Washing and ironing bamboo dresses for women
Short answer: Bamboo dresses women wear every week do best with a gentle wash, a low temperature and air drying. Iron them on a low setting and preferably inside out, if the label allows it. Here are the main steps for keeping a dress smooth, soft and in shape.
Start with the label inside the dress
The label inside the dress is your best guide. It tells you what temperature you can wash at, whether the dress may go in the tumble dryer and how hot you may iron. Many dresses in bamboo viscose are made in thin jersey that reacts to heat, so follow the instructions rather than guess. See bamboo dresses for more types.
How to wash bamboo dresses women own
Turn the dress inside out so the surface does not rub against zips and buttons on other clothes. Wash it with similar, soft items in similar colours. For dresses with thin straps, use a wash bag so they do not tangle with other things in the drum and pull out of shape.
A gentle programme and a low temperature
Choose a gentle programme and a low temperature unless the label says otherwise. Bamboo viscose is a fine fabric that can lose shape and softness if it is washed too hot or too hard. Use a low spin and take the dress out as soon as the wash ends, so it does not lie damp and crease.
Mild detergent in the right amount
Use a mild detergent in a small amount and avoid fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fabric. Residue makes a dress stiff and can make it hang less well. If you wash with other items, dose for the whole load, and rinse once more if the fabric feels stiff.
Drying without ruining the drape
Hang the dress to dry or lay it flat so it is not pulled lengthways. Wet jersey dresses on a hanger can stretch at the shoulders, so use a drying rack and let it hang loosely. Avoid direct sun and radiators, which can dry out the fabric and fade colours.
How to iron a bamboo viscose dress
Iron only if the dress truly needs it, and choose a low temperature. Turn it inside out or place a thin cloth between the dress and the iron, so it does not leave shiny marks. Most jersey dresses lose their creases if you hang them in a steamy bathroom, so steam does the work.
Steam as an alternative
A steamer or a steamy bathroom can remove creases without direct contact. Hold the steam at a safe distance and let the dress hang until it is completely dry before you put it on. Steam suits thin fabrics, where an iron can leave shiny patches or pull the fabric out of shape. Most bamboo dresses women own respond well to it.
Store it so it keeps its shape
Fold the dress rather than hanging it if the fabric is heavy and may stretch on a hanger. If it is light, it can hang on a wide hanger. Store it dry and airy, not in plastic. It pairs well with a women's long-sleeved bamboo T-shirt underneath and bamboo socks for women.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bamboo viscose dress go in the tumble dryer?
Only if the label says so. Air drying is the safest way to keep shape, softness and colour, and it is gentlest on the fabric.
How do I iron a bamboo dress without shiny marks?
Use low heat and turn the dress inside out, or place a thin cloth between the dress and the iron. Iron briefly and gently, and let the fabric cool before you wear it.
How often should I wash the dress?
It depends on how much you sweat and how often you wear it. Many air the dress between wears and wash after one to three uses, so the fabric wears as little as possible.
