TENCEL™ lyocell is a soft and versatile type of rayon that is produced from sustainably sourced wood in a closed-loop production process by the Austrian company Lenzing AG. In its production, the material requires less energy and water than conventional cotton.
But its small environmental footprint is not the only reason why TENCEL™ has grown extremely popular in recent years. TENCEL™ is a moisture absorbent and breathable material that is known for being resistant and soft at the same time, making it a perfect material for comfortable everyday pieces in your wardrobe.
While TENCEL™ is generally easy to care for, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to enjoy your TENCEL™ garments for as long as possible.
How to wash TENCEL™ garments
Of course, you should always make sure to follow the individual care labels of all your clothing pieces, but in general, TENCEL™ garments should be washed at a low temperature (max. 30°C) with likewise colors, using eco-friendly wool wash detergent. While hand-washing is the best and safest method, you may machine-wash your TENCEL™ pieces using the wool wash cycle. If your washing machine does not have a wool cycle, you can use the wash cycle for delicates. Always turn your TENCEL™ pieces inside out for further protection.
Avoid bleach and softeners
Make sure to also skip bleach and softeners. Bleach can be extremely damaging to fabrics, while softeners are known to contain chemicals that are harmful to you and the environment. They work by covering your garments in a thin film that can also impede all positive attributes including breathability and moisture absorbency. TENCEL™ is already very soft, so softeners simply won’t be necessary.
To soften your TENCEL™ garment, it is recommended to steam them using a gentle steamer. This will also help with wrinkles and will make your garments look and feel as good as new!
How to dry TENCEL™ garments
When it comes to drying, it’s important to also treat your TENCEL™ pieces as gently as possible. If you hand-wash your TENCEL™ garments, do not wring and instead gently press the water out of them. Don’t use a tumble-dryer and opt for hang-drying.
How to remove stains from TENCEL™ fabric
Since TENCEL™ is such a delicate fabric, you should never use any bleach or harsh stain removers to get rid of stains. Instead, make sure to rinse stains immediately, using cold or warm water. If this doesn’t work, try spot cleaning by applying some wool laundry detergent and gently dabbing the stain with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing as this might damage the fabric.
How to store your TENCEL™ garments
It is important to store your TENCEL™ pieces correctly in order to maintain their quality and shape. Knit items, i.e. items that are stretchy, should be stored neatly folded in a drawer or shelf, while woven items that are not stretchy, can be hung on clothes hangers.
Removing wrinkles
If any wrinkles appear, it’s best to steam your TENCEL™ items but if you don’t own a steamer, you can use an iron. Either hover the iron over your garment using the steam setting or gently press, using a warm setting.
To ensure that your TENCEL™ pieces will keep their quality and shape for as long as possible, make sure to never expose your TENCEL™ pieces to direct heat, whether it be through a hot machine wash cycle, tumble drying, or hot ironing. Always keep in mind that it is best to wash your clothes as little as possible! This ensures that your clothes, including your TENCEL™ pieces, look good for a long time, and it is also gentler on the planet.
Do's & Don'ts
DO
- Hand-wash or machine-wash at a low temperature (max. 30°C)
- Select the wool wash cycle or delicates cycle
- Eco-friendly wool wash detergent
- Hang-dry your TENCEL™ pieces
- Gently steam or iron at a warm setting
DON’T
- Expose your TENCEL™ pieces to high temperatures
- Use bleach, softeners or harsh stain removers
- Tumble-dry
- Wash too often
