As we strive to make more environmentally friendly choices in our wardrobes, the demand for eco-friendly fabrics is on the rise.
Bamboo fabric has existed for many years, but it has only recently gained popularity in clothing. It is soft, highly absorbent, and porous, which helps regulate body temperature. Bamboo clothing effectively resists lint and pet hair, drapes beautifully over the body, and is resistant to wrinkling.
At Jayley, we have just introduced our own collection of bamboo clothing, which includes bamboo faux fur coats and jackets as well as garments made from bamboo blends. We aim to provide you with the best care tips so that these items can last a lifetime in your wardrobe.
From washing your pieces to proper storage, follow our advice to maximize the longevity of your bamboo items.
Cleaning Bamboo Fabric
There are various kinds of bamboo fabric, such as bamboo linen, which is made entirely from bamboo, bamboo rayon, a smooth and silky material commonly used for pajamas and bed sheets, and bamboo blends. Due to the variations among these fabrics, it’s crucial to read the care label on your garments for any specific washing instructions.
If your item is a bamboo blend that includes other materials like acrylic or Lycra, be sure to consult the care label for guidance related to those fabrics.
For a bamboo sweater, handwashing is recommended to avoid stretching the delicate fibers and altering the garment's shape. For structured bamboo items, it's best to take them to a professional dry cleaner who understands how to clean them without compromising their form.
If the care label does not provide specific instructions, you can typically wash your bamboo clothing on the gentle cycle of your washing machine with regular detergent.
Generally, you can maintain your bamboo garments at home, but refrain from using fabric softener, as it may lead to discoloration of your items.
Does bamboo fabric experience shrinkage when laundered?
To prevent shrinkage, avoid washing your bamboo garments at high temperatures. For optimal care, machine wash lightly soiled items in cold water and more heavily soiled ones in warm water using a gentle cycle.
If bleaching is necessary, opt for an oxygen-based bleach that is less harsh instead of chlorine bleach, as the latter can weaken the fibers and harm your clothing.
Here’s what you’ll need to safely wash your bamboo items:
- A washing machine (or a large sink or bowl for handwashing)
- A tumble dryer or an indoor drying rack/outdoor clothesline
- Standard laundry detergent
- An enzyme-based stain remover for tougher stains.
Cleaning your bamboo fabric
- Begin by treating any tough stains. Both enzyme-based stain removers and strong detergents are safe for bamboo fabrics, with enzyme-based options being particularly effective for tackling stubborn marks. To treat a stain, apply a small amount of the remover to the affected area, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it off.
- A standard detergent is ideal for washing bamboo clothing. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging to determine the correct amount for your wash cycle.
- For most bamboo items, using a gentle cycle is recommended as it helps preserve the fabric's softness. However, if you are washing bamboo linen, a regular cycle can be used. When selecting water temperature, choose cold water for lightly soiled pieces and warm water for those that are more heavily soiled. Avoid hot water, as it may damage the fibers and lead to shrinkage.
- Before placing items in the washing machine, make sure to zip up any zippers and button any buttons, and turn the garment inside out to minimize pilling.
If you opt to hand wash your items, ensure they are thoroughly rinsed. This is important to avoid staining, which can occur from the oxidation of cellulose due to leftover soap residue on the bamboo fabric.
Methods for Drying Bamboo Fabric
To maintain the softness of your bamboo fabric items, we suggest letting your clothes air dry flat on an indoor drying rack for a minimum of 24 hours.
If you choose to hang them outside on a clothesline, make sure to keep your garments out of direct sunlight, as this can lead to fading. For knitwear and accessories, it's best to dry them flat to avoid stretching the fibers while they are wet, so refrain from hanging them outdoors.
What occurs if you place bamboo fabric in the dryer?
If you need your bamboo clothing quickly, you can usually use a tumble dryer on a low-heat setting and take the fabric out while it is still a bit damp. Avoid using high-heat settings, as this can cause irreversible shrinkage.
For bamboo faux fur coats and jackets, it's best to skip the tumble dryer entirely, as it may harm the fibers and affect the appearance of your coat. Check out our guide on How To Care For Faux Fur for more advice on maintaining the look of your bamboo faux fur.
Is ironing necessary for bamboo fabric?
If you allow your bamboo fabric to air-dry flat or use a low heat setting in the dryer, it may not require ironing. However, for items with persistent wrinkles, it's crucial to be cautious when selecting your iron settings. Utilize a dry iron without steam on a very low temperature to smooth out any creases in bamboo fabric.
High temperatures from the iron can damage the fabric's fibers, leading to yellowing as they begin to burn. While it is sometimes possible to eliminate discoloration, once the fibers are harmed, they cannot be repaired, which compromises the integrity of the material.
Maintenance and Fixes
Since most bamboo clothing is produced from rayon, it may become weaker or rip over time due to regular use. If your item requires repairs, utilize a sharp needle and polyester thread, regardless of whether you are sewing by hand or using a machine.
What is the best way to store bamboo clothing?
Properly storing your bamboo clothing is just as crucial as its care routine.
Since the fabric requires ventilation, it's best to avoid plastic containers or dust bags for storage, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew and yellowing. Likewise, using cardboard boxes can harm the fabric because the acids from the ink on the boxes may seep through and cause damage.
The ideal method for storing your bamboo garments is to hang them in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent wrinkles. If you need to fold them, avoid creating sharp creases or overstuffing drawers, as this can weaken the fabric's fibers.
For pure bamboo linen, select a cool, dark, and dry location to protect it from sun exposure and prevent mold and mildew from affecting the fabric.
Caring for Bamboo Fabric: Key Points
Caring for bamboo fabric is quite simple if you adhere to the proper guidelines mentioned above.
Look for care labels on the items for detailed instructions; if none are available, wash them in cold to warm water, either by hand or using a washing machine with regular detergent on a gentle cycle.
When tumble drying, always opt for a low heat setting or let them air dry flat, especially for knitwear and accessories that may stretch.
Before wearing, iron on a dry, low heat setting, being cautious not to apply too much heat as it can scorch and damage the fibers.
Finally, store your garments in a way that allows them to breathe easily, avoiding plastic dust bags that can trap moisture and lead to mildew, which could harm the fabric.
Discover our bamboo range at Kloelighiting
Now that you're aware of how to maintain bamboo clothing, why not consider purchasing some? With a range of options from stunning coats to elegant bamboo blend kimonos, as well as fashionable hats and bags, it's never been simpler to add some eco-friendly, feel-good items to your wardrobe.
