Bamboo nightwear and what to do when it smells after washing

Short answer: A smell that stays after washing sits either in the fibres or in the washing machine. Both can be fixed, and you do not need to throw your nightwear away.

Check the machine first

A washing machine with detergent residue and damp in the seal smells by itself, and the smell passes on to your clothes. Run an empty wash at 90 degrees and wipe the rubber seal and detergent drawer afterwards. Leave the door open between washes. If new clothes smell too, it is almost always the machine.

Fabric softener is often to blame

The film from fabric softener traps odours in the fabric instead of releasing them into the water. Over time it builds up, and your nightwear smells even when freshly washed. Drop the softener entirely and wash your nightwear twice without it. Bamboo viscose is soft on its own. See washing and care.

Less detergent

Too much detergent does not rinse out, and the residue holds on to smells and dirt. Use the dose for lightly soiled laundry, or slightly less. Nightwear is rarely very dirty and does not need a full dose. An extra rinse can help for the first few washes.

A hotter wash, just once

A single wash at 60 degrees can reset a set that has started to smell, because the heat removes built-up grease and sweat. Do not make it a habit, as the high temperature wears the fibres and can shrink the fabric. Afterwards, go back to 30 or 40 degrees. See bamboo nightwear for men.

Dry it completely

Nightwear folded away slightly damp will smell after a day in the wardrobe. Make sure it is completely dry, including the waistband and seams, which dry last. Hang it with space around it rather than squeezed next to other clothes. The same goes for bamboo bedding, which takes longer to dry.

Do not wash too rarely

Nightwear worn for many nights collects sweat and skin oils that are hard to remove at low temperatures. Wash it after three or four nights, or more often if you sweat. It is easier to keep a set fresh than to rescue one that has collected smells for weeks.

Do not leave it in the machine

Laundry left wet in the machine for hours after washing can develop a musty smell that is hard to get rid of. Take it out and hang it up as soon as the programme finishes. Use a delay timer if needed, so the wash ends when you are home.

Air it between wears

Hang your nightwear up to air in the morning instead of putting it under the pillow. The fabric gets a chance to dry after the night and stays fresher for longer. A set that is aired every day can often be worn one more night before it needs washing.

The short order

Clean the machine. Drop the softener. Use less detergent. Wash once at 60 degrees. Dry the clothes completely and hang them up straight away. If that does not help after two or three washes, which is rare, it may be time to replace the set.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my nightwear smell after washing?

Either the smell sits in the washing machine, or fabric softener and detergent residue trap odours in the fibres. Clean the machine and drop the softener first.