Washing bamboo clothing and what happens to the colours

Short answer: Colours fade from three things. Heat, sunlight and mechanical wear on the surface. The detergent matters less than those three, unless it contains bleach.

Heat first

A high temperature in both washing and drying loosens dye from the fibre. 40 degrees and low heat preserve the colour markedly longer. See washing and care.

Sunlight bleaches

Direct sun on wet clothing bleaches dark colours especially. Dry in the shade or indoors. See all bamboo socks for men.

Wear changes the surface

Black that turns grey is often not faded but worn. The surface has become rough and reflects the light differently. Turn it inside out.

Bleach in the detergent

Powder detergent for whites often contains bleach. Use a colour detergent for everything that is not white. See bamboo underwear for men.

Wash similar colours together

New dark clothing releases colour onto light clothing in the same machine. See bamboo underwear for women.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my clothing fade?

From heat, sunlight and mechanical wear. Heat is the biggest single factor.

Why does black turn grey?

Often because the surface is worn rough, not because the colour has gone. Wash inside out.

Which detergent preserves colours best?

A colour detergent without bleach.