The tumble dryer on the gentle setting
Short answer: Bamboo fabric can handle a tumble dryer on low heat, but it wears the material more than air drying does. If you still use the dryer, choose the gentle programme and take the clothes out while they are still slightly damp. That keeps their shape and softness for as long as possible.
What the tumble dryer does to bamboo fabric
A tumble dryer heats clothes and tosses them around the drum while they rub against each other. Bamboo viscose is soft, but it is not as hardy as thick cotton. A habit of tumbling everything can therefore make the fabric lose its shape and smoothness sooner, and it feels less pleasant against the skin.
Heat is the biggest culprit
High heat makes viscose fibres contract. That is why clothes often shrink more in the dryer than in the wash itself. The fabric turns shorter, stiffer and less comfortable on the skin. A low temperature is far gentler and helps you avoid the worst surprises when you take the clothes out of the drum afterwards.
Elastane in waistbands cannot take strong heat
Many bamboo garments contain a little elastane in waistbands and edges so they fit well. High heat makes elastane brittle, and it gradually loses its stretch. In the end the waistband loosens and no longer holds the garment in place. A low temperature gives the elastic a noticeably longer life in everyday use.
Choose the gentle programme or low heat
Look for the programme with a low temperature, often called gentle, delicate or low heat. Avoid strong programmes made for towels and thick jeans. Drying takes longer on low heat, but the fabric is treated more kindly. You can feel that in the fit and softness when you wear the garment again. See also bamboo T-shirts for men.
Fill the drum only halfway
A half-full drum gives clothes room to move and get air around them. When it is packed, the clothes clump together, dry unevenly and need longer. That means more heat and more wear. Split the laundry into two loads instead, and avoid mixing heavy and light garments in the same load.
Take clothes out while still slightly damp
The most useful rule of thumb is to stop the programme before the clothes are fully dry. Take them out when they still feel slightly cool to the touch. The last stretch of hot air is what dries the fibres out most. The remaining dampness soon disappears by itself once the clothes are out of the drum.
Hang the clothes up afterwards
When you take the clothes out, shake them and hang them on a hanger or a drying rack. Leave them for about half an hour so the last moisture can evaporate calmly. That gives you smooth fabric and a fresh feel. Clothes are also easier to fold when they are not lying in a clump in the basket.
What should never go in the dryer
Some things should stay out of the dryer, however gently you set it. That includes bras, anything with underwire or thin elastic bands, and anything that already fits closely. The wires can bend, and the elastic loses its stretch. Read more about bamboo bra without underwire and caring for clothes worn close to the body.
Air drying is still the gentlest option
The mildest way to dry bamboo clothing is still an ordinary drying rack or a line, preferably away from direct heat. There is no wear from the drum, and the fibres stay soft. If you mostly use the dryer out of necessity, keep it for towels and garments you need quickly. See also bamboo underwear for women.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there lint in the filter?
Lint is torn fibre ends that come loose when clothes rub against the drum and each other. A lot of lint is therefore a sign of wear, so use low heat and avoid very long drying times.
Do towels get softer in a tumble dryer?
Yes, it is the one thing a dryer does better than a line. It loosens and airs the fibres, so towels often feel fluffier and softer when they come out of the drum.
Can you use dryer balls?
Yes, dryer balls can shorten drying time and reduce creases because they lift the laundry and let air move around it. Less time in the dryer means less wear and less heat on the fabric.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
