Viscose Rayon

• Regular or viscose rayon looks nice but has little "wet" strength. Conventional laundering may damage the fiber, due to its instability when wet, according to the Ohio State University Extension Service. Dry cleaning offers a safer choice.
  
  

Polynosic Rayon

• Viscose rayon which has been modified to yield a high-wet strength, may be identified as High Wet Modulus (HWM) or polynosic rayon. These fabrics handle machine washing and drying very well, performing like cotton. You may find it under the trade name Modal. Machine washing works well on this fabric.
  
  

Laundering Instructions

• The federal government's Textile and Wool Acts require most garments sold in the USA to carry a permanently affixed label giving a set of laundering instructions. Most manufacturers choose the safest method to reduce customer dissatisfaction; other methods may be acceptable. The savvy consumer may try hand washing or machine washing on gentle in cold water, realizing that some ironing may be required to restore the garment to its best appearance.