Organza is an opaque fabric that is both wispy and full of body. These qualities make organza fabric a good choice for formal dresses like proms and weddings. You may also find organza in the home as window sheers, canopies or decorative ruffles.
While it has an air of romance, organza is a very sturdy fabric that can withstand washing. The two types of organza require different cleaning washing techniques. Silk organza, which is made of natural fibers, should be hand-washed and air-dried or professionally dry-cleaned. Synthetic organza, made of man-made acetate, nylon, polyester or viscose, can be both washed and dried by machine.
Things You'll Need:
- Gentle laundry detergent
- Dryer sheet
- Iron and padded ironing board
- 2 bath towels
Cleaning Synthetic Organza
Set the Cycle
Refer to the gentle laundry detergent label to know how much detergent to add to the washer. Put the organza fabric or garment into the washer and add the appropriate amount of detergent. Set the cycle to "gentle" or "delicate." Start the wash cycle.
Warnings:
- Be sure the water is set to [cold](http://www.linentablecloth.com/care-instructions) to avoid shrinkage.
Into the Dryer
Remove the organza fabric or garment at the end of the wash cycle and put it into the dryer. Set dryer for low heat and start the dryer.
Ironing Out the Wrinkles
Remove the organza fabric or garment from the dryer at the end of its cycle. If it is dry or almost dry, you may iron it. Set the iron to the low heat setting and move it swiftly across the organza to remove wrinkles.
Warnings:
- If you keep the iron in one place too long while ironing, you run the risk of melting the synthetic fibers.
Cleaning Silk Organza
Hand-Wash the Fabric
Fill a clean sink or tub with cool or tepid water. Add the appropriate amount of gentle laundry detergent to the water, referring the the detergent's label for instructions. Swish the fabric around with your hand to gently move it through the detergent water. Remove the detergent water.
Rinse the Fabric
Rinse the organza fabric or garment under cool water until no soap remains. Leave the clean fabric in a sink or tub while you prepare a towel upon which to dry it.
Warnings:
- Do not wring organza fabric. Wringing creates excessive wrinkling and may skew the fabric's fibers.
Drying the Fabric
Spread out a towel on a flat surface. Place the organza fabric or garment on the towel, smoothing it on top of the towel. Starting at one of the short ends of the towel, roll the organza item up in the towel like a burrito and allow the towel to absorb water from the organza while you prepare a second towel.
Drying Flat
Spread the second towel out on a flat surface. Unroll the first towel and remove the organza item from it. Spread the organza item on top of the dry towel and allow it to air dry.
Ironing Out the Wrinkles
Remove the organza fabric or garment from the dryer at the end of its cycle. If it is dry or almost dry, you may iron it. Set the iron to the low heat setting and move it swiftly across the organza to remove wrinkles.
Warnings:
- Keep the iron moving on the silk organza to prevent scorch marks.
Tip
You may hang the organza item to dry instead of drying it flat.
Writer Bio
Ronna Pennington, an experienced newspaper writer and editor, began writing full-time in 1989. Her professional crafting experience includes machine embroidery and applique. When she's not repainting her den or making new holiday decorations, Ronna researches and writes community histories. She has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and an Master of liberal arts in history.
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