Modal care secrets: how to maintain silky softness even after 50 washes?
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Have you purchased your first modal garment? Congratulations – your skin will thank you. However, if you want that “first touch” feeling, reminiscent of silk, to remain after 10, 20 or even 50 washes, it is worth knowing a few simple but critically important rules.
Modal is a durable fiber, but it does not like harsh treatment. The good news is that caring for modal is not complicated. In most cases, gentle washing, moderate heat, and a bit more attention than with completely “low-maintenance” fabrics is enough.
Below you will find a clear and practical guide on how to wash, dry, iron and care for modal garments so they remain soft, beautiful and pleasant to wear for as long as possible.
This is already the third part of our modal series.
If you haven’t read:
– what modal is
– how it differs from cottonwe recommend starting with the first articles
Modal care: how to maintain its softness and beauty for as long as possible
Modal is valued for its exceptional softness, smooth surface and elegant drape. It is pleasant on the skin, lightweight, comfortable for everyday wear, and can remain beautiful for a long time – but only if it is cared for properly.
1. Washing: coolness and gentleness
Modal feels best in cool water. Hot water can damage the fiber and cause the garment to lose its shape.
• Temperature: We recommend 30–40°C.
• Cycle: Choose “Delicate” or hand-wash mode.
• Inside out: Always wash garments turned inside out – this protects the fabric surface from friction against other clothing.
• Do not overload the washing machine – the fabric will wear less.
2. Detergents: less is more
Modal naturally cleans easily, so it does not require strong detergents.
• Liquid detergent: It rinses out better from the fine pores of modal than powder.
• No bleach: Chlorine bleach is a strict “no” for modal – it weakens the fiber.
• Fabric softener? You may use it, but you will notice – modal remains surprisingly soft even without it.
Professional tip: forget fabric softener if the garment contains elastane.
If your modal garment is stretchy (contains elastane or Lycra), do not use fabric softener. The substances in softener “coat” elastane fibers, they lose elasticity, and the garment loses its shape faster. Modal itself remains soft, so there is no need to “pamper” it additionally.
3. The biggest enemy – the dryer
If you want your modal nightwear or pajamas to last for years, avoid tumble dryers. High temperature and intense drying can cause modal to shrink or lose that magical “sliding” feel.
• Best method: Dry naturally, laid flat or hung (but not in direct sunlight).
• Avoid strong direct sunlight to preserve color longer.
4. Ironing (if you even need it)
One of modal’s biggest advantages is that it hardly wrinkles at all. However, if you want a perfectly smooth look after washing:
• Use the lowest temperature.
• Iron through a light cloth or from the inside.
• It is best to use a steam iron – direct contact with hot metal is not recommended for modal.
A small secret: Modal has “memory”. If you shake the garment well after washing and hang it neatly, you will most likely not need an iron at all.
A few more useful tips
• It is always worth reading the care label of a specific garment – blended fabrics may have additional requirements.
• The vinegar trick (old but timeless): If your water is very hard, add a spoonful of plain white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment. It neutralizes limescale, softens both the water and the fabric, but does not damage elastane. The smell disappears while drying!
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