Materials like cotton and silk have been around for thousands of years and we all know them pretty well. But when something like Tencel comes along, it can leave a lot of people confused. As a much newer fabric, you might not have owned it before and so won’t know a lot about Tencel fabric care, which is why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you out. Does Tencel shrink? How to wash Tencel sheets? Answers and more, below!
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What is Tencel?
‘What is Tencel material?’ is a frequently asked question. Tencel is actually the brand name of the lyocell fibre. The fabric itself is eco-friendly, as it’s derived from sustainably-grown eucalyptus trees without chemical pesticides, genetic modification, or any of those harmful things often used in material manufacture. Made from a type of lyocell, it's becoming more and more popular among ethical brands and consumers alike; we're likely to be seeing much more of it, which is why it's a good idea to get clued up on all things Tencel fabric care.
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Tencel care: Tencel properties
Tencel has a whole heap of great properties that are helping it to become increasingly popular for a variety of uses. It’s breathable, holds dye superbly (great for anyone who loves vibrant colours in their wardrobe) and is very durable and tough. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin, making it a good alternative to cotton for baby clothing, and has anti-bacterial properties too. When washing Tencel make sure you only use cold water and a quality detergent that will take gentle care of your clothes such as Persil Non Bio.
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Tencel care: Does Tencel shrink?
Will Tencel shrink? It's a valid question! Washing and drying it incorrectly could lead to shrinking.
While it is a durable material, Tencel is a fairly a delicate when wet and is susceptible to being damaged by high temperatures, which is why it’s important to school yourself on Tencel fabric care ahead of the laundry process. A gentle cycle on the washing machine is suitable for most items of clothing. However, always check Tencel washing instructions to see if it should be hand washed. If you're going for a machine wash, always turn your Tencel items inside out for further protection.
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Tencel care: How to wash Tencel
When it comes to washing Tencel clothes or you need to know how to wash Tencel sheets, always follow the washing instructions. Some Tencel fabrics may be dry-clean-only and soaking them in water could ruin them completely. Others may be fine to hand-wash, and some will be okay to go in the washing machine on a delicate setting. Have a good read of the care label and instructions before deciding what's best for your clothing or sheets!
Make sure you use cool water rather than hot and use a gentle detergent such as Persil Non Bio that’s going to be kind on your clothes, and your skin! Cool water and a gentle cycle should help preserve the fabric. If you can, wash your Tencel items seperately to avoid the fabric pilling.
Although you can put your Tencel items on a medium setting in the dryer, we recommend letting them air dry naturally instead. This will help preserve them!
Caring for this versatile fabric isn't hard when you've got the know-how! The best news is, it barely wrinkles, making Tencel easy to store and reducing the need to iron! Have a look at your Tencel options next time you're in the market for some durable and casual clothing.
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