Can you use bleach on white bamboo
Short answer: As a rule, it is best avoided. Chlorine bleach can weaken viscose fibres and cause yellow marks or holes. Follow the care label and choose gentler methods to keep white bamboo clothing white.
What bleach does to the fibres
Chlorine bleach is a strong chemical that breaks down dyes and dirt. It also attacks the fibres themselves. Bamboo clothing is made from viscose derived from bamboo, a cellulose fibre, and viscose is more sensitive to strong chemicals than, for example, cotton. The result can be fabric that gets thinner, loses strength and develops small holes, or that takes on a yellowish tint instead of becoming whiter.
Read the care label
The care label has a symbol for bleaching, which is a triangle. A crossed out triangle means the garment must not be bleached. An empty triangle means bleaching is allowed, and a triangle with two diagonal lines means only oxygen based bleach may be used. Many viscose garments carry the crossed out triangle. That is the maker's recommendation, and it should be followed. If you are unsure, do not bleach.
Why white clothing turns grey or yellow
White clothing rarely turns grey from a single wash. It happens gradually, as small amounts of dye from other clothes, detergent residue, skin oils and deodorant build up in the fibres. Yellow patches under the arms are often caused by a mix of sweat and deodorant. If you own white bamboo T-shirts for men, it is a good idea to wash them with other whites rather than with pale colours.
Gentler alternatives
Instead of chlorine you can use a detergent made for whites, which usually contains optical brighteners and oxygen based ingredients. Always check first that the care label allows oxygen bleach. Using the correct amount of detergent also helps, as too much settles in the fibres and turns them grey. Drying in daylight can give white clothes a fresher look. A bamboo undershirt for men stays white longer when it is washed regularly and does not sit sweaty in the laundry basket for days.
Marks under the arms
Yellow marks under the arms can be treated with a little liquid detergent worked gently into the fabric before washing. Leave it for a short while, then wash as usual. Avoid hot water on fresh sweat marks, because heat can set the stain. You might also switch to a deodorant that leaves less residue, and let it dry on your skin before getting dressed. That prevents more than any bleach ever could.
Underwear and inner shorts
White underwear wears quickly because it is washed often and sits close to the body. Wash it at the temperature on the label and avoid chlorine completely. If you want underwear to look good for a long time, regular washing, correct dosing and air drying are the way to go. This applies to briefs, boxers and bamboo inner shorts, which are often washed after every wear.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use chlorine bleach on bamboo clothing
As a rule, no. Chlorine can weaken viscose fibres and cause yellow marks, and many garments have a crossed out triangle on the label.
What does the triangle on the care label mean
It refers to bleaching. Crossed out means no bleach, two diagonal lines mean oxygen bleach only.
How do you keep whites white without bleach
Wash whites separately, use the right amount of a detergent for whites and let the clothes air dry.
