How do I Clean Modal Fabric?

Modal fabric needs to be cleaned gently to avoid damage and help the fabric stay flexible and colorfast. When well cared for, this fabric is highly durable. Care directions can vary between manufacturers and finished products and if there are doubts, the care label on a garment or fabric product should be consulted if it is available.

This fabric is made from cellulose that is subjected to a series of chemical processes and then spun. It is very strong and flexible, with a famous durability that allows it to retain its sheen through multiple washings. Modal fabric is also colorfast and can be used for a variety of things from underwear to dresses.

Some modal fabric items are delicate and they should be hand washed in cool water with a mild detergent, wrapped in a towel to squeeze out the water, and then dried flat in the shade. More robust items can be washed on a gentle cycle with cool water and then either tumble dried low on a short cycle or laid out to dry. Modal should not be washed or dried in high heat or subjected to bleach and other harsh cleaners.

If small stains have appeared on modal fabric, it may be possible to get them out with hand scrubbing and a gentle detergent. The fabric should not be soaked or vigorously rubbed to remove stains. The earlier a stain is treated, the better; when a stain is brand new, blotting with cool water can sometimes flush out the stain, especially if a gentle detergent is added to encourage the stain to lift. If the fabric becomes wrinkled, it can be ironed at a low temperature. Fabric that is dulled may benefit from ironing to restore the sheen by smoothing the individual fibers.

To avoid wrinkling while traveling, modal garments can be rolled up as opposed to folded. Rolling also tends to take up less space, leaving more room in luggage. Modal garments should not be left on hangers as the prolonged hanging can cause the garments to distort and may also break some of the fibers, weakening the garment and causing it to lose some of its elasticity. Such garments should be stored flat or rolled to protect the fabric while also avoiding wrinkles.

If the fabric care directions on a modal garment, sheet, or other product contain specific or unusual instructions, it is advisable to follow them. The directions are based on testing of the fabric and can include compensations for fabric blends and other unusual characteristics of a fabric that might make generic fabric care directions unsuitable.