Can bamboo clothing dry on a radiator
Short answer: It can, but it is not the best option. Direct heat from a radiator can make bamboo viscose stiff, cause shrinking and wear the fibres faster, so a drying rack placed a little away from the heat is the better choice.
What high heat does to the fibres
Bamboo in clothing is viscose, a fibre made from cellulose. Viscose absorbs a lot of water and is weaker when wet than when dry. When a wet garment lies directly on a hot radiator, the side touching the metal dries much faster than the rest. That uneven drying can leave stiff patches, small creases and slight shrinkage, which is hard to correct afterwards, even with a careful pass of the iron on a low setting.
Shrinking and shape
Viscose knit holds its shape because the stitches sit in a set pattern. Fast and uneven drying pulls the stitches together in some places and leaves them loose in others. You notice it most at hems, ribbed cuffs and sleeves, which can twist out of line. A T-shirt folded over a radiator can also get a crease across the body that simply stays there. See bamboo T-shirts for men for examples of knit that does best with calm, even drying.
A better way to dry
Give the clothes a gentle shake when they come out of the machine and ease them back into shape. Lay them flat on a drying rack or hang them on a hanger so the weight is spread evenly. The rack can stand in the same room as the radiator, just not right against it. A little warm air around the fabric shortens drying time without concentrating the heat in one spot. A long sleeved top dries most neatly with the sleeves hanging freely. See bamboo long sleeve T-shirt for men.
When you are in a hurry
If you need the garment the same day, run an extra spin at low speed so there is less water left to evaporate. Then roll the item in a dry towel and press gently. This removes a great deal of moisture without stretching the fabric. Hang it near the heat source afterwards, but not on it. A room with good ventilation also dries clothes faster than a closed bathroom, because the damp air has somewhere to go.
Polo shirts and collars
Collars and button plackets often have an extra layer of fabric or an interlining. They dry more slowly than the rest of the shirt, and on a radiator the collar can turn wavy while the body is already dry. It is better to hang a polo on a hanger, fasten the top button and straighten the collar with your fingers while it is still damp. It will then sit neatly once dry. See bamboo polos for men.
Moisture in the home
Clothes drying indoors release water into the air. In smaller flats during winter this can lead to condensation on windows and damp corners. Open the windows a few times a day, ideally with a cross draught for five to ten minutes. That helps your home and your laundry alike, because clothes dry more evenly in air that is not already saturated with moisture.
Frequently asked questions
Can bamboo clothing go in the tumble dryer
Always follow the care label. Many makers recommend low heat or air drying, because viscose can shrink at high temperatures.
Can I dry socks on the radiator
It often works, but viscose socks last longer if they dry on a rack near the heat rather than directly on it.
How long does air drying take
Usually half a day to a full day indoors, depending on fabric thickness, room temperature and how well the room is ventilated.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
