Which machine programme suits bamboo clothing
Short answer: A standard coloured programme at 40 degrees with a moderate spin suits most bamboo clothing. Use the delicates programme for bras, thin tops and other light items that need gentler handling.
Coloureds at 40 degrees
The coloured programme at 40 degrees is the standard for t-shirts, underwear, socks and bedding in bamboo viscose. It cleans well enough for daily use without putting needless wear on the fibres or the elastic. If clothes are only lightly worn, 30 degrees is enough. Always check the care label first.
Spin speed
A high spin presses the fibres hard against the drum and creates more creases that are difficult to remove. Bamboo viscose is a soft material that does not need that treatment. 800 to 1000 revolutions is plenty, and clothes still dry quickly on a rack.
Delicates for thin items
Bras, thin tops and slips do best on a delicates programme in a laundry bag. The programme uses more water and less movement, so the fabric is not pulled and twisted. The bag stops straps from tangling with other clothes. Read more in how to wash a bra.
The wool programme is not needed
Bamboo viscose is not wool, even though both feel soft. The wool programme does no harm, but it is not needed, and it often rinses less, so sweaty clothes do not always come out fully clean. The difference is explained in wool programme or delicates.
Quick programmes
A quick programme is handy when time is short, but it often rinses less well than a normal programme. Detergent left in the fabric can cause odour and stiffness. If clothes are sweaty or have been used for training, choose a normal programme even though it takes longer.
Never 60 degrees as standard
60 degrees wears out fibres and elastic without making everyday clothes noticeably cleaner. Elastane in underwear and socks loses its grip in heat, and clothes go baggy sooner. Only use a high temperature if the care label allows it. See washing at 30, 40 or 60 degrees.
Bedding
Bedding can have a longer programme, because there is more fabric for the water to pass through. Do not fill the drum completely, and close the duvet cover before it goes in, so other items do not collect inside it. See the range in bamboo bedding.
Towels
Towels absorb a lot of water and become heavy in the drum, so they also benefit from a longer programme with a proper rinse. Choose the temperature according to the care label. Skip fabric softener, because it makes the loops less absorbent. See bamboo towels.
Load the drum correctly
An overfilled drum washes poorly, because the clothes cannot move in the water. A half empty drum causes more wear, because items are thrown around. Aim for a drum about three quarters full, with room for a hand above the laundry.
General washing
The programme is only one part of a good routine. Turn clothes inside out, close zips and dry on a rack instead of in a tumble dryer. The rest of the rules are gathered in the washing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash bamboo clothing at 30 degrees
Yes, 30 degrees is fine for clothes that are only lightly worn. If they are sweaty, or if it is bedding and towels, 40 degrees gives a better result in most cases.
Should bamboo clothing go in a laundry bag
It is not necessary for t-shirts and underwear. A laundry bag is useful for bras, thin tops and other light items that can snag or tangle with the rest of the wash.
Which spin speed should I choose
800 to 1000 revolutions suits most bamboo clothing. It gives fewer creases than a high spin, and the clothes still dry quickly when they are hung up on a rack.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
