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How to Keep Bamboo Fabric Soft. Washing, Drying and Storage Instructions for Bamboo Fabric.

bamboo fabric
How to Keep Bamboo Fabric Soft. 
Washing, Drying and Storage Instructions 
for Bamboo Fabric.

Bamboo fabric is trending, and I don't see the obsession going away anytime soon. Bamboo fabric is soft, stretchy, lightweight and breathable. Bamboo fabric is well tolerated by little persons who suffer from eczema and sensitive skin.

Bamboo fabric is a worthy investment. The stretch factor makes garments last longer for growing kids and adults whose weight fluctuates. Bamboo brands often have loyalists who frequent buy, sell, trade facebook groups, meaning there is a resale market.  Posh Peanut is my favorite, Check out this post for more bamboo brands to try.

Bamboo has somewhat of a reputation for being bougie when it comes to caring for it, but don't let that deter you! Consider this your bamboo fabric care instruction guide to keep your garments soft and maximize your return on investment if you plan to resale.

**This post contains affiliate links. I earn small commissions from clicks and qualified purchases at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

How to Keep Bamboo Fabric Soft

Bamboo Fabric Washing Instructions

I'll admit the washing and drying instructions for bamboo fabric can seem daunting at first, but I've come to enjoy the routine and retained softness. You are not obligated to follow recommended care instructions, but deviate at your own risk. Alternate laundering can affect the quality of the garment.

Always refer to the tag on each garment to check for special instructions that differ from routine bamboo fabric care. There are no guarantees, and mishaps happen even if you're careful. 

Keep bamboo fabric together. The thinness of bamboo fabric makes it prone to snags and holes. Heavy duty items such as blue jeans or hoodies with zippers can cause damage to delicate bamboo fabric.

Separate bamboo fabric garments and nursery items by similar colors. I do not do separate loads for lights and darks, running the risk of color bleeding. I do get color bleed from time to time, but not enough to change my ways!

I separate like colors and patterns of bamboo fabric into different mesh laundry bags for delicates. This makes it less likely to incur pinholes from washing machines. 

Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use a mild, non-bleach detergent such as all or Biokleen. Stick to fragrance-free formulations to avoid exacerbating eczema and limiting potential resale customers that can't tolerate fragrances.

Throw a Shout color catching sheet into each load to guard against color bleed. Avoid using fabric softeners - bamboo fabric is already soft!

Bamboo Fabric Drying Instructions

Apparently you can tumble dry bamboo fabric on a low heat setting, and many people do. I prefer to hang dry bamboo fabric on a clothes drying rack.

Based on my personal bamboo fabric care and from receiving secondhand bamboo fabric items cared for different from others, I've made the following conclusions about caring for bamboo fabric:
  • Hang drying versus dryer use keeps bamboo fabric soft (especially true for items with bamboo  fabric on one side and combined with other fabrics such as plush blankets or terrycloth towels)
  • Avoiding soaking and hang drying keeps colors and patterns brighter and more resistant to fading, piling and wash wear. 
    • These things are typical for bamboo fabrics over time, particularly with dark colors and patterns. 
    • Piling is little balls that seem to pile up on the surface of bamboo fabric.
  • Use a gleener for delicate fabric at your own risk. It can make bamboo fabrics thinner and more prone to holes. 

Bamboo Fabric Storage Instructions

Store bamboo fabric in a dry area to avoid mold from dampness. Likewise, avoid discarding damp clothing into the hamper

For current use, folded in a dresser or hanging in a closet will do. Beware of the style of hanger as bamboo fabric can become indented. 

Wooden hangers are great for hanging everything. The rounded bottom provides a surface for draping pants without causing an indentation. 

For future use, storage totes in a dry area (not a damp or humid). There seems to be some debate as to whether bamboo fabric needs to breathe or not. As in, should you store it in its original packaging or remove it from the bag you received it in. 

It's up to you! I've heard and done a mixture of leaving items in the original packaging (helpful in case of returns or wanting to resale), taking them out, or some of both. All of the above seem fine as long as they're stored in a dry area. 

Summary

Bamboo fabric is soft and stretchy. It seems pricey and high maintenance, but bamboo fabric is gentle on the skin, lightweight overnight and stretchy for longer wear and weight fluctuations. With expert care, you can keep your bamboo fabric soft for extended use and  in good condition to resale if desired. 


Have you taken the bamboo fabric plunge yet?


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