Washing & Caring for TENCEL™: How to Keep Lyocell Looking Beautiful for Longer

Key points

• TENCEL™ Lyocell is best washed at a cold to lukewarm temperature on a gentle cycle to help maintain its soft and breathable fibre properties.

• Use a mild liquid detergent or detergent for delicate fabrics and avoid bleach and fabric softener to help preserve the material properties.

• Hang TENCEL™ up to air-dry and always follow the care label instructions. This can help maintain the shape of your favourite garments.

TENCEL™ Lyocell: What you should know about the fibre

Before we get to washing, let us take a brief look at the material itself. TENCEL™ is the brand name for Lyocell, a cellulose fibre made from wood. Although TENCEL™ is not a pure plant fibre due to its manufacturing process, the material is known for its functional properties and pleasant smooth feel.

Lyocell is breathable and can absorb and release moisture – both during warm nights and physical activities. TENCEL™ Lyocell is also characterised by its softness and subtle sheen, making it an interesting choice for nightwear and underwear.

To help these textile properties last as long as possible, careful handling is worthwhile. The fine structure of the fibre can be sensitive under certain conditions.

How to wash TENCEL™ properly: Temperature, programme and detergent

So, how should you wash TENCEL™? Lyocell is straightforward to care for when you follow the care instructions. With a few simple rules, you can help maintain the material properties as well as possible.

The right temperature and washing programme for Lyocell

If you want to wash TENCEL™ gently, pay particular attention to the temperature. As a general guideline, choose a low temperature of 30°C. However, it is always worth checking the care label, as individual garments may be suitable for slightly warmer washing depending on how they are made.

The gentle or delicate cycle of your washing machine provides a fibre-conscious clean with less mechanical stress. This is particularly relevant when spinning: less is more. A low spin speed can be gentler on the material and help reduce creasing.

Which detergent is suitable for TENCEL™ Lyocell?

A detergent for delicate fabrics is a good choice for Lyocell, as it is designed for caring for delicate textiles. If you do not have one available, you can also use a mild liquid detergent.

Avoid bleach, as it can affect the structure of the textile. For coloured garments, you can also use a detergent designed to help care for colours.

It is also best to avoid fabric softener, as the fibre already has a naturally soft feel. The ingredients in fabric softeners can also build up on the fibres and affect their material properties.

Drying TENCEL™: What you should keep in mind

Wondering whether TENCEL™ Lyocell can be tumble dried? Whether this is possible depends on the individual garment – always follow the care label. If tumble drying is permitted, a low temperature is recommended.

For garments that are not suitable for tumble drying, air-drying is a good option. Simply hang your laundry on a clothesline for a few hours or lay it flat on a towel to dry. This can help maintain the shape of the garment.

Tip: Reshape your garments while they are still damp after washing by giving them a good shake. This can help them dry with fewer creases, and you may be able to skip ironing in many cases. If ironing is necessary, turn the garment inside out and select a low temperature.

Reduce shrinkage, lint and pilling: Further TENCEL™ care tips

With the right care, you can help your TENCEL™ garments retain their properties for as long as possible. Above all, follow the care label instructions and avoid unnecessarily high temperatures.

TENCEL™ is known for its smoothness. Nevertheless, lint, pilling and small knots can occur depending on the construction, use and care of the garment. To reduce friction, wash delicate garments inside out where possible. Also, avoid overloading the drum so that the garments have enough room to move.

With these tips, you can help preserve the softness and pleasant feel of your favourite garments for as long as possible. CALIDA TENCEL™ nightwear offers a comfortable feel for your personal moments of relaxation.

Conclusion

Washing TENCEL™ Lyocell is easy once you know the key rules: Wash at a low temperature with a low spin speed, use a mild detergent and avoid bleach and – unless permitted by the care label – the tumble dryer. With this simple routine, you can help maintain the softness, sheen and breathable properties of your Lyocell clothing for as long as possible.