If you’ve recently invested in bamboo clothing, you’re probably wondering how to care for it properly.
Bamboo is a unique natural fiber that is ultra-sustainable, naturally anti-microbial, and moisture-wicking. This makes it great for daily wear, a minimalist wardrobe, and especially for those who travel often.
However, it takes some intentional care to keep bamboo clothing looking and feeling great for longer. So, let's dive deep into how to care for your bamboo clothing.
How Often Should You Wash Bamboo Clothing?
One of the best perks to owning natural fibers like bamboo and Merino wool is their anti-microbial properties.
This is so compelling because bamboo fabrics have a natural resilience to odor and illness-causing bacteria. Other synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic can harbor bacteria and foster growth.
This, paired with the fact that bamboo clothing is much more breathable and naturally moisture-wicking, means you can wear your bamboo fabric items for a more extended period of time than other clothing items.
The best way to know whether or not it's time to wash your bamboo clothing is to give it a quick visual and smell test.
How long your clothing can last between washes will depend on your activity level, how much you sweat, and if you pick up any odors.
You should wash socks and underwear after every wear, but shirts and pants can last up to a week of wear in the right conditions.
What Type of Detergent Should You Use?
Bamboo is a reasonably resilient fiber, so if you wash it with regular laundry detergent, you most likely won’t notice any damage right away.
However, bamboo clothing tends to have a higher price point than some other fabrics, so to keep your clothing nicer for longer, we recommend using an eco-friendly, gentle detergent.
For stubborn stains, it’s best to give detergents some time to break down the molecules. To do this, apply a gentle stain remover or a solution of baking soda and vinegar before washing.
After letting your stain remover sit for at least 30 minutes, it's helpful to let your clothes sit in a pre-wash for 15-30 minutes to encourage any other stains, dirt, odors, and bacteria to dissipate.
Remember never to iron a stain, as this can make it even harder to remove later.
How To Wash Bamboo Clothing?
As with most fabrics, bamboo does best on a gentle cycle since regular washing machine cycles can tear and break bamboo fibers down much quicker.
Also, we recommend using cold water since warm water can degrade the integrity of the fibers and make them weaker over time.
Handwashing is another excellent option for keeping your bamboo clothing items nicer for longer.
Dry cleaning is possible, though not necessary or even recommended.
How To Dry Bamboo Clothing?
Bamboo does best when it has a chance to air out naturally.
It's best to lay it out flat in the shade somewhere with a cross breeze to let it air dry. You can also put them in the clothes dryer on a cool and gentle setting.
Lastly, remember that bamboo has a natural elasticity and will take different shapes depending on how it's handled when wet. This means that folding your clothing while they're damp or using a line dry method can leave unsightly creases and wrinkles in your clothes.
However, for day-to-day wear, bamboo can naturally stay relatively wrinkle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about washing bamboo clothing:
Does bamboo clothing shrink?
Yes, bamboo shrinks at high temperatures. This means you should always wash and dry your bamboo items in cool and gentle settings to preserve them for longer.
Can you iron bamboo clothing?
Yes, you can iron bamboo clothing, but remember that bamboo is intolerant of high heat. If you must iron your bamboo fabric, do it on a low setting with no steam. High heat can cause yellowing and degrade the fibers.
Can you tumble-dry bamboo clothes?
Yes, but only on a cool and gentle setting.
Does bamboo need to be ironed?
No, if properly dried and stored, it's best not to iron your bamboo clothing.
Final Thoughts
Bamboo is a wonderful textile that naturally carries so many impressive properties. That’s why here at TEREN we use it to make so many of our clothing items.
The best way to care for bamboo is just to be gentle with it and let it get some fresh air.
Avoid high heat, direct sunlight, and trapping moisture when storing your items. This will ensure your bamboo fabric can serve you for years to come.