Skip to content
WARDROBE

How to Wash Modal

Modal washes at 30–40°C on a normal cycle. The right detergent, how to dry it, and the one mistake that causes most modal damage.

Fabric Care1 min readPublished Priya Nair

In short

  • Wash at 30–40°C (86–104°F) on a normal cycle, using standard; skip softener.
  • Dry line dry or tumble low. Iron: medium.
  • Modal is dimensionally stable, so the main risks are heat damage and finish rather than shrinkage.

Modal is viscose made with a modified process that leaves it far stronger wet, so unlike ordinary viscose it survives normal machine washing.

How to wash modal

Care guidance by garment
GarmentWashDryNotes
Modal30–40°C (86–104°F)line dry or tumble lowstandard; skip softener
Care guidance by garment

Use a normal cycle and standard; skip softener. It resists the mineral build-up from hard water that makes cotton go stiff and grey, so modal keeps its softness far longer.

Drying and ironing

Dry line dry or tumble low. For ironing: medium.

It shrinks very little after the first wash, which is why it is common in underwear and fitted basics.

How long it should last

Three to eight years, holding colour better than cotton throughout.

Quick reference

Modal at a glance

  • Wash: 30–40°C (86–104°F)
  • Cycle: normal
  • Detergent: standard; skip softener
  • Dry: line dry or tumble low
  • Iron: medium

Frequently asked questions

What temperature should I wash modal at?

30–40°C (86–104°F), on a normal cycle with standard; skip softener.

Does modal shrink?

Not significantly. Modal is dimensionally stable — the risks are heat damage and loss of finish rather than shrinkage.

How should I dry modal?

Line dry or tumble low.

Tools for this topic

Related reading

Laundry

How Often Should You Wash Your Clothes?

Wash frequency by garment, why washing less makes clothes last longer, and what to do instead of washing when something is not actually dirty.

Read Article
Capsule Wardrobe

The Capsule Wardrobe Guide

Everything the capsule method involves — what it is, how many pieces you need, how to choose them, and how to keep one running through the seasons.

Read Article
Fabric Care

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.

Read Article

Read next

LaundryHow Often Should You Wash Your Clothes?Wash frequency by garment, why washing less makes clothes last longer, and what to do instead of washing when something is not actually dirty.Read Article

Get new guides by email

New guides, calculators and checklists, once a week. Unsubscribe in one click.