Which detergent suits bamboo viscose

Short answer: An ordinary liquid detergent for coloured clothes works well for bamboo viscose. Avoid chlorine bleach and avoid overdosing, because residue in the fabric can irritate the skin and make the fabric stiff over time.

Liquid rather than powder

Powder often contains bleach and dissolves less well at low temperatures, so grains can stay in the fabric. A liquid detergent mixes quickly with the water and rinses out more easily, even at 30 and 40 degrees. That makes it the simplest choice for bamboo clothing. Read more under washing and care.

Avoid chlorine bleach

Chlorine breaks down viscose fibres and makes them brittle, so the fabric thins and can develop holes. If you need to remove a stain, use an oxygen based stain remover instead and follow the instructions on the pack. Test it somewhere out of sight before using it on the whole item.

Use less than you think

Overdosing leaves residue in the fabric that can irritate the skin and make it stiff. More detergent does not make clothes cleaner. Dose for your water hardness and how dirty the load is, and for lightly soiled clothes, use slightly less rather than too much. See bamboo underwear for men.

Fragrance free for sensitive skin

If your skin reacts, a fragrance free detergent and an extra rinse are the easiest test. Fragrance stays in the fabric, and underwear and socks sit close to the skin all day. If it does not improve, talk to your doctor about the cause. See bamboo underwear for women.

Wool detergent is not needed

Bamboo viscose is not wool and does not need a special detergent. An ordinary colour detergent is enough. Wool detergent does no harm, but it costs more and brings no benefit for bamboo clothing. Save it for the woollen items that need it. See all bamboo socks for men.

Colour detergent for most things

A colour detergent contains no optical brighteners or bleach, which can fade dark and coloured items. That makes it the gentlest choice for most bamboo clothing. For whites, you can use a regular detergent without chlorine if you want to keep them bright.

No fabric softener

Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibres that makes it harder for the fabric to absorb and move moisture. Bamboo viscose is already soft, so it is not needed. If the softener sits next to the detergent in the cupboard, you can simply leave it there when washing bamboo clothing.

A mild wash at low temperature

Bamboo viscose is best washed at 30 or 40 degrees. A liquid detergent works well at those temperatures, and clothes come out clean without being worn by heat. Choose a cycle with a moderate spin, and hang the clothes up straight away so they keep their shape.

Store the detergent properly

Liquid detergent keeps best with the cap screwed on tight and away from frost and direct sun. If it has thickened or separated, it works less well and can leave residue. Use the measuring cap every time so you do not pour in too much by eye.