What is Viscose?
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Chances are you have several forms of viscose in your home right this minute. Here is some basic information about viscose, including some of the products that many people use every day that are made from this substance.
Viscose is a unique form of wood cellulose acetate that can be used for the manufacture of a number of different types of products that are used in the medical industry, when the cellulose is treated with caustic soda. Sometimes referred to as cellulose xanthe in this state, viscose is ideal for the creation of dialysis membrane and other medical tools that must be soft and supple to the touch.
Created from a combination of natural and man-made components, viscose can also be made into the more common form of rayon that is used for many types of textile products, including clothing. Viscose rayon has a silky appearance and feel, and also has the ability to breathe in a manner similar to cotton weaves. In addition to being an inexpensive material to use in lightweight clothing, viscose can also be used for such textiles as tablecloths, napkins, furniture slipcovers, and sheeting. One of the more popular properties of viscose rayon is that the fabric tends to drape very well, which makes it ideal for use in simple curtains, as well as the perfect fabric to line more formal draperies.
While viscose breathes like cotton and has a feel that is pleasing to the touch, there are some drawbacks. One of the disadvantages to textile products made with viscose rayon is that the items will wrinkle very easily, which may lead to steady maintenance.
Another use of viscose is in the form of cellophane. The wood cellulose is treated with sodium hydroxide and then mixing the product with carbon disulfide, the resulting cellulose xanthe is dissolved into more sodium hydroxide. The product can then be ran through a spinning mechanism and out of a slit, resulting in the formation of the cellophane that can be used in the kitchen or as a clear wrap on plants, gift baskets, and other projects.
The development of viscose has made it possible for many people to enjoy a wider array of quality textiles in their homes, without having to pay a lot of money for a luxurious look and feel. Along with the medical uses and the practical uses of cellophane, viscose is obviously a product that touches the lives of everyone in some manner.
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Discuss this Article20
Can a blouse made of 100% viscose be hand washed? My label says dry clean only. - anon35107
Editor's reply: You might also find this article, What is the Difference Between Dry Clean and Dry Clean Only Clothing?, helpful.
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I just picked up a pair of dry-clean only pants that are 56% viscose. I love them - they are stretchy and comfortable. Hopefully, they withstand the test of time. - anon30775
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what are the symptoms if you are allergic to viscose? - matt101
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i would like to know if this material is really stretchable...i want to purchase a dress online, and i am a size large but they only have medium available... i was thinking of purchasing the dress it is made of 95% vicose and %5 spandex ??? Please Help !!! - anon20598
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Does viscose have properties of retaining heat like wool such as pashmina does? Is viscose considered an acrylic since it does not seem to be a natural fabric? Thanks! - anon20021
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Is viscose when used in underpants as breathable as cotton, safe for women who are sensitive? - anon17731
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I have some place mats that are 45% cotton and 55% viscose. What is the proper care of these. Can they be laundered in cold water? -Lillian - anon17011
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I am considering reupholstering a sofa & love seat with a fabric content of 62% viscose and 32% polyester, or a fabric of 100% polyester. Which would be more durable? I have a cat with back claws, who likes to lounge on the back cushions! - anon16289
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Probably not. There is a world of difference between towels that can be laundered with ease after each use and upholstery. Just be sure to follow the laundering instructions and see how they do. If you happen to think about it, let us know how well the towels hold up after a month of two of use. - mdt
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I just purchased some towels that are labeled "80% Viscose (Bamboo) and 20% cotton". Did I make a mistake??? - anon13706
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i am a professional upholstery cleaner, and if you are looking for something to look good and last do not use cotton, linen , or silk. they cannot be cleaned aggressively on a sofa, and discolor easily, with body oils and moisture can cause cellulosic browning and water stains. my 2 cents - anon11996
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Personally, I would be somewhat leery of an upholstered piece that contained that much viscose in the mix. My objection would be that sofas tend to see a lot of use over time and I tend to agree with your friend that it will not wear well over time.
Now, if you were talking about a slipcover for seasonal use on a sofa, that might be worth a try. But for permanent upholstery, I personally would go with olefin fiber as my choice for an artificial matrerial. But that is mainly because I use to work with the stuff and know how well it holds up under normal usage. - mdt
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I am looking at a lovely sofa which I would like to buy, but the label on the cover reads 67% viscose, 16% cotton, 15% linen & 2% silk. My friend who is in the rag trade tells me that it will bobble with that high a percentage of viscose. I really dont like the feel of anything synthetic, and would like your advice on the suitability of this fabric covering a large area like a sofa. Thank you. - anon10162
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Some manufacturers indicate that hand washing or dry cleaning is the best approach. This is true with blends such as rayon and viscose. You may find that hand washing and dry cleaning is also more practical since textiles made with viscose tend to wrinkle more easily than some other fabrics.
As to use as upholstery - well, I would consider using it for the seat of a hard backed chair that saw only occasional use, but not for a chair or sofa that I would use often, even if it were combined with another durable material like polyester or rayon. I would be more comfortable with textiles like drapery panels, tablecloths, or napkins that were made with a viscose blend. - mdt
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can clothes with viscose fabric be washed or must it be dry cleaned. - anon10099
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Is upholstery made out of viscose durable? Or combination of viscose and polyester, is it durable? - anon10031
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Like any material, the quality of products made from vicose will vary somewhat depending on the production process. But in general, vicose can turn out a good quality product. Cleaning is usually simple. As to rugs made with viscose, there may be some throw rugs made with this product. You can expect them to wear similar to a rug made with cotton or plain rayon blends. - mdt
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Are floor rugs made from VISCOSE durable??? how about static and ease of cleaning? - anon9010
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Is viscose good quality, why or why not? - anon5125
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Written by
Malcolm Tatum
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