Washing and drying sheets made of viscose
Short answer: Sheets made of viscose are best washed gently: low temperature, a mild programme and drying without high heat. Always follow the label in your own sheet, because that is what counts. Here is a simple walk-through of washing, drying and care step by step.
Start with the label
The most important thing in caring for sheets is the label, because it tells you what the fabric tolerates. Bamboo in clothing and bedding is viscose from bamboo, and viscose can react differently from cotton to heat and wringing. So take a moment to read the label before you put the sheet in the machine.
Sort the wash before you start
Wash sheets together with other bedding in the same colour, and keep them apart from heavy items such as jeans and towels. Heavy items pull on the fabric and shed lint that settles on the sheet. Light and dark colours should not be washed together either, because colour can run.
A gentle programme and a new set
Choose a gentle programme and a low temperature, and give the drum room so the sheet can move freely. If your sheet is worn and you need a new one, you can look at bamboo bedding and compare sizes. Measure the mattress first, so you order the right thing.
Detergent and fabric softener
Use a mild detergent and no more than the pack says. Too much detergent can settle in the fabric and make it stiff, and heavy fabric softener can leave a coating. Avoid bleach unless the label expressly allows it.
Drying without heat
Viscose tolerates high heat poorly, so air drying is the gentlest. Shake the sheet out when it comes out of the machine and hang it up so it does not lie in a clump. If you use a tumble dryer, choose a low programme and take the sheet out while it is still slightly damp.
Ironing without wear
Viscose creases easily, and a light iron can give a neat result. Iron while the sheet is still a little damp and use a temperature that fits the label. Do not press hard, and iron on the reverse side if you are unsure.
Nightwear and socks in the same wash
Wash nightwear with the sheets if the colours match, because it gives a sensibly filled machine without overloading it. You can look at sleepwear if you want something in the same fabric as the sheet. Socks do not belong in the same wash, because they rub and shed lint, and you can look at all bamboo socks for men as a set of their own.
Storing between uses
Fold the sheet and put it in a clean, dry cupboard so it does not smell or get creases. Let the fabric dry completely before you put it away, and you avoid a damp smell. Rotate between sets so you do not wear the same set out too quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How hot can I wash a viscose sheet?
Follow the label in the sheet, because it overrides any other guidance. Many choose a low temperature and a gentle programme to look after the fabric.
Can I tumble dry viscose sheets?
The label decides, but air drying is the gentlest method. If you use a tumble dryer, choose a low programme and take the sheet out while it is still slightly damp.
Why does the sheet go stiff after washing?
It is often because of too much detergent or fabric softener, or because the sheet dried in a clump. Use less detergent, rinse well and shake the sheet out before you hang it up.
