Can you wash wool and bamboo together
Short answer: You can, as long as both garments tolerate the same gentle wool cycle at a low temperature. Wool sets the pace because it can felt with heat and rough handling, so the bamboo clothing has to follow the rules for wool.
Why wool needs special care
Wool is an animal hair fibre with tiny scales on its surface. When wool meets heat, friction and sudden changes in temperature, those scales lock together and the fabric felts. That cannot be undone. This is why wool is washed on a dedicated programme with a low temperature, very little drum movement and a low spin. Bamboo viscose does not felt in the same way, but it has nothing against a gentle cycle either. So the needs of the wool should guide the wash.
Choose the right detergent
Wool does best with a wool detergent, which is mild and free of the enzymes that can break down protein fibres. Such a detergent is also fine for bamboo clothing. The reverse is not always true, as a regular detergent can be too harsh for wool. Use wool detergent when you mix the two. Brands such as Resteröds make clothing in several materials, and the care label in each garment tells you what suits it.
Temperature and programme
Wool cycles usually run at 30 degrees or cooler. That is lower than many bamboo garments can handle, but it is enough for normally worn clothing that is not heavily soiled. If you have a bamboo undershirt for women that you would rather wash warmer, it is better to wash it separately. Underwear that needs a higher temperature does not belong in a wool wash.
Lint and colour
Wool can shed some lint, especially new jumpers and throws, and lint clings easily to smooth viscose. Putting the bamboo clothing in a mesh bag is therefore a good idea when it is washed with wool. Sort by colour too, because woollen garments can release dye in the first few washes. Dark wool and light bamboo in the same machine can leave a grey tint on the light clothing.
Drying after the wash
Wool is best dried flat on a towel or a drying rack so it does not stretch in length. Bamboo clothing can also dry flat or on a hanger. Neither does well in a tumble dryer unless the label allows it, because the heat can felt wool and shrink viscose. Textiles from home and homewear in bamboo, such as throws and cushions, can also be laid flat to dry.
When it is better to wash separately
Wash separately if one item is very dirty, if the bamboo clothing needs a warmer wash, or if the wool is a new, thick jumper that sheds a lot. Hand washing is also an option for the most delicate woollens. The simplest rule of thumb is this: read the care labels and choose the gentler of the two. If they do not match, split the load.
Frequently asked questions
Does bamboo felt in a wool cycle
No. Bamboo viscose does not felt. It is wool that can felt with heat and friction.
Can you use wool detergent on bamboo
Yes. A mild wool detergent works well for bamboo clothing.
Can wool and bamboo go in the tumble dryer
Usually not. The heat can felt wool and shrink viscose, so air drying is best.
