Dark bedding and what you should know
Short answer: Dark bedding hides stains well but shows lint and skin flakes more clearly than light bedding. The colour fades mainly from heat and sun rather than from washing itself, so with the right care dark colours last a long time.
What dark hides
Coffee, make-up, cream and small food stains in bed barely show on dark bedding. That is one of the main reasons many people choose it, especially for pillows, where make-up and hair products otherwise leave clear marks. Dark bedding therefore looks tidy for longer between washes, though of course it still needs washing.
What dark shows
Lint, dust and light skin flakes show clearly on a dark surface. That does not mean the bedding is dirtier than light bedding, only that the contrast is greater. The same goes for hair and pet hair, which stand out more on black and navy than on white. A lint roller helps when making the bed.
Fading
Black, navy and other dark colours fade mainly from heat and sunlight. Wash at 40 degrees rather than hotter and dry the bedding in the shade or indoors. Turning the cover inside out before washing also helps. More tips on washing and colours are in the washing guide.
The first washes
Dark colours often release some excess dye at first. This is normal and fades after a few washes. Wash new dark bedding separately the first few times so the colour does not transfer to light clothing. After that it can be washed with other dark items in the same colour range.
Lint from towels
Never wash dark bedding with towels. Terry sheds lint that clings to smooth, dark fabrics and is hard to remove again. Keep towels and bedding in separate loads so both stay looking better. You can browse our bamboo towels and wash them on their own.
Detergent for dark colours
A detergent for coloured or dark clothing usually contains no optical brighteners, which can give dark colours a greyish tinge over time. Skip fabric softener too, as it leaves a film on the fibres. Dose for your water hardness so no residue is left to form pale streaks on the dark surface.
Drying
Dry dark bedding spread out in the shade or indoors, away from direct sunlight. The sun dries effectively but also bleaches colours gradually. Avoid the tumble dryer, as the heat can wear the fibres and make colours look dull. Give the cover a good shake before hanging it up so it creases less.
See the range
Dark colours are practical in everyday life and give the bedroom a calm look. Combine them with lighter pillows or a throw if you want some contrast. The colour range changes with the season, so you can see the current colours and sizes in bamboo bedding.
More about washing
Bedding has its own considerations in the wash, from closing the cover to how full you load the machine. If you are unsure about temperature, programme or drying, it is all explained step by step in how to wash bamboo bedding.
Dark or light
Choosing between dark and light bedding is mostly about taste and habits. Dark hides stains and needs a little care with lint and sun. Light shows stains but hides lint and can handle more sunlight. Many people choose one dark set and one light set, so a clean one is always ready.
Frequently asked questions
Does dark bedding fade quickly?
Only if it dries in direct sun or is washed too hot. At 40 degrees, without softener and dried in the shade, the colour lasts a long time.
Why does lint show on dark bedding?
Because the contrast between dark fabric and pale lint is great. Never wash it with towels, which shed a lot of lint in the machine.
Should new dark bedding be washed separately?
Yes, for the first few times. Dark colours release some excess dye at first, and this fades after a few washes, after which it can go with other dark items.
See our range of Nordic Weaving bedding.
