HOW TO CLEAN BAMBOO SHEETS
The Ultimate Guide
Bamboo sheets are our absolute favorites! We love them for so many reasons – their extreme softness, breathability, light-weight, healthy properties, and eco-friendliness.
However, to maintain their luxurious feel and longevity, it is essential to clean them properly. Let’s take a closer look at the best practices to clean bamboo sheets without causing damage.
Table of Contents
Why Proper Care Matters for Bamboo Sheets
Bamboo fabric is naturally moisture-wicking, antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and anti-pilling. However, improper washing or drying can damage and break down the fibers, leading to pilling, shrinkage, or a loss of softness.
By following the right cleaning techniques, you can extend the life of your bamboo sheets while keeping them fresh and comfortable. And the great news is that cleaning your bamboo sheets is easy and straightforward, making them a great option for busy individuals!
How Often Should You Clean Bamboo Sheets?
For optimal hygiene and comfort, we recommend to clean bamboo sheets every 7 to 10 days. If you sweat heavily or suffer from allergies, washing them weekly can help keep them fresh and free of allergens. As far as your pillowcases go, those can be washed every 4 to 5 days.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Bamboo Sheets
1. Read the Care Label
Before washing your bamboo sheets, check the manufacturer’s care instructions. While most bamboo sheets follow similar cleaning guidelines, specific recommendations may vary by brand.
2. Use Cold or Lukewarm Water
Bamboo fabric is delicate, so it is best to wash your sheets in cold or lukewarm water (below 85°F/30°C). Hot water can cause shrinkage and weaken the fibers over time. We recommend using a cold cycle on your washing machine to clean your bamboo sheets.
3. Choose a Mild Detergent
Opt for a gentle, liquid detergent that is free from harsh chemicals, bleach, and fabric softeners. Harsh detergents can break down the natural fibers, reducing the durability and softness of your bamboo sheets. If you choose to sleep in bamboo fiber, you are prioritizing your health and the planet, and using a mild and gentle detergent will help with both, working with your body to avoid harsh chemicals coming in and disturbing your hormones, and ensuring longevity for your bamboo sheets and the planet.
4. Wash on a Gentle Cycle
Set your washing machine to a delicate or gentle cycle to minimize friction and prevent pilling. Avoid overloading the washer to allow the sheets to move freely and get thoroughly cleaned. You are welcome to wash several sets of bamboo sheets at once, but avoid mixing them with too many fabrics like denim, metal buttons, synthetics, etc.
5. Avoid Fabric Softeners and Bleach
Fabric softeners and bleach can damage bamboo fibers. Instead, if you want to maintain the softness, consider using white vinegar (about half a cup) during the rinse cycle to naturally soften the sheets, or simply go without! We clean our sheets without any softener and they get softer with every wash!
How to Dry Bamboo Sheets
1. Air Dry Whenever Possible
The best way to dry bamboo sheets is by hanging them outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Air drying preserves the fabric’s integrity and prevents shrinkage. Unlike towels and other clothing, air drying does not make bamboo sheets rougher. You will find them nice and soft once dry, and a lot less wrinkled than after a dryer cycle.
2. Use a Low-Heat Setting in the Dryer
If air drying isn’t an option, tumble dry on a low heat or delicate setting. High heat can cause shrinkage and weaken the fabric. Remove the sheets while they are still slightly damp to prevent over-drying, and finish drying by air before setting back on your bed.
3. Avoid Overloading the Dryer
To ensure even drying, avoid crowding the dryer with too many items. This allows proper air circulation and reduces the chances of excessive wrinkles. Also avoid mixing materials (i.e, denim, buttons, zippers, etc.), to prevent damaging your sheets.
Removing Stains from Bamboo Sheets
Stains happen… whether spilling something, body fluids, blood, stains happen and it is best to pre-treat them as fresh as possible, to avoid them sticking to your bamboo sheets long term.
1. Pre-Treat Stains Immediately
If you notice a stain, treat it as soon as possible to prevent it from setting. If you can tend to a stain while still fresh, your chances of completely getting rid of it will be much higher. We recommend using a mixture of baking soda and water or a mild stain remover that is free from harsh chemicals.
2. Use a Gentle Scrubbing Motion
Gently dab the stained area with a soft cloth or sponge—avoid scrubbing harshly, as it can weaken the fibers.
