Bamboo is among the softest fabrics used to make clothing for everyone, from newborn babies to adults. People love clothing made from bamboo because of its softness, breathability, and ability to wick away moisture. It is also naturally hypoallergenic and eco-friendly, making it a popular choice for those wanting to reduce their environmental impact.
Knowing how to care for your bamboo clothing is important for ensuring it stays soft, comfortable, and in good condition for a long time. Explore some tips on washing and maintaining your bamboo clothing in this post.
Pretreat Stains
We’ve all had those moments when we accidentally spill something on our clothes and leave a stain. It’s best to pretreat your child’s bamboo clothing before throwing the clothes into the wash if you notice stains on them. Pretreating stains decreases the likelihood of them becoming permanent in the fabric.
Follow these steps to pretreat stains:
- Gently blot the stained area with a white cloth or paper towel to absorb any excess liquid.
- Avoid rubbing, as doing so can push the stain deeper into the fabric.
- Use a mild stain remover and a cotton swab to avoid spreading the stain.
- Allow the treatment to sit for a few minutes before washing.
Buy Gentle Detergent
Using the right detergent is essential for preserving the bamboo fabrics’ softness and integrity. Although some laundry soaps have wonderful fragrances, it is best to use a mild, scent-free detergent when washing bamboo clothing. Strong detergents can weaken the fibers and cause them to break down over time.
You may also use a small amount of vinegar as a natural fabric softener in the rinse cycle. The vinegar will remove detergent residue and maintain the fabric’s softness without excessive chemicals.
Use a Garment Bag
A garment bag provides extra protection for your child’s bamboo clothing during washing. These bags prevent garments from twisting and tangling with other items, which can lead to stretching and damage.
Avoid overstuffing the bag with clothes during washes, as overstuffing can make it harder for the detergent and water to reach all the garment, resulting in an uneven wash. Ideally, you should place one to two items in each garment bag; the number of items depends on the apparel’s size.
Turn Clothes Inside Out
Unfasten any zippers, buttons, and hooks when washing your child’s bamboo clothing. Doing so prevents the fasteners from catching on the fabric, which could cause snags or tears. After unfastening everything, turn the clothes inside out to protect the outside of the garment from fading and pilling while washing.
Properly Set the Machine
Another tip on washing and maintaining bamboo clothing is to properly set the machine for each wash. Learn the proper settings below:
Set the Wash Cycle to Gentle
Select the “gentle” or “hand wash” cycle after loading the machine to reduce the chances of damage and excessive wear. Other cycles, such as the “normal” or “heavy-duty” settings, can be too rough for delicate bamboo fabrics.
Use Cold Water
Cold water is the best choice for washing bamboo clothing, as it maintains the fabric’s color and elasticity. On the other hand, hot water can cause the fibers to shrink and weaken, causing the garments to lose their softness and durability.
Washing Tip
Presoaking heavily soiled garments in cold water before washing can loosen dirt and stains.
Avoid Overfilling the Machine
Parents’ lives quickly get busy, and sometimes, it may seem easier to throw all the clothes in the machine at once. Avoid doing this with bamboo apparel, as it can lead to piling since the fibers rub against each other during the wash.
Moreover, some hues may bleed onto others if you throw everything in at once rather than separate the light and dark colors. Bundling all your clothes into one load could result in them having an uneven color distribution.
Properly Dry Apparel
While you can put some bamboo clothes into the dryer, it’s always best to hang them dry to avoid damage or shrinkage. Set the machine to the lowest temperature and tumble dry it if you must put the clothing in the dryer for a few minutes.
Lay the garments flat on a clean, dry surface when you air dry clothing so your items maintain their shape. You could also hang the apparel on a clothesline or drying rack to reduce the risk of wrinkles and creases.
Only Wash Clothes As Needed
You must wash certain clothes, such as undergarments, after every use. However, washing everyday clothing, such as T-shirts and pajamas, after each wear is not always necessary. Inspect garments before placing them in the hamper, and consider how long you wore them.
You may have to wash that bamboo dress you wore all day; however, you can probably wear your bamboo pajamas twice before washing them if you only wore them for a few hours once. Reducing the number of times you wash your clothes can help preserve their softness and extend their lifespan.
Washing Tip
Give clothes the “sniff test” to determine whether you can wear them again or need to wash them. You can likely get one more wear out of the item before cleaning it if there are no odors.
Tips for Storing Bamboo Clothing
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining your bamboo clothing’s quality. Follow these tips to keep your garments fresh and fabulous:
Fold or Hang Your Garments
You should hang or fold your bamboo clothing, depending on preference and garment type. Hanging your clothing items allows them to retain their shape and prevent wrinkles, while folding is ideal for saving space.
Help your child put away their clothes to ensure they don’t shove everything into drawers. Depending on your child’s age, you may teach them to neatly fold their clothing. Showing your child how to care for their clothes teaches them to respect their belongings and may prolong their garments’ lifespan.
Avoid Sunlight
Exposure to constant sunlight can lead to fading. While the sun doesn’t directly damage the clothes, it can diminish their vibrant colors. Keep your bamboo clothing in a dark, dry location when storing bamboo clothing them.
Organize Items
Organize your clothing items according to type if you or your child have numerous types of bamboo clothing. Keep day clothes, nightwear, and sportswear in separate areas so you can easily find what you need.
Buy Cozy Bamboo Clothes
Dream Big Little Co. sells bamboo apparel for infants, children, and adults. Our bamboo toddler underwear stays soft after countless washes, making it a must-have for your little one. We also have adorable pajamas, loungewear, and even playclothes that your family will love! Follow these tips to keep your clothes looking and feeling new.