How bamboo fabric keeps its colours in the wash

Short answer: The question of how bamboo fabric keeps its colours has an honest answer, which is that it depends on dyeing, washing and drying. With a low temperature, a mild wash and a little care, the colours can stay good for a long time. Here is the advice that makes the biggest difference.

How bamboo fabric keeps its colours over time

Bamboo in clothing is viscose made from bamboo, and the fabric takes colour in a soft and even way. So how does bamboo fabric keep its colours after many washes? It depends mostly on how you wash and dry, and on how strong the colour is from the start. Dark and strong colours need a little more care than light ones.

Why colours fade

Colours fade because clothes are rubbed, heated and exposed to sunlight and detergent. Each wash takes a little of the surface, and tumble drying speeds it up. This applies to all fabrics, bamboo included. A milder wash can delay the fading, but it cannot remove it completely.

Temperature and wash programme

Wash dark and coloured clothes at a low temperature and on a gentle programme, so the clothes move less. This applies to socks for women too, which are often washed with other clothes and so get rubbed more. Use a laundry bag for small items, so they do not get worn in the drum.

Sort by colour

Wash light, dark and strong colours separately, especially the first few times. New, dark clothes may give off a little colour, and that can stain light items. Keep clothes of roughly the same colour in one machine, and do not fill it completely, so the water has room to rinse through properly.

Detergent and fabric softener

Choose a mild detergent without bleach, and use the amount shown on the pack. More detergent is not better and can settle in the fabric. Use little or no fabric softener, as it can leave a film on the fibres. Always follow the care label on the garment when there is one.

Drying without losing colour

Air drying on a rack is gentle on colours, especially if the clothes do not hang in direct sun for many hours. A tumble dryer on high heat fades clothes more and can make them shrink. If you hang clothes indoors, make sure the air moves well, so they dry quickly and do not start to smell.

The first wash of new clothes

Wash new clothes before you use them, preferably alone or with items in the same colour. It removes residue from production and shows how the colour behaves. If you are unsure about a strong colour, do not mix it with white. Turn the items inside out so the surface is spared.

The rest of the wardrobe in bamboo

The same rules apply to other clothes in the same material, such as bamboo bra and bamboo T-shirts for women. A bra lasts longer if you use a wash bag and air dry it. T-shirts should be turned inside out. A fixed routine keeps the colours, whichever item you take out.

Frequently asked questions

Can bamboo fabric take a 40 degree wash?

It depends on the individual item, so always read the care label. A lower temperature is generally gentler on colours and keeps the clothes looking good for longer.

Can I wash bamboo clothes with jeans?

It is often not recommended, especially the first time, if the jeans give off colour. Wash strong colours on their own or with clothes in roughly the same colour.

Can bamboo fabric go in the tumble dryer?

Follow the care label. Air drying is gentlest on both colour and fit, and high heat can make clothes shrink and fade faster.