How to care for modal fabric so it stays soft
Modal is one of the more pleasant fabrics to own. It is softer than cotton, does not shrink as dramatically, and holds dye well so colours stay true after repeated washing. It is also slightly more sensitive to heat than cotton, which is the main thing to keep in mind when you are caring for it at home.
Washing modal: what temperature and why
Modal is made from beech wood pulp that has been processed into a semi-synthetic fibre. The processing makes it very smooth at the fibre level, which is why it feels soft, but it also means it can lose that smoothness if washed at high temperatures. A 30-degree gentle cycle is sufficient for regular washing. At 40 degrees or above, modal can start to feel slightly rougher over time, and the fabric may lose a little of its elasticity if it is a ribbed construction.
In Japan, most washing machines label their gentle programme as 'delicate' or 'silk/wool'. Either works for modal. Use a standard amount of liquid detergent rather than powder, which can leave residue in the ribbed texture.
Drying and storing
Modal dries relatively quickly and does not need a tumble dryer. Lay it flat or hang it on a wide hanger to dry. Hanging on a thin wire hanger while wet can stretch the shoulders of a top, particularly on a ribbed fabric where the structure is more pronounced.
For storage, folding is better than hanging for ribbed modal pieces. Long-term hanging can cause the fabric to stretch at the shoulders and waist. A drawer or shelf works well. If you are storing seasonal pieces, a cotton bag is preferable to a plastic one, which can trap moisture.
What to avoid
Most of these are straightforward, but the fabric softener point surprises people. Modal is naturally soft, and fabric softener does not improve that. What it does is leave a coating on the fibres that gradually makes the fabric feel slightly waxy and reduces its ability to absorb moisture.
- Washing above 40 degrees
- Tumble drying on high heat
- Wringing or twisting when wet
- Storing in direct sunlight for extended periods
- Using fabric softener regularly (it coats the fibres and reduces softness over time)
Modal is not a high-maintenance fabric. A cool wash and a flat dry is really all it needs.