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How to Wash Lyocell and Tencel

Lyocell and Tencel washes at 30°C on a gentle cycle. The right detergent, how to dry it, and the one mistake that causes most lyocell and tencel damage.

Fabric Care1 min readPublished Priya Nair

In short

  • Wash at 30°C (86°F) on a gentle cycle, using mild.
  • Dry line dry; tumble low if the label allows. Iron: medium, inside out.
  • Lyocell and Tencel can shrink or distort, so temperature and drying method matter more than detergent choice.

Lyocell is made in a closed-loop process that recovers over 99% of its solvent, which is why it appears in almost every sustainability-led collection.

How to wash lyocell and tencel

Care guidance by garment
GarmentWashDryNotes
Lyocell and Tencel30°C (86°F)line dry; tumble low if the label allowsmild
Care guidance by garment

Use a gentle cycle and mild. It manages moisture better than cotton, absorbing more and releasing it faster, which is why it feels cool against skin.

Drying and ironing

Dry line dry; tumble low if the label allows. For ironing: medium, inside out.

It fibrillates — tiny fibres lift from the surface under wet abrasion — producing a peached finish some people like and others read as wear.

How long it should last

Three to eight years.

Quick reference

Lyocell and Tencel at a glance

  • Wash: 30°C (86°F)
  • Cycle: gentle
  • Detergent: mild
  • Dry: line dry; tumble low if the label allows
  • Iron: medium, inside out

Frequently asked questions

What temperature should I wash lyocell and tencel at?

30°C (86°F), on a gentle cycle with mild.

Does lyocell and tencel shrink?

Yes. Lyocell and Tencel is prone to shrinking or distorting, which is why the temperature and drying method matter more than which detergent you use.

How should I dry lyocell and tencel?

Line dry; tumble low if the label allows.

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