Rayon, also known as viscose, art silk, artificial silk, or faux silk, holds the honor of being the first man-made fiber created to resemble luxurious silk. It’s made from cellulosic materials like wood pulp or cotton linters, often blended with stronger fibers to offset its weaknesses.
Understanding Rayon:
Rayon’s absorbency rivals that of cotton fibers, but it ranks among the weakest fabrics. When wet, it loses up to 70% of its tension strength. It often encounters challenges like:
- Tearing due to weak dimensional strength
- Cellulosic browning
- Bleeding, distortion, and fading
- Shrinkage and abrasion
- Crocking and color loss in high-use areas
Care Tips for Rayon
When it comes to the care and maintenance of Rayon, understanding Rayon is crucial. It requires gentle, low-moisture cleaning methods. Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight or any form of distortion, especially in rayon-based velvets, can weaken and fade the fabric.
Our Take:
While Rayon can add a touch of luxe to your décor, we’d advise caution when considering it for everyday, regular furniture. Its inherent weaknesses can lead to premature wear and damage, particularly in high-use areas. If you’re after the appeal of silk but desire something more durable, consider exploring other synthetic or semi-synthetic options for your upholstery needs. Making an informed decision can help you enjoy your furnishings for many years and make maintenance a breeze. Happy cleaning!
Need a Pro? Find upholstery cleaning service near you here.
For more upholstery cleaning information, check out our blog How to care for your upholstery?.