Should you use fabric softener

Short answer: No, not on knitted fabrics. Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibres that makes the fabric less able to absorb moisture, and over time it can cause odour. A bamboo viscose knit is soft on its own and does fine without.

The film closes the fibres

Fabric softener works by laying a thin coating on the fibres. That coating is what makes the fabric feel smooth straight after washing. But it settles into the surface and stays, and a little more builds up with every wash. Over time it closes the small gaps that keep the fabric open and light. The same goes for bamboo slips.

Moisture absorption gets worse

A fabric with a film does not move moisture away from the skin as well. The fibres need to absorb moisture and pass it on, but the coating gets in the way. You notice it most on close-fitting clothes worn all day, like socks and underwear. The fabric can feel clammy instead of dry. See bamboo socks.

Odour can develop over time

Softener residue and the skin's own oils collect in the fabric and give bacteria something to feed on. A normal wash does not always remove it all, because the coating binds the residue to the fibres. The result can be a smell that returns soon after washing, even though the clothes are clean. It is often a sign of built-up residue.

The fabric is already soft

A bamboo viscose knit needs no help to feel soft. The softness comes from the fibres and the knit themselves, not from anything added in the wash. So softener brings no real benefit here, only the drawbacks. The fabric is just as pleasant to wear when washed with detergent alone and dried properly.

If you have already used softener

If you have used softener for a long time, there is probably a coating in the fabric. It will not vanish at once, but a few washes without softener will gradually rinse it out. Use a normal dose of detergent and do not overload the machine, so the water can do its work. The fabric usually regains its light feel.

Dose the detergent correctly

Too much detergent also leaves residue, and that can make fabric stiff. Many people then reach for softener to fix it, which only adds another layer. Follow the dosage on the pack and use less if the machine is not full. The fabric comes out clean, and the need for softener disappears by itself.

Dry clothes properly

How clothes dry has a big effect on how they feel. Shake the garment out before hanging it so the fibres do not stick together. Clothes that dry quickly in airy weather or a ventilated room turn out softer than clothes left hanging damp for hours. It is a simple habit that does more than any product in the wash.

Does it apply to all knits

The rule applies to anything meant to absorb moisture and sit close to the skin: underwear, socks, tops and nightwear. Clothes that need to breathe have the most to lose from a film on the fibres. To keep fabric open and light, simply leave the softener out. See bamboo tops for women.

Frequently asked questions

Should you use fabric softener on bamboo viscose

No. Softener leaves a film on the fibres that makes the fabric less able to absorb and carry moisture away, and over time it can cause odour.

What does softener do to the fabric

It settles as a coating on the surface. The fabric feels soft right after washing, but absorbs moisture less well and can start to smell as residue builds up.

What can you use instead

Nothing. A bamboo viscose knit is soft on its own and needs no help to feel soft, as long as it is washed with the right amount of detergent.