Have you fallen for a beautiful Tencel shirt, seduced by its incomparable softness and eco-friendly nature? Excellent decision! But now, a question arises: how do you care for it so that it stays impeccable for as long as possible?
Tencel (or lyocell) is a remarkable natural fiber, but it requires some special care to reveal its full durability. In this comprehensive guide, we share all our care secrets to ensure your Tencel garments last for years without losing their luster.
What is Tencel and why does it deserve special care?
Before diving into practical tips, let's briefly recap what makes Tencel so special. This naturally sourced fiber is made from eucalyptus wood pulp, processed using a closed-loop system that recovers 99.7% of the solvents used. The result: an eco-friendly material that uses 20 times less water than cotton.
But what makes Tencel so magical is also its unique structure: smooth, even fibers that give it that silky texture so pleasant to wear. This exceptional softness simply requires a few precautions to preserve it over time.
The golden rules for washing Tencel
Temperature: coolness above all
Rule number 1: Wash your Tencel garments at a maximum of 30°C, ideally in cold water. This natural fiber does not tolerate high temperatures, which can damage its structure and reduce its lifespan.
Washing in cold water offers a double advantage: it preserves your clothes while reducing your energy consumption. A doubly responsible action that fits perfectly into an eco-conscious approach.
Delicate program: your best ally
Always choose a delicate or wool program on your washing machine. The spin speed should be reduced to a maximum of 600-800 rpm. A spin cycle that is too aggressive can damage the fibers and create creases that are difficult to remove.
If your machine offers a "hand wash" option, that's even better! This function replicates the gentle movements of hand washing while saving you the effort.
The choice of laundry detergent: natural and gentle
Opt for a gentle liquid detergent, preferably eco-friendly , without bleaching agents or harsh enzymes. Powder detergents can leave residues on Tencel fibers and dull their natural shine.
Absolutely avoid:
- Bleach and whitening products
- Fabric softeners (Tencel is naturally soft!)
- Harsh stain removers
For stubborn stains, opt instead for Marseille soap or ox gall soap applied locally before washing.
Hand washing: the gentle method
If you prefer to hand wash your most precious items, here's how to do it:
- Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water (max 30°C)
- Dilute a small amount of mild liquid laundry detergent
- Immerse the garment and gently press without rubbing or twisting.
- Soak for a maximum of 15-20 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all the detergent is removed.
- Gently squeeze to remove excess water, without wringing.
Drying Tencel: patience and gentleness
Drying is a crucial step that will greatly influence the final appearance of your Tencel garments.
Air drying: the recommended method
Ideally, dry your Tencel garments flat on a towel. This method prevents any deformation and preserves the garment's original shape.
If you need to hang them, use a wide, padded hanger to avoid marks on the shoulders. Place your clothes in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight which could alter the colors.
The tumble dryer: to be avoided
Tencel and tumble dryers don't mix. Intense heat and sudden movements can:
- Shrink the garment
- Create permanent creases
- To alter the softness of the fiber
- Significantly reduce lifespan
If you absolutely must use a tumble dryer, choose the cold air program (without heat) and remove the garment while it is still slightly damp.
Does Tencel wrinkle?
Yes, Tencel tends to wrinkle easily, especially when wet. That's why it's important to:
- Do not leave your clothes crumpled in the washing machine after washing.
- hang them or spread them out immediately
- Smooth them by hand while they are still damp
This simple step can save you a lot of ironing effort!
Ironing and steaming: techniques that work
How to iron Tencel without damaging it?
Ironing Tencel requires some precautions but is still quite feasible.
Best practices:
- Always iron on the reverse side of the garment to avoid shiny marks.
- Set your iron to a low to medium temperature (silk or wool setting).
- Use plenty of steam: Tencel reacts very well to steam
- Iron the garment while it is still slightly damp for best results
- Use a damp cloth (thin, damp cloth) if you are ironing on the right side.
