How to Wash Modal and Tencel (Lyocell) the Right Way
Modal and Tencel (the brand name for lyocell) are the premium cousins of rayon — made from wood pulp like viscose, but engineered to be far stronger, especially when wet. That single difference means they survive machine washing that would wreck ordinary rayon, which is why they show up in soft tees, loungewear, and bedding.
Key takeaways
- Modal and Tencel (lyocell) are wood-pulp fibers engineered to stay strong when wet — unlike rayon.
- That wet strength lets them machine-wash cold on gentle where regular rayon can't.
- Dry low or line dry to preserve their signature silky drape.
- They're naturally soft — skip heavy softener and chlorine bleach.
Machine-Washable, Unlike Rayon
The wet-strength upgrade is the whole point.
| Fabric | Wet strength | Wash |
|---|---|---|
| Rayon / viscose | Weak | Hand-wash, dry flat |
| Modal | Strong | Machine wash cold, gentle |
| Tencel / lyocell | Strongest | Machine wash cold, gentle |
Wash cold to warm on a gentle cycle with mild detergent; both resist shrinking better than viscose.
Keep the Drape
Modal and Tencel are prized for their silky drape, which heat flattens. Dry on low or line dry, and remove while slightly damp. They wrinkle less than cotton, so most items need no ironing — a quick steam is enough.
Protect the Softness
Skip chlorine bleach (it weakens the fiber) and heavy fabric softener (unnecessary — these fibers are naturally soft, and softener just builds up). Turn printed or dark items inside out to preserve color.
Never Do This
- Don't use hot water or high heat — it dulls the drape and can shrink blends.
- Don't chlorine-bleach — it degrades the cellulose fiber.
- Don't over-dry — pull items slightly damp to avoid stiffness.