Ironing or hanging up
Short answer: Viscose from bamboo rarely needs an iron. Hang clothes up damp and smooth them out with your hands, and only iron if a garment needs to look sharp. If so, use low heat and a pressing cloth.
Why viscose creases
Viscose is a cellulose fibre that becomes soft and pliable when wet and can set into folds if it dries in a crumpled position. Jersey and knitwear crease less than woven cloth because they are made of loops that spring back. That means many everyday garments, such as underwear and T-shirts, do not need ironing. Woven shirts and trousers more often need a little help.
Hanging up as the main rule
The easiest method is to take clothes out of the machine at once, shake them out and hang them on a hanger or a line. Pull gently at the seams and run your palm over the fabric while it is damp. It will then dry mostly smooth. See Zent as an example of bamboo clothing for daily use that often only needs hanging. Hang clothes in an airy, dry spot out of direct sun.
If you do iron
Use low to medium heat, for instance the setting for silk or viscose, and iron on the reverse side or with a thin cloth between. High heat can make viscose shiny and damage the fibres. Steam is fine, but keep the iron moving. See bamboo underpants for men before you consider ironing them, for close jersey and elastic do not tolerate heat and rarely need it. Iron only what is necessary.
Steam as an alternative
A steamer or the steam function on an iron can smooth folds without touching the fabric. Hang the garment up, hold the steam close and pull the cloth lightly with the other hand. It works well on shirts and light sets. A warm bathroom can also loosen small creases if you hang clothes up while you shower. Wait until the clothes are dry before you put them on, so no new creases form.
Nightwear and what manages without an iron
Nightwear hangs loosely and is worn in bed, so small creases do not matter. See night T-shirt for men, which can be hung up and worn without ironing. That saves time, and the clothes wear less. It makes sense to save the iron for clothes that are seen outside the home, such as shirts and white blouses.
Our recommendation by situation
Choose hanging up for most things: it is quick, gentle and enough for jersey and close knit. Choose ironing or steaming for shirts and woven pieces that need to look good at a meeting or a party. Always use low heat and check the care label. If you hang clothes up straight after washing and smooth them with your hands, you will rarely need an iron.
Frequently asked questions
May I iron bamboo clothes
Yes, usually at low heat and preferably with a pressing cloth. Check the care label, as some garments do not tolerate ironing.
How do I remove creases without an iron
Hang the clothes in a steamy bathroom or use a steamer. Also smooth them with your hands while they are damp.
Why do clothes turn shiny after ironing
It happens at too high a heat or with direct pressure. Use a lower temperature and a thin cloth in between.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
