How to Care for Bamboo Clothing: An Ultimate Guide

Bamboo clothing has increasingly become popular thanks to its sustainability, softness, and breathability. Due to their massive popularity and huge demand, especially among environmentally conscious consumers, we have seen many brands coming up that produce them. They make bamboo clothing of all kinds, including t-shirts, socks, underwear, bed linens, etc.

One of the misconceptions about bamboo clothing is that they don’t require special care. But this is far from being the truth. The truth is that bamboo clothing requires special care to maintain its softness and longevity.

In this article, we want to discuss an ultimate guide to caring for your bamboo clothing to ensure that it remains in excellent condition for a long time. So, let’s get started.

• First, understand the bamboo fabric

Of course, you cannot properly and adequately care for bamboo clothing if you don’t fully understand the fabric. Remember that bamboo comes in various fabrics and can influence how you care for your particular bamboo clothing.

The most common bamboo fabrics include:

Bamboo Viscose/Rayon: The most popular kind of bamboo fabric is called bamboo viscose or rayon, which is made by dissolving bamboo cellulose and spinning it into fibers.

Bamboo Linen: Though less common and somewhat rougher than bamboo viscose, bamboo linen is made mechanically and preserves more of the inherent texture of bamboo.

While most of these bamboo require similar care needs, it’s advisable to check the label of your clothing item for specific instructions.

• How to wash your bamboo clothing

Now that you fully understand bamboo fabric, it is time to focus on the core aspects of caring for it. One of these aspects is washing it. When it comes to washing bamboo clothing, you can hand wash it or use the washing machine. Let’s start with hand washing.

Hand-washing bamboo clothing

When it comes to cleaning bamboo clothing, the gentlest method is to hand wash it. This can also help preserve delicate fabrics.

Pour lukewarm water into a basin; the water should ideally not be hotter than 30°C (86°F). Hot water can harm bamboo fibers, which may cause shrinkage or wear over time.

Add a small amount of detergent: Select a mild, environmentally friendly detergent devoid of bleach, enzymes, or harsh ingredients. Although bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic, strong chemicals can irritate skin and destroy its smoothness.

Gently shake the fabric: submerge your bamboo garment in the water and gently swish it with your hands. Do not scrape or wring the fabric to prevent weakening of the fibers and pilling.

Rinse well: After soaking for five to ten minutes, empty the soapy water and add fresh, cold water to the basin. Give the clothing an excellent rinse to ensure all the soap is gone.

Squeeze the excess water: To squeeze out extra water, lay the cloth flat on a fresh towel or gently press it between your palms. Then, roll it up. The fabric may become permanently stretched or damaged if you wring or twist it.

Machine washing

Even though hand washing is ideal, you can also use a washing machine to wash your bamboo clothing. But remember to take the necessary precautions.

Use the delicate cycle: On your washing machine, select the “delicate” or “gentle” mode. This lowers the possibility of damaging the bamboo fibers and guarantees minimal agitation.

Use cold/lukewarm water: As with hand washing, ensure the water temperature doesn’t exceed 30°C (86°F) while washing in cold or lukewarm water. The fabric’s integrity may be compromised by shrinkage caused by hot water.

Use a mild detergent: Choose a mild detergent free of enzymes, fabric softeners, and bleach. Over time, harsh chemicals can degrade bamboo fibers, reducing the fabric’s resilience and suppleness.

Turn clothes inside out: Before putting bamboo clothing in the washing machine, turn the clothes inside out to prevent abrasion on the outside. This lessens the chance of fading and pilling.

Don’t overload the machine: Because bamboo clothing might be fragile, don’t wash it with bulky fabrics, heavy objects like jeans, or towels that can rub against the fibers.

• How to dry bamboo clothing

Once you have washed your bamboo clothing, the next step is to dry it. You can choose to air dry it or tumble dry it. Air drying is the best method for as it helps to preserve both the quality and the lifespan of bamboo fabric.

Air drying

After washing, reshape the garment and place it flat on a fresh, dry towel to finish drying. This keeps the fabric from stretching and helps it keep its shape. Avoid hanging bamboo fabric since it may stretch out and become heavy when wet.

Avoid direct sunlight: Bamboo fabric is susceptible to UV radiation, which, over time, may damage and fade the fibers. Bamboo clothing should always be dried in a well-ventilated, shaded place.

Use indoor drying racks: An indoor drying rack is an excellent substitute if you lack the space to lay your bamboo clothing flat. Just be careful not to stretch the fabric too much when you drape it.

Tumble drying

Certain bamboo clothing items can be tumble-dried under certain circumstances. However, air drying is preferred:

Use the lowest heat setting: If you must use a dryer, choose the “air fluff” or “low heat” setting because bamboo tends to shrink when subjected to intense heat. Tumble drying should still be used cautiously.

Remove when damp: It’s preferable to remove the garment while it’s still a little wet if you decide to tumble dry it. To allow it to dry naturally, lay it flat. This preserves the suppleness and form of the fabric.

• How to iron bamboo clothing

When ironing bamboo fabric, use a low-heat iron (around 110°C or 230°F) to remove wrinkles. Steam or dampen the fabric for better results. Turn the fabric inside out to prevent visible sheen or damage, especially for dark-colored garments.

How to store bamboo clothing

Proper storage is crucial for bamboo clothing, as bamboo fabric is susceptible to mold and mildew. To maintain quality, fold garments neatly, store them in a cool, dry place, and avoid plastic bags. Use breathable containers or cotton garment bags instead to prevent moisture buildup.

Wrapping it up

Bamboo clothing offers comfort and sustainability but requires special care. Use cool water, mild detergent, and gentle handling. Air dry for safety. Proper storage keeps garments fresh and long-lasting. Take all these necessary steps, and you will enjoy softness, durability, and eco-friendliness of bamboo clothes.