Washing bamboo bed linen without damaging the fibres
Short answer: Bamboo bed linen is best washed at a low temperature, with a mild detergent, without fabric softener and without hard drying. Always follow the care label on your set. That way the fabric keeps its softness and shape for longer.
Start with the care label
The label in your bedding is always the first thing to follow, because it applies to your fabric and your weave. Check temperature, programme and drying before you put the set in the machine. Instructions vary, so what applies to one set does not necessarily suit another.
Low temperature and a gentle programme
Bamboo viscose is soft but more delicate when wet. Choose a low temperature, often thirty to forty degrees, and a gentle programme if the label allows. Bed linen gets clean enough at low heat, and the fabric wears less with every wash. See our bamboo bedding.
Mild detergent, and not too much
Use a mild detergent and dose by the size of the load, not by eye. Too much can leave residue in the fabric and make it stiff. Avoid bleach and strong stain removers unless the label allows them. Add an extra rinse if you are unsure about residue.
Fabric softener can do more harm than good
Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibres that can make the fabric less soft and less absorbent. Use it sparingly or skip it. Many find that a soft fabric stays softer without it than with it. Try leaving it out for a few washes and feel the difference.
Do not overfill the machine
An overfilled drum means more rubbing and poorer rinsing, so the cover can end up creased and stiff. Leave room for the bedding to move freely. Wash two smaller loads rather than one big one, and the result is often better.
How to dry bamboo bed linen
Air drying is the gentlest method, and bed linen dries easily hung outdoors or on a line. If you use the tumble dryer, choose low heat and take the laundry out while it is slightly damp. Hot drying can make the fabric shrink.
Stains and smell
Treat stains before washing with mild soap and lukewarm water. Do not rub hard, because wet fibres are weaker. If the bed smells, air the duvet and pillow and wash the cover more often. Vinegar or strong perfume is not always a good idea without checking the label.
Storage and ironing
Store clean bed linen dry and airy, not in a damp cupboard. Iron at a low temperature if you want it smooth, and follow the label. Many let the cover hang so it falls smooth, and skip ironing altogether. Also try sleepwear such as a women's Bamboo Pajama Shirt, and look at brands like JBS.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I wash bamboo bedding at?
A low temperature, often thirty to forty degrees, is a good starting point. Always check the care label on your set, because it applies to your fabric.
Can bamboo bed linen go in the tumble dryer?
It depends on the care label. Air drying is the gentlest. If you use the dryer, choose low heat and take the laundry out while it is still slightly damp.
Should I use fabric softener on bamboo bedding?
It is not necessary, and it can make the fabric less soft and absorbent. Use it sparingly or skip it, and use a mild detergent in the right amount.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
