Which detergent suits bamboo viscose
Short answer: An ordinary liquid detergent for coloured clothes is the right choice for bamboo viscose. Avoid products with bleach, and skip fabric softener, which closes the fibres and makes the fabric worse at moving moisture.
Liquid rather than powder
Powder often contains bleach and dissolves less well at 40 degrees, which is the temperature bamboo viscose is normally washed at. Undissolved grains can settle in the fabric and leave white marks or residue. Liquid detergent mixes with the water straight away and rinses out more easily. That makes it the simplest choice.
Colour rather than white
Detergents for white laundry usually contain bleach and optical brighteners. The bleach breaks down bamboo viscose over time and can give coloured clothes a greyish cast. A colour detergent is milder and suits both coloured and white items in bamboo viscose. So you do not need two different products for your bamboo clothing.
Wool detergent is not needed
Bamboo viscose is not wool and does not need a special delicates detergent. A mild colour detergent is enough. Wool detergent does no harm, but it costs more and gives no extra benefit in a normal wash. If you already have some, you can happily use it for the thinnest items.
Skip fabric softener
Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibres that reduces the fabric's ability to move moisture away from the skin. That is exactly what makes bamboo viscose comfortable to wear. The clothes are soft enough without it, because the fibres themselves are smooth. Read more in fabric softener and bamboo.
Fragrance free for sensitive skin
If your skin is sensitive, choose a fragrance free product without dyes. Fragrance is one of the most common causes of irritation for people with delicate skin. If you have eczema or allergies, talk to your doctor about what suits you. More on the subject in bamboo clothing for sensitive skin, eczema and allergies.
Dosage
Follow the dosage on the pack, and use less for half loads and lightly soiled clothes. Too much detergent leaves residue that can cause odour and itching, however mild the product is. A good detergent in the right amount does more for your clothes than an expensive one used in excess. Use the measuring cup every time.
For thin items
Bras, thin tops and slips can take the same detergent as the rest of your bamboo clothing. The difference lies in the handling, not the product. Wash them in a laundry bag on a gentle programme, so straps and edges are not stretched. See for example bamboo bra without underwire, which benefits from this care.
For towels and bedding
Towels and bedding in bamboo viscose are washed with the same liquid colour detergent. This is where fabric softener is tempting for softness, but it makes towels worse at absorbing water. Shake them well before hanging them up, and they will be soft without it. See bamboo towels.
Stains
For stains, rub a little liquid detergent straight into the mark and leave it for a quarter of an hour before washing. Avoid stain removers with chlorine or bleach on bamboo viscose. Treat the stain as soon as possible, and use cold water for blood or egg, so it does not set.
General washing
The detergent is only one part of a good wash. Temperature, programme and room in the drum matter at least as much. For bamboo viscose that means 40 degrees, a gentle programme and no tumble dryer. The rest of the rules are collected in the washing guide if you want the full overview.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use washing powder for bamboo viscose?
It is not recommended. Powder often contains bleach and dissolves less well at 40 degrees. A liquid colour detergent rinses out more easily and is gentler on the fibres.
Do I need wool detergent?
No, it is not necessary. Bamboo viscose is not wool, and a mild liquid colour detergent is enough. Wool detergent does no harm, though, if you already have it at home.
Which detergent is best for sensitive skin?
A fragrance free product without dyes is a good starting point. If you have eczema or allergies, talk to your doctor about which detergent suits your particular skin.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
