Caring for Bamboo Nightgowns at Home
Short answer: Stains, pilling and buttons are the three things that most often cause trouble on a nightgown, and all three can be handled at home with a little patience. Here is a simple guide to caring for bamboo nightgowns so they stay soft and neat.
Caring for bamboo nightgowns: how to treat stains quickly
Treat a stain as soon as possible. Dab it gently with cold water and a little mild soap, and do not rub, since wet viscose is vulnerable. Let the soap work for a few minutes and rinse. If you use something stronger, test the colour in a hidden spot first.
Sweat marks and odour
Sweat marks and odour are best handled by airing the nightgown out every morning. Hang it on a hanger by an open window. Wash it after a few nights and follow the care label. Browse bamboo nightgowns for women and choose light or dark colours by what you can best keep neat.
Why pilling happens
Pilling is small bobbles that form when fibres rub against each other or against other things. It happens most at the sleeves, the sides and the places where the nightgown rubs against the duvet and sheet. It is normal and not a sign of poor quality, but you can slow it with gentle washing and a laundry bag.
How to remove pilling
Use a fabric shaver or small scissors to take the bobbles off carefully. Do not pull at them with your fingers, since fibres can come loose. Do it on a dry, clean garment on a flat surface. Take a little at a time and do not press hard. Repeat when new ones come.
Buttons and holes
If the nightgown has buttons, close them before washing so they do not pull at the fabric or catch on other things. Check the thread regularly and sew on a loose button before it falls off. Keep any spare buttons that come with it. Then you can repair quickly without losing the gown.
Washing so the fabric lasts
Wash the nightgown in a laundry bag on a gentle programme and at a low temperature. Use a mild detergent and not too much soap. Do not wash it with towels or jeans, which rub and cause pilling. Follow the care label and change nothing unless you have a reason.
Drying and storing
Let the nightgown air dry on a hanger or lying flat, and avoid hard tumble drying, which can cause shrinking and more pilling. Store it folded in a drawer or hanging in the wardrobe. Alongside it you can keep a set from bamboo sleepwear for women for nights when you want something different.
When the nightgown is also a house dress
If the nightgown is worn in the daytime, rotate between several so none wears out too fast. Choose bamboo loungewear for women if you want something that takes more wear. Make sure nothing in pockets or on belts rubs against the fabric.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove pilling from a nightgown
Use a fabric shaver or small scissors and take the bobbles off carefully on a flat, dry garment. Do not pull at them with your fingers. Repeat when new ones come.
Can I machine wash a nightgown with buttons
Yes, but close the buttons first and use a laundry bag and a gentle programme. Follow the care label.
How often should a nightgown be washed
That depends on how warm you sleep. Many wash after a few nights. Air it out every morning and wash it when it no longer feels fresh.
