Clothes that no longer feel soft
Short answer: When clothes feel less soft, it is usually down to limescale and detergent residue, not wear. A wash without detergent and good drying bring most of the softness back.
Residue in the fabric
Limescale from the water and leftover detergent settle on the fibres as a thin film. That film makes the surface stiff and slightly rough, and it builds up with every wash. It happens most with hard water and when too much detergent is used. Read more in clothes that have gone stiff.
Fabric softener
Fabric softener feels soft at first, but it leaves a layer on the fibres that collects dirt and makes the fabric less absorbent. On bamboo clothing it does the opposite of what you want over time. Leave it out entirely. See fabric softener and bamboo.
A wash without detergent
Run a wash with the clothes and no detergent on a normal programme. The water rinses out much of the residue, and many people notice a difference after one go. If the clothes are very stiff, repeat it. Afterwards, use a little less detergent than before so the residue does not build up again.
Finishes that wash out
Some fabrics are treated to feel extra soft in the shop. That finish washes out in the first few washes, and then you feel the fabric as it really is. It is not wear, but a one time change. Read more in why new clothes feel different after the first wash.
Drying
Air around the clothes gives a softer result than heat. If clothes dry on a radiator or in strong sun, the fibres can turn stiff. Hang them in an airy room and give them a light shake first. See how to dry bamboo clothing for the pros and cons of each method.
See the range
A thin T-shirt that is worn and washed often is usually where you notice the change first. Following the advice on dosing and drying keeps it soft for longer. With several to rotate, each one is washed less often. See the basics in bamboo T-shirt for women.
Washing
Wash at a moderate temperature, on a gentle programme and without fabric softener. Do not overfill the machine, so the clothes are rinsed properly. Turn items inside out and dry them hanging. The rest of the rules are in the washing guide.
Towels and bedding first
Towels and bedding lose their softness first, because there is a lot of fabric to rinse through and they are often washed in full loads. Wash them in slightly smaller loads with less detergent. An extra rinse can help too. See bamboo towels.
Hard water
If you live in a hard water area, limescale builds up in the fabric faster. You cannot change the water, but you can dose for it and choose a programme with an extra rinse. Check your water hardness with your supplier and follow the detergent instructions for that level.
When it is wear
If you have tried a wash without detergent and hanging to dry, and the fabric still feels thin and rough, it may be wear. The fibres have become shorter and the surface more open. The softness will not return, but the item can still be worn at home for a while.
Frequently asked questions
Why do clothes lose their softness?
Most often because of limescale and detergent residue, not wear. The residue settles on the fibres and stiffens the surface, especially with hard water or too much detergent.
Can the softness come back?
Often, yes. A wash without detergent rinses out much of the residue, and hanging to dry in an airy room gives a softer result than heat.
Should I use fabric softener?
No. Fabric softener leaves a layer on the fibres that collects dirt and makes the fabric less absorbent. With bamboo clothing it is better to leave it out.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
