You’ve already answered the question: should I get bamboo sheets? And decided: yes. Now the question is: how should I care for my incredibly soft, smooth (and durable) bamboo sheets?
Good news! High-quality bamboo sheets are so popular because yes, they’re super soft and have the cloud-like, high luxury feeling when you get into bed, but also because the reputation bamboo has for being durable and long-lasting is true. You don’t actually need to worry too much about caring for your bamboo sheets as long as you follow a few key tips.
We’ve laid out five important things to think with when it comes to taking care of your bamboo sheets.
1. Avoid Harsh Detergents.
Harsh detergents can damage bamboo. What exactly is a harsh detergent? Any detergent with these ingredients can damage the sheets and also irritate your skin:
Chlorine bleach: Chlorine bleach is commonly found in detergent and is used to clean and whiten your laundry. However, it can irritate your skin and break down your sheets, and it’s harmful to the environment.
Phthalates: Phthalates are used in laundry detergents to help scents last longer. They provide the gel-like consistency most detergents have. However, they are harmful to sheet materials, not to mention your health.
Phosphates: This ingredient is so toxic that it has been banned in many places, including the United States and the United Kingdom, but it’s a good idea to double check your detergent ingredients for it.
Any detergent that designed for sensitive skin is usually a good option for washing bamboo sheets. Or look for something eco-friendly, since these detergents avoid harsh chemicals that can damage sheets. And the good news is, they are a lot better for your own health, too!
2. Wash with warm or cold water (not hot!).
Start by checking what the recommended temperature is for your bamboo sheets. But as a rule of thumb, never select “hot” for washing sheets. Hot water can damage bamboo fabric, or even shrink it. Many brands recommend washing bamboo sheets with only cold water.
3. Wash on the gentle or delicate setting.
It seems funny, since bamboo sheets are actually very strong, that they should be washed on the delicate or gentle cycle. But no matter what the material is, it’s easier to damage when it’s wet. A heavy-duty wash cycle can damage your bamboo sheets, even though they are quite strong.
4. The same thing goes for drying bamboo sheets–dry on the gentle setting, low heat.
While you’re at it, also dry on the gentle setting, with low heat. High heat can cause even bamboo sheets to become rougher, and it can weaken or damage the elastic in fitted sheets. Low heat puts a lower stress on the bamboo fibers, and it helps keep your sheets silky soft. It can also help reduce wrinkles!
Take the sheets out of the dryer as soon as they’re done, while they’re still warm, which helps the soft, lightweight material of bamboo stay free of wrinkles. If you do end up with wrinkles, and you want to iron your sheets, that’s fine–just use the lowest setting.
5. Don’t use fabric softeners.
Bamboo sheets are already so incredibly soft that you don’t need anything to make them softer than they naturally are. Believe it or not, most fabric softeners can leave behind a waxy type of residue on your sheets. This actually makes them stiffer instead of softer!
In a nutshell, taking care of your bamboo sheets really is simple: use mild detergents, avoid fabric softeners, and wash and dry on gentle, low heat.
One of the best ways to make life simple when it comes to bamboo sheets or any other type of sheets is to buy from a brand you trust. CGK is known for affordable bamboo sheets that feel like luxury, but without the luxury price tag.