What to avoid:
- Too high a temperature could make the fabric shiny
- Pressing too hard with the iron
- Leave the iron still on the fabric
The garment steamer: your best friend
A garment steamer is the ideal solution for Tencel. This gentle method instantly restores the look of your clothes without the risk of damaging them. Simply hang your garment and hold the steamer a few centimeters away from the fabric.
If you don't have a garment steamer, here's a simple trick: hang your garment in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The natural steam will work wonders!
Storage and daily maintenance
How to store your Tencel clothes
- Use hangers for shirts, blouses, and dresses to avoid creases.
- Gently fold Tencel sweaters and t-shirts
- Make sure the clothes are completely dry before storing them
- Avoid confined and humid spaces that promote mold growth.
- Let your clothes breathe between uses
Ventilation: a simple but essential step
Tencel is naturally antibacterial and odor-resistant. Take advantage of this property by airing your clothes between washes rather than washing them regularly. Hang them up for a few hours; often, this is enough to freshen them.
This habit offers a triple advantage:
- You reduce the frequency of washing (better for the garment and the planet)
- You save energy and water
- Your clothes last longer
Treating stains on Tencel
Tencel is relatively stain-resistant thanks to its smooth structure, but here's how to treat it effectively:
Immediate action
The faster you act, the better your chances. Dab the stain (never rub!) with a clean, damp cloth to absorb as much of the product as possible.
Treatment of common stains
- Food stains: Marseille soap applied before washing
- Grease stains: Use Fuller's earth or cornstarch to absorb the stain, then wash normally.
- For wine or coffee stains: Immediately rinse with sparkling water, then use mild soap.
- Grass stains: Dab on diluted white vinegar before washing
Always test the treatment on a discreet area before applying it to the visible spot.
Does Tencel age well? What you need to know
With proper care, Tencel can retain its beauty for many years. Here's what you can expect:
Normal signs of aging:
- The fabric softens slightly over time (it becomes even more pleasant!)
- A possible fading of very bright colors after numerous washes
This is NOT normal:
- Significant shrinkage (a sign of washing at excessively high temperatures)
- Roughness of the fabric (due to overly aggressive washing or tumble drying)
- Deformations (poor drying or excessive spin cycle)
💡 Good to know: As with the care of merino wool, gentleness and patience are essential to preserve your natural fiber garments.
Tencel and sustainability: a long-term commitment
Choosing Tencel is already a step towards protecting the planet. Taking proper care of it extends this commitment. A well-maintained Tencel garment can last 5 to 10 years, or even longer, unlike synthetic fiber garments which degrade quickly.
This longevity fits perfectly within a slow fashion approach where each piece is designed to last. Fewer clothes, but of better quality, worn for longer: this is the principle of a truly responsible wardrobe.
In summary: your Tencel maintenance checklist
To keep this page for reference, here is a summary of the essential steps:
✓ Wash at 30°C maximum, delicate cycle
✓ Gentle liquid laundry detergent, without fabric softener
✓ Reduced spin speed (600-800 rpm)
✓ Dry flat or on a hanger, in the open air
✓ No tumble dryer
✓ Iron on the reverse side, using a low iron with steam
✓ Highly recommended garment steamer
✓ Ventilation between ports
✓ Immediate action on stains
Conclusion: Clothes that last, a gesture that matters
Caring for your Tencel garments is easy once you've adopted these simple techniques. Gentleness and patience are key: this natural fiber will reward you a hundredfold with its durability and unparalleled comfort.
By taking care of your Tencel pieces, you are not only preserving their beauty: you are affirming your commitment to more sustainable fashion, where each garment is a story that is written over time.
Because a garment that lasts 10 years uses 10 times fewer resources. And that's the true luxury of today: wearing pieces that transcend seasons without ever going out of style, while respecting the planet around us.
Want to discover our eco-friendly fabric creations? Each of our pieces is designed to last and blend seamlessly into your wardrobe. Designed in Switzerland and made in Europe, our clothing embodies uncompromising fashion that balances style, comfort, and responsibility.
