The iron left a shiny mark in the fabric

Short answer: Shiny spots from an iron are melted or flattened fibers on the surface. They can be softened with steam and careful brushing, but they unfortunately rarely disappear completely from the item.

What actually happened

Bamboo viscose only tolerates low heat from an iron, unlike many other materials. At too high a temperature, the fiber surface gets pressed flat, and in the worst case the elastane in the blend melts together. The surface starts reflecting light, which is why the area suddenly looks shiny and slightly greasy.

First aid right away

Steam the area from about two centimeters away, then brush it carefully with a soft clothes brush in the direction of the fibers. The fibers partly stand back up after this treatment. Repeat the process a couple of times, and let the item dry completely flat afterward, without hanging it up.

How to iron correctly going forward

Set the iron to its lowest setting, iron while the fabric is still slightly damp, and always place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric for protection. Iron from the reverse side whenever you possibly can, and never leave the iron resting in one spot too long.

See our bamboo shirts

See bamboo shirt for men and bamboo shirts for women, where low ironing temperature is always the key to keeping the fabric looking good and shine-free for many years of regular use.

The alternative is pure steam

A steamer never touches the fabric directly and therefore cannot create shiny spots at all, no matter how close it is held. For bamboo fabric, it is often both easier and faster to use than a regular iron, especially on large surfaces.

Why it happens mostly on dark fabric

The contrast between matte and shiny is greatest on dark colors, where the eye instantly catches the difference. The damage happens just as often on light fabric, it is simply much harder to spot in everyday light.

Prints need extra caution

Prints and designs melt already at low heat and can stick to the iron's sole plate. Always iron printed items from the reverse side, and avoid any direct contact between the iron and the design entirely. That also applies to a simple bamboo t-shirt for women with a front print.

How long a shiny spot lasts

A shiny spot unfortunately does not disappear on its own over time, no matter how long you wait. It can be softened slightly with each wash, but the full fiber structure rarely returns completely afterward.