3. Wash as Usual
Once pre-treated, wash the sheets following the recommended washing steps above. If the stain persists, repeat the treatment before drying.
How to Keep Bamboo Sheets Fresh Between Washes
There are a couple easy steps you can take to ensure your sheets last a little longer between washes:
Let your sheets breathe by pulling back your bedding each morning to release trapped moisture.
Spot clean spills immediately to prevent stains from setting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Bamboo Sheets
1. Using Harsh Detergents
Harsh detergents can weaken bamboo fibers over time (and the impact on your bodily functions are very detrimental). Always choose a mild, eco-friendly detergent to protect the fabric.
2. Washing with Rough Fabrics
Avoid washing bamboo sheets with items like towels or denim, shoes, or clothes with excessive zippers and buttons, which can create excess friction and lead to pilling.
3. Overloading the Washing Machine
Giving your sheets enough space in the washing machine ensures a thorough and gentle clean without unnecessary stress on the fibers.
4. Drying on High Heat
Exposing bamboo sheets to high heat can cause shrinkage and damage. Always opt for air drying or low-heat tumble drying.
Non-Biased Reviews' Favorite Bamboo Sheets - Editor's Pick
Bamboo sheets are our favorite by far. Here are our absolute favorites, and bamboo sheets we think you would love too:
Aeptom
Aeptom manufactures our favorite bamboo bedding. Their sheets and covers are buttery soft and adding their Tencel Lyocell Comforter adds incredible softness and coziness to your bed! We recommend at least getting the comforter and the Aeptom Duvet Cover Set.
Sunday Citizen
We are forever fans of Sunday Citizen. There isn’t one bedding item we tried, that we did not fall in love with! The Bamboo Sheets are ultra soft and we love the color options, which are fun to mix and match. Sunday Citizen also offers a few comforters made of bamboo, which are incredibly soft, high-quality built, and look great on their own or mixed with the bamboo sheets!
Simply Organic Bamboo
Simply Organic Bamboo is a no-frill, high-quality, manufacturer of bamboo bedding. All of their products feel incredible and are some of our favorite bamboo options for the bedroom. The Bamboo Sheet Set and Duvet Cover are a great addition to your bedroom – we recommend using them both for ultimate softness, and a nice combination with the Bamboo Comforter.
How To Clean Bamboo Sheets - Final Thoughts
Proper care is essential to maintaining the luxurious softness and durability of your bamboo sheets. By following these simple washing, drying, and stain-removal techniques, you can keep your sheets fresh, clean, and comfortable for years to come.
If you’re in search of high-quality bamboo bedding, check out our latest bamboo sheet reviews to find the best options for a great night’s sleep!
References
- Branch Basic. (2024). Is Natural Laundry Detergent Better? Retrieved from https://branchbasics.com/blogs/cleaning/natural-laundry-detergent-better
- National Library of Medicine. (2024). Household laundry detergents disrupt barrier integrity and induce inflammation in mouse and human skin. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37766519/
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
No, hot water can cause shrinkage and damage the fibers. Always use cold or lukewarm water.
Use a gentle detergent, avoid fabric softeners, and air dry or tumble dry on low heat.
Yes, but use a low-heat setting and remove them while slightly damp to prevent over-drying.
Pre-treat stains with a mild solution of baking soda and water, then wash as usual.
Yes, but you can reduce wrinkles by shaking them out before drying and using a low-heat iron if needed.
More Sleep Resources
Can you wash bamboo sheets in hot water?
No, hot water can cause shrinkage and damage the fibers. Always use cold or lukewarm water.
How do you keep bamboo sheets soft?
Use a gentle detergent, avoid fabric softeners, and air dry or tumble dry on low heat.
Can you put bamboo sheets in the dryer?
Yes, but use a low-heat setting and remove them while slightly damp to prevent over-drying.
How do you remove stains from bamboo sheets?
Pre-treat stains with a mild solution of baking soda and water, then wash as usual.
Do bamboo sheets wrinkle easily?
Yes, but you can reduce wrinkles by shaking them out before drying and using a low-heat iron if needed.
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Laura Georgieff
Laura is a mother of three who did not sleep through the night for the first 5.5 years of her kids' lives. She is passionate about sleep quality and loves sharing her experience and knowledge of all thing bedding! It is her mission to help you make the best decisions when it comes to sleep and help you get the best deal on the market!
