How to dry bamboo clothing without ruining it
Short answer: Hang bamboo clothing up or dry it on low heat. High heat shrinks the fabric, breaks down the elastic and sets stains, and it is the single step that costs your clothes the most life.
Why drying matters so much
Most people blame washing when clothes wear out, but drying often does the damage. In the washing machine, clothes are surrounded by water that softens friction and heat. In a dryer they are dry, hot and moving for a long time. That combination wears soft viscose fibres the most.
Hang it up while damp
Hang clothes up straight from the machine and they smooth out by themselves, so they rarely need ironing. Shake each garment once and straighten the seams before you hang it. Do not leave it crumpled in the machine for hours, or the creases will set. See washing and care.
Lay heavy items flat
Knits and heavy jumpers stretch under their own weight when they hang wet. The shoulders can get bumps from the hanger, and the length can grow. Lay them flat on a towel or drying rack instead, and turn them once as they dry. Underwear and light T-shirts can hang without problems.
Low heat if you use a dryer
The elastic in waistbands and cuffs is broken down by heat, not by movement. On low heat very little happens, while high heat makes elastic slack and brittle over time. Choose the lowest heat setting and take clothes out while still slightly damp. See bamboo underwear for men.
Never heat on stains
If a stain is still there after washing, the garment must not go in the dryer. The heat sets the stain permanently, so it can no longer be treated. Check clothes before they go into the dryer, especially light items and underwear. If there is a stain, treat it again and let the garment air dry.
Not in direct sun
Direct sunlight fades colours, especially on dark clothing. It happens slowly, so you only notice when one item looks dull next to the rest. Dry indoors or in the shade, and turn dark clothes inside out if they hang outside. See all bamboo socks for men.
Socks and small items
Socks dry quickly on a drying rack and do not need the dryer. Hang them by the toe so the elastic in the cuff is not pulled out by the weight. Underwear can hang from pegs at the waistband or lie over a rail. Small items usually dry indoors within a few hours.
Drying time indoors
Bamboo viscose absorbs a lot of moisture, so it can take a little longer to dry than synthetic fabrics. Leave space around each garment and do not hang things too close together. An open door or a window ajar makes a big difference. Avoid putting clothes directly on a hot radiator.
In short
Hang clothes up while damp, lay heavy items flat, and only use the dryer on low heat. Check for stains before drying, and keep dark clothes out of direct sun. That way bamboo clothing keeps its size, elastic and colour far longer than if it is always dried hot.
Frequently asked questions
Can bamboo clothing go in the tumble dryer?
On low heat, yes. High heat shrinks the fabric and breaks down the elastic in waistbands and edges. Take clothes out while slightly damp, so they take as little wear as possible.
Why should heavy jumpers be laid flat?
Because the weight of the water stretches them out of shape when they hang. The shoulders can get bumps and the length can grow. Laid flat on a towel, they keep their shape.
Can the sun fade clothes?
Yes. Direct sunlight fades colours, especially on dark garments. Dry indoors or in the shade, and turn dark clothes inside out if they need to hang outside.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
