Bamboo sheets have recently come into the limelight due to its massive list of benefits and affordable price tag. But before you make the purchase of any form of new fabric there is one constant thought or a question that revolves in your mind.
That one question is how am I going to wash this fabric? And the same question goes for bamboo sheets as well, but here the dilemma is that very few homes in your neighborhood have bamboo sheets, as it is a rare sighting to find bamboo based upholstery to be present. So, a lot of people have tons of questions when it comes to washing of bamboo fabric, laundering of bamboo textiles, and taking care of bamboo sheets.
Using this blog, we are going to clear your doubts about cleaning bamboo bed linens and other things that are made from the same material. In addition to this, we are also going to provide you with tips on how to keep your bamboo sheets looking new and clean throughout the years to come. So, without waiting any further, let's begin!
Bamboo Sheets
Bamboo sheet or bamboo fabric is considered to be one of the most sustainable materials in the world. Also, the bamboo plump, which makes the bamboo fiber, is a pretty soft and renewable resource for the bedding industry.
Moreover, being an eco-friendly material is just the tip of the iceberg; it has tons of benefits as it has properties of hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, and antibacterial. Thus, skin specialists recommend that hot sleepers and people with sensitive skin start using bamboo sheets, as they are a great option for people who are suffering from various types of skin allergies.
Why is proper washing important?
Even though bamboo fiber is known to fight against bacteria and germs on its own, washing it properly can make a huge difference in winning the war or winning the fight. With proper washing, you will be able to retain the hypoallergenic properties of the bamboo sheets. If you don't, then in that case, with time, your bamboo sheet can accumulate skin flakes, body oils, sweat, saliva, bad odor, and even dust mites. To ensure a healthy sleeping environment, it is important to change your sheets and clean them properly.
How to wash Bamboo Sheets [Step-by-Step Guide ]
Here is the step-by-step guide on how to wash your bamboo sheets at home and in general to keep it tidy and long lasting.
Preparing for washing
Take your bamboo sheet out in the open, and once this is done use a brush to clean away dust particles and other forms of dirt from your sheet. This will help you in keeping the water inside of your washing machine and also makes sure that no dust particles get inside the mechanical parts of the machine. Also, be gentle with the cleaning, use a soft brush to clean
the dust, and don't overdo it; just 5 minutes of cleaning is fine.
Choosing the right detergent
The most important thing that can leave a huge impact on your washing is the choice of detergent. Don't go with those detergents that mention themselves as fabric softeners as they can easily damage bamboo fibers and reduce the lifespan of your bedding.
So, going with a mild detergent is the best thing you can do. Most mild detergents don't include bleach, chlorine, or any other chemicals that can easily take away the natural oils and properties of bamboo fabric.
Setting the washing machine
Before the wash, you have to make sure that your washing machine is set to a gentle or delicate setting. With lots of clothes inside the washing machine, they can bunch up, twist, or even get wrinkled during the wash cycle. As a result, when you are putting in a full-size bamboo bed sheet, it is recommended that you don't put any other clothes inside in order to give ample space for the sheet to move freely when the machine starts the cleaning process.
Washing process
As we said earlier bamboo is quite a delicate fabric and if you are not careful enough you can damage its fiber when cleaning in hot water. Also, with the use of hot water your bamboo sheets can shrink massively, likewise, its fibers will also break down.
As a result, using cold water is a must when washing your bamboo sheets, as it will help in maintaining the shape, color, and even texture of your sheet.
Drying techniques
Once the washing of your bamboo sheets is done, you need to use the lowest setting of your dryer to dry out the water present in it. If you apply too much heat during the drying, it will cause bamboo spun to get too hot and shrink, which ultimately leads bamboo sheets to become brittle and frayed.
Tips for Maintaining Bamboo Sheets
Storage Tips
Like any other clothing and fabric bamboo sheets too require you to store them in a dry and cool place. It can be inside an almirah, or cupboard, but keeping it away from direct sunlight is the one thing you need to take care of if you are living in hot regions.
Regular cleaning schedule
You can clean bamboo sheets twice in a month to keep its properties and benefits intact. On the other hand, if you have a child or a pet at home, then cleaning bamboo bed sheets once in a week is recommended. Yes, cleaning it that much regularly is going to take away few of its benefits but in the long run for your baby, and for you it is something that you need to do in order to have a healthy sleep at night.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Stains removal
To get the stains out from your bamboo sheet, you need to use the old-school method of adding 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water in a mix and then soak the stained area of your bed sheet in the mix. Vinegar will take off the stain from the sheet without causing any trouble to its fabric.
Dealing with wrinkles
Ironing can remove wrinkles from your bamboo sheets, but be very careful with it, and always maintain the low-steam when ironing the fabric.
Conclusion
So, these are the few things and tips you need to keep in mind when you are washing bamboo bed sheets. Apart from this, bamboo is a natural fabric that works and behaves quite like other materials like cotton and silk. So there's no need to put a lot of stress on its cleaning process. In the end, washing bamboo sheets is not a rock science, so don't overthink it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bleach on bamboo sheets?
Bleach is a big NO for cleaning bamboo sheets because the fibers of bamboo are quite soft and delicate, at the same time bleach is harsh and powerful. If you start using it, then your bamboo sheets will soon show you signs of wear and tear.
How often should I wash my bamboo sheets?
It is recommended that you wash your bamboo sheets twice in a month. This is because washing it twice in 30 days helps in keeping bacteria at the bay. In addition to this, if you have a pet or a baby at home then we recommend washing it every week in warm water to help the sheet last longer and feel new after every wash.
Can I tumble-dry bamboo sheets?
It is possible to tumble-dry bamboo sheets, but is going to decrease the longevity of bamboo sheets. Thing is, bamboo sheets are known to be quite sensitive to high temperatures. As a result, it is required to keep the tumble settings delicate and on low heat.
What is the best detergent for bamboo sheets?
It is pretty common to get worried about the detergent, but no matter which detergent you are using, it's not going to harm your bamboo sheets that much. Here are a few recommendations from our side that can help you clean bamboo sheets at home:-
Ecos
Meyer's Clean Act
AspenClean
Seventh Generation