How to wash bamboo clothing by hand
Short answer: Hand washing is gentle, but it requires thorough rinsing. Use lukewarm water, a little detergent and avoid wringing, because wringing pulls the fibres out of shape.
Lukewarm water
Around 30 degrees is enough for hand washing bamboo clothing. Warmer water cleans no better but wears the fabric and the elastic. Feel the water with your hand: it should be pleasantly lukewarm, not hot. Fill the sink or a bowl before adding the clothes, so the detergent dissolves in the water first.
A little detergent
A teaspoon in a sink full of water is plenty. Too much detergent is hard to rinse out and leaves residue in the fibres. A mild liquid detergent works well, as it dissolves easily in lukewarm water. Powder can leave grains if it has not fully dissolved before the clothes go in.
Let it soak
Leave the clothes in the water for ten minutes instead of rubbing. In most cases the dirt loosens by itself. Move the clothes gently around in the water a few times along the way. Hard rubbing wears the fibres and can lead to pilling and a rough surface over time.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse in clean, lukewarm water until the water runs completely clear. That often takes two or three rounds. Detergent residue can cause odour and make the fabric stiff, and some people also find it itchy. It is the step most often skipped when hand washing, and it makes the biggest difference.
Do not wring
Press the water out instead of wringing. Wringing pulls the fibres out of shape and can leave a crooked fit. Lay the item on a dry towel and roll it up if it needs to dry quickly. Press lightly on the roll so the towel soaks up most of the water.
Dry flat
Heavy, wet pieces stretch out of shape if they hang on a hanger. Lay them flat on a drying rack or a towel and shape them gently with your hands. Smaller items like briefs and bras can be hung up, as long as they do not hang by the straps. Avoid direct sun and radiator heat.
What suits hand washing
Hand washing suits bras, thin tops and underwear best. Sweatshirts and towels become too heavy to handle when wet. See bamboo bra without underwire, bamboo underwear for women and bamboo underwear for men, which can all be washed by hand.
Bras by hand
A bra without underwire keeps its shape best when washed by hand. Close any hooks so they do not catch on other clothes. Press the water out between two towels and let the bra dry flat. That way the cups and the band keep their shape longer than with machine washing.
When the machine is fine
Hand washing is not needed for all bamboo clothing. Most pieces can go in the machine at 40 degrees with a mild detergent and no fabric softener. Hand washing is a good choice for delicate items or when you only have a few things to wash. See all the rules in the washing guide.
When travelling
Hand washing is practical when you are travelling and have no washing machine. A small bottle of liquid detergent and a sink are enough. Wash in the evening and let the clothes dry overnight. Thin bamboo viscose pieces are often dry by the next morning, especially if they were rolled in a towel first.
Frequently asked questions
How warm should the water be for hand washing?
Around 30 degrees is enough. The water should feel pleasantly lukewarm. Warmer water cleans no better but wears the fabric and elastic over time, so stick to lukewarm.
How much detergent should I use?
A teaspoon in a sink full of water is plenty. Too much detergent is hard to rinse out and leaves residue, so use too little rather than too much when washing by hand.
How do I dry clothes after hand washing?
Press the water out in a towel instead of wringing. Lay heavy pieces flat to dry and hang up small ones. Avoid direct sun and radiator heat so the shape holds.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
