s understand why it shrinks so dramatically.

• Water Temperature: Hot water is viscose’s worst enemy. When washed in high temperatures, the fibers become stressed and contract, causing serious and often irreversible shrinkage. Cold water? Now that’s viscose’s best friend, gently cleansing fabric without the panic.
• Mechanical Agitation: Unlike some sturdier fabrics, viscose fibers weaken when wet and hate the tossing and turning of a standard washing machine cycle. The more vigorous the agitation, the more the fibers will contract and shrink.
• Drying Method: Heat and tumbles don’t just shrink your viscose, they also deform the fabric’s smooth texture. Dryers are sneak villains here—air drying is the recommended surefire way to keep your viscose dimensionally stable.
• Fabric Treatments and Pre-shrinking: Many viscose manufacturers apply pre-shrinking or finish treatments that tighten up the fabric ahead of time, leading to far less shrinkage after you wash. Untreated viscose, on the other hand, is a wild card — less predictable and more prone to dramatic change.

So, it’s not just one villain — it’s the whole laundry villain ensemble conspiring against your favorite viscose threads.

How to Minimize Viscose Shrinkage in the Washing Machine

Don’t throw out your viscose-loving heart just yet. There’s a solid laundry protocol that turns shrinkage from a nightmare into a minor hiccup.

• Use Cold Water: Always wash viscose garments in cold water. This reduces fiber stress and locks in size better than a ninja with a secret technique.
• Select the Delicate Cycle: The gentler the spin and wash cycle, the less mechanical agitation your viscose will endure.
• Use a Laundry Bag: Protect your viscose by tossing it inside a mesh laundry bag. It’s like bubble wrap for your clothes—prevents friction and stretching.
• Skip the Dryer: Tumble dryers are viscose’s arch-nemesis. Always air dry your viscose clothes flat or hang them in a shade to avoid heat damage and additional shrinkage.
• Consider Hand Washing: If you really want to pamper your viscose, hand wash it gently with mild detergent. Many specialists recommend this method as the safest bet.
• Read the Care Label: We get it—reading labels is about as exciting as watching paint dry, but your viscose fabric will thank you.

Following these tips means your viscose will keep its shape, texture, and size for many laundry days to come.

Real Talk: When to Dry Clean Viscose?

Some viscose items are just high maintenance. If the label screams Dry Clean Only, don’t play laundry hero — your viscose piece is better off with the pros.

Dry cleaning uses solvents instead of water, reducing shrinkage drastically and preserving fabric quality. For luxury viscose pieces or intricate garments, dry cleaning is well worth the investment.

Tools of the Trade: Best Washing Machine Settings for Viscose

If you’re determined to machine wash viscose, here’s the cheat sheet for settings:

• Water: Cold (below 30°C / 86°F)
• Cycle: Delicate or Hand Wash
• Spin Speed: Low or No Spin
• Load: Wash viscose items separately or with similar delicate fabrics
• Protective Gear: Use a mesh laundry bag

This combo offers the best chance to avoid the dreaded shrinkage and keeps the fabric feeling silky smooth.

Bonus: Avoiding Shrinkage on Mixed Fabrics with Viscose

Viscose is often blended with cotton, polyester, or linen, and that can complicate laundry a bit. Shrinkage rates for these fabrics differ—and the viscose will still try to pull the “I shrank myself” trick.

When washing blends:

• Follow the care instructions for the most delicate fiber (usually viscose).
• Use cold water and gentle cycles to protect everything.
• Avoid tumble drying any blend containing viscose.

This helps balance the needs of all fibers and prevents garment deformation.

A Little Extra Laundry Love: Recommended Products

While we’re talking viscose care, having the right products never hurts. Mild detergents designed for delicates can make a real difference.

If you want to treat your viscose clothes like royalty, check out these laundry treats available to you globally and in India:

• Global Mild Detergent for Delicates
• India-Specific Delicate Detergent

Use these in your cold-water, gentle laundry quest and thank us later.

Did You Know? Washing Machine Costs & Care Tie-In

By the way, if you’re shopping for a new washing machine or curious about upkeep costs, knowing the impact on your delicate load is smart. Average washing machines vary widely in price and features to protect sensitive fabrics like viscose — from gentle cycle options to programmable settings tailored for delicates.

For some handy comparisons, check our insights on how much washing machines cost on average and the cost to clean a washing machine—trust us, it all counts when caring for fine fabrics.

Summary Takeaway: Shrinkage Isn’t Fate

So, is your viscose fate sealed in the washing machine? Not quite. Understanding the nature of viscose and adjusting your washing routine and drying methods can keep shrinkage to a minimum. The golden rules? Cold water, gentle cycles, no tumble drying, and a dash of patience will help your viscose garments stay comfy, stylish, and properly sized.

Treat your viscose right, and you’ll avoid that dreaded post-laundry mini-me effect. Your closets (and your inner fashionista) will thank you.