How to Iron Rayon

Co-authored by Rani Gorgis

Last Updated: June 9, 2024

Rayon is a soft and light fabric that is similar to silk. It’s great for breezy summer dresses, but it isn’t the sturdiest fabric. Rayon can be easily damaged and stretched if not ironed properly. Ironing rayon, luckily, isn’t so difficult as long as you learn a few simple rules to care for it. Do things like ironing the garment inside out, using a low heat setting, and allowing it to cool before hanging it up so that your rayon stays beautiful and wrinkle-free until the next wash.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Rayon

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You can iron rayon when it is dry, but it’s easier to do it while the fabric is damp. If your garment is already damp from the wash, then you don’t have to do anything. If it is dry, spray it with a bottle filled with clean water. The rayon doesn’t have to be very wet. It should just be slightly wet to the touch.^{[1]
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Turn the garment inside out. The rayon can be damaged if you iron it right side out. At the very least, the fabric will become shiny if it makes direct contact with the iron. Always turn the fabric inside out unless you have a pressing cloth between the iron and rayon.^{[2]
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- If you are starting with a dry garment, you can use a spray bottle to dampen it.
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If you must iron the fabric right side out, you will need to have something on top of the rayon. You can buy a pressing cloth, or simply use a piece of unbleached or white cotton muslin. Always use the pressing cloth when ironing rayon right side out.

Part 2

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Using the Iron

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Rayon is a sensitive fabric, so it can’t handle high heat. Use a low heat setting when ironing your garment. The wool setting is usually a good option for rayon fabric.
Rayon is easily stretched out, especially when the fabric is hot. Ironing the rayon in large portions can contribute to the rayon stretching out. Iron one small portion of the rayon at time until you have ironed the entire garment.^{[3]
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Because rayon is easy to iron, you don’t have to press down for a long time. You should gently press the iron on the fabric and move it in a smooth, steady motion.^{[4]
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As mentioned, rayon is sensitive and pretty easy to iron. You can use steam when doing a routine ironing, but it isn’t necessary. Ideally, you should only use steam if there’s a tough crease you’re trying to work out.

Part 3

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Putting Away the Rayon

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Since rayon can easily be stretched out, you shouldn’t move it while it is still hot from the iron. Give the fabric a few minutes to completely cool down. Then, you can hang it up or store it away.
Metal hangers can leave rust spots on the fabric over time. Plus, the rayon will probably slip off of a metal hanger. Instead, hang the garment up on any type of non-metal hanger with a solid grip.^{[5]
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Rayon is an edible fabric that easily attracts bugs. If you won’t be wearing your rayon for a while, store it in your closet in a sealed, plastic tub or space-saving bag. Use cedar bags or lavender sachets to keep the fabric fresh.

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Can you spray starch on rayon?

Mr c

Top Answerer

No, that will damage it. It will become stiff, and then it can wrinkle some more.

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Tips

If you think that the iron is damaging the rayon, you can try using wrinkle-removing spray that can be bought at a supermarket.^{[6]
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