Understanding Viscose: Pros, Cons, and Serviceability
Introduction: Hello, friends! Welcome to Katie on the Spot. Today, we’re going to delve into the world of Viscose, a fascinating material that often leaves us with more questions than answers. So let’s take a deep breath and break it down into manageable pieces. In this blog post, I’ll explain what Viscose is, its various names, the pros and cons, and its serviceability. So let’s jump right in!
What is Viscose? Viscose, short for viscose, is a regenerated cellulose material derived from plants such as wood pulp, bamboo, and even cactus in some cases, particularly those sourced from Morocco. This versatile material is also known by other names like art silk, bamboo silk, artificial silk, rayon, and tinsel. These names are cleverly crafted to add an air of sophistication to the material, often causing buyers to believe they are purchasing something more luxurious than plain old Viscose.
Pros and Cons of Viscose: Like every choice we make in life, Viscose comes with its own set of pros and cons. On the positive side, Viscose is soft and shiny, providing a pleasant tactile experience when initially purchased. However, it’s crucial to discuss the negative aspects as well. The book “The Lethal History of Viscose” sheds light on the significant environmental impacts associated with Viscose production. Additionally, the workers involved in the manufacturing process are exposed to harmful chemicals, making it a concern for human health. While we won’t delve deeply into these environmental and human impacts, it’s important to be aware of them when considering Viscose products.
Serviceability of Viscose: As a professional cleaner, I often come across Viscose materials that have experienced some form of trauma. To increase the chances of Viscose surviving in this world, it’s crucial to apply a quality fabric protector when the material is brand new. This protective measure provides a buffer against spills and helps prevent immediate permanent damage caused by water-based incidents.
To demonstrate the impact of water on Viscose, let’s examine two examples. Here (see the video below for examples), we have two pieces from the same carpet: a brand new piece and another that underwent some testing due to a spilled glass of water. The tested piece exhibits textural damage, distortion, and fuzzing where water was applied. Viscose, being a regenerated cellulose product, reacts similarly to paper when exposed to moisture. Just like a wet receipt that never returns to its original state, wet Viscose can cause permanent textural distortion. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider the presence of children, pets, and liquids in your home before introducing Viscose pieces.
Conclusion: Viscose, a regenerated cellulose material derived from plants, offers a soft and shiny aesthetic when initially purchased. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the negative environmental and human impacts associated with its production. When it comes to serviceability, applying a fabric protector to Viscose materials from the start can help prolong their lifespan. It’s important to remember that exposure to water can cause permanent textural distortion in Viscose, so caution is advised when incorporating it into households with potential liquid hazards.
Have a great day!
You can watch me use this product here: