How to Wash Bamboo Sheets, and Frequently Asked Questions

Want to learn some great tips on how to keep your bamboo bedding looking its best, for as long as possible? Read on!

Care of Bamboo Bed Sheets:

How to wash Bamboo Sheets? Do I wash Bamboo sheets like I would cotton sheets?

Rayon viscose from Bamboo is best cared for by washing in warm water with a liquid eco-friendly detergent, and drying on medium heat. Proper washing will extend their life; you can expect to get 4-5 years from your linens with proper laundering. Using hot water and high heat can cause any linens to pill, which are the uncomfortable bumps you’ll see on some sweaters or low-quality sheets. Also, rayon is resistant to bacteria, so if you are used to using bleach to kill bacteria, there is no need to do so with bamboo.

Do Bamboo Sheets shrink?

Yes, Bamboo sheets do have shrinking at their first wash. Because Rayon from Bamboo will shrink a little the first time you wash them, we have designed our sheets at 4% oversize to accommodate for shrinkage, making for a perfect fit once washed. For a tighter fitted sheet, simply wash on hot and dry on high every 4-5 washings.

Will bamboo sheets pill?

No, we use premium quality bamboo fibers with a tight twill weave. Bamboo bed sheets are less likely to tear and pill than traditional cotton sheets.

Does Bleach ruin your Bamboo Sheets?

Bleach is full of harsh and toxic chemicals, it can weaken the rayon fibers which reduces the quality and life of your bedding/sheets. Fabric softeners can leave a film on the fabric, reducing the moisture-wicking properties. Avoid Bleach and fabric softeners.

Can Bamboo Sheets go in the Dryer?

Yes,  in the dryer; choose a low or medium heat to tumble cycle. As soon as the dryer finishes, avoid wrinkles by immediately taking them out. You may hang dry too, and if they are too stiff; just toss in the dryer for 5 minutes to soften.

How long do Bamboo Sheets last?

These eco-friendly sheets can last up to many years. If you use only one set, when cared for properly, our sheets typically last 5-6 years. If you rotate between multiple sets of our linens, each will last 6-7 years. In comparison, traditional cotton sheets usually only last a few years before you need to replace them.

What are Rayon Bamboo Sheets vs Viscose Bamboo Sheets?

Bamboo sheets labeled as 100% Rayon (or Viscose) from Bamboo means the sheets are a rayon fabric that is derived from the bamboo plant. Other rayon fabric can come from eucalyptus, birchwood or other woody plants. You can see our blog on this here.

Do Bamboo Sheets wrinkle?

We don’t coat our linens with formaldehyde, which is a wrinkle-resistant toxin that the cotton industry uses. Therefore, they will get a soft wrinkle when you sleep on them, but with each fresh washing, they’ll come out of the dryer silky smooth again.

Can you iron Bamboo Sheets?

Yes, absolutely, and even with high heat and steam. A little trick to reduce ironing: dry the sheets on high for the last 10 minutes of the cycle and remove immediately, and they will come out smooth.

Are Bamboo Sheets good for hot sleepers?

Yes, one of the remarkable qualities of rayon from Bamboo is that it’s thermal regulating. This means that the fibers sense your needs and adjust accordingly, bamboo will release the excess heat for hot sleepers, but keep the warmth in for cold sleepers. The micro-gaps and holes in the fibers act like a ‘smart fabric’ and know when to adjust the temperature.

How to clean Bamboo sheets? Do you have to use a special detergent?

How to wash Bamboo Sheets: we recommend a mild liquid detergent like Ecos, Mrs. Myers, Woolite, Seventh Generation, ECover, or Kirkland Ultra Clean. We do not recommend bleach, fabric softener, washer balls or dryer sheets/balls. Harsher detergents can break down the fibers faster, shortening the lifespan of the linens. For any type of fabrics; we recommend reading the care label, check out this blog for more info.

For answers on how to regularly care for all things bedding (mattresses, sheets, pillows, headboards, air mattresses, pet beds, and more) check out the article here by totalvegasrealestate.

Are Bamboo Sheets Silky? Will they slide off the bed?

Yes, bamboo sheets have a soft, silky feel. But no, our bamboo sheets get softer and cozier when you wash them, not like satin sheets where all your bedding slides onto the floor!!

Will your bamboo sheets fit my 22″ deep mattress?

Our fitted sheet is 18″ deep, but roomy. It may stretch to fit your 22″, OR if you have a ‘topper’ the elastic could fit into the crease of the topper and the mattress. Many customers tell us they will fit a 22″ mattress.

What thread count are bamboo sheets?

Thread count is something that many sheet-shoppers look for, usually opting for higher counts, expecting more softness. But thread count is not the most important factor in how soft a sheet is; the material of the threads from which it’s made is the most important factor. This means that our 300 thread count sheets are softer and cost less than many sheets with a much higher thread count, additionally a thread count of 300 for bamboo is very high. We’ve opted for the ‘sweet spot’ of 300 thread count as this will have incredible softness AND keep the breathability of the linens, although they’ll feel like 1,000 thread count Pima cotton.

Is Bamboo Viscose and Rayon from Bamboo the same thing?

Yes, the process of breaking down the bamboo stalk into a fiber is the same for both viscose or rayon. Because the end fiber is indistinguishable from other wood pulps (ie; eucalyptus, beech wood, pine, etc) the Federal Trade Commission requires that it be called one of those terms. We have chosen to call them ‘rayon viscose from Bamboo’ to be in line with what most large retailers are using, so that consumers are not confused.

Where are bamboo sheets made?

BedVoyage linens are manufactured responsibly at the largest home textile factory in India. Our factory has passed a stringent 25 point review process by many US retailers, as well as yearly passing the Social Responsibility Audit. This ensures there are no child workers, employees are not over-worked or underpaid, and work in an environment where there are safeguards in place to ensure their health and safety. We are proud to be processing our bamboo in such a responsible factory!

Do Bamboo Sheets fade?

No, we have used reactive dye to keep the colors deep and true.

Does pet hair come off easily?

Yes, most of the pet hair should come off in the wash, or you can use a lint roller between laundry days. Remember Bamboo has some antibacterial properties so your linens won’t accumulate the same amount of smell that cotton might, and rayon is anti-static so it won’t cling to pet fur or lints, like cotton will. And because we use a tight twill weave for our sheets, they’re less likely to snag with pet claws than plain, satin weave sheets, or knitted flannels.

Can you hang dry Bamboo Sheets?

Yes, you can. Once they are air-dried, you can toss them in the dryer for 5-10 minutes if you need to get any ‘crispness’ softened.

Cotton Sheets can hold mold and mildew smells, does Bamboo?

Bamboo linens are naturally resistant to molds and mildews, which makes them great for humid climates, motor homes and boats. If you’ve got any mold issues, you can help mitigate it by following the instructions in this handy article on How To Get Rid of Mold.

Does the fitted sheet have a deep pocket?

Yes, the pocket is 18″ deep with elastic all the way around the edge, not just at the corners like most sheets. This way whether you have a Tempur-Pedic® or a pillow-top mattress, the fitted sheet will stay snug and never pop off. If you’ve ever wondered how to fold a fitted sheet, watch our video.

My husband has oily skin; how can I get oil stains out?

You may try any of the following: wet the oil stains, apply Dawn dishwashing liquid (a de-greaser!) soak for 15 minutes, then wash. Or spray a non-bleach spot remover onto the stains before laundering, or use a paste of baking soda and water, let sit 10 minutes, then launder as usual.

Care of Bamboo Duvet Covers:

Does the Duvet Cover have corner ties?

Yes, all new duvets arriving Fall 2021 do have corner ties, but our older style of zippered duvets do not. But weirdly comforters do not move around as much in a bamboo duvet as a cotton one. If it does move a bit, you can just grab the foot of the duvet once a week or so, and give it a good hard shake to re-center your comforter. If you’d like to see the easiest way to insert a comforter, check out our video.

Do you need an insert for a Duvet Cover?

Yes, a duvet cover is a protective layer that slips over the duvet comforter and has a closure. Because comforters can be expensive and difficult to clean, Bamboo duvet covers are useful because they protect your comforter and are easily removed. and easy to wash. We do recommend zipping the zipper closed prior to launder, to keep the integrity of your zipper.

Do I need to wash the Duvet Cover before I use it?

We recommend it, as bamboo shrinks-to-fit the very first time you wash it. We’ve oversized our linens to allow for that shrinkage. Do MAKE SURE to zip your duvet closed prior to laundering, which will maintain the integrity of your zipper.

What goes inside of a Duvet Cover? How to fill a duvet cover?

You can use a bamboo, down or poly-fil comforter, a blanket, quilt or afghan. Really anything you choose! To fill your bamboo duvet, you’ll need a duvet comforter, or a duvet insert such as our bamboo down-alternative comforter. You can watch our video to learn how to insert a comforter.

Will a Cal-King Duvet Comforter fit into a King Duvet Cover?

Yes, it will. We’ve designed the duvet to be a bit universal, to fit King and Cal-King comforters. A Cal-King is a bit longer and more narrow, so you’ll have a bit of extra drape on the sides of the bed.

Can you wash a Bamboo Duvet? Do I wash the same way as a Cotton Duvet?

Rayon from Bamboo is best cared for by washing in warm water and drying on low to medium heat. Proper washing will extend their life; you can expect to get 5-6 years from your duvet cover with proper laundering. Using hot water and high heat can cause any linens to pill, which are the uncomfortable bumps you’ll see on some sweaters or low-quality sheets. Also, rayon is resistant to bacteria, so if you are used to using bleach to kill any bacteria, there is no need to do so with bamboo. A great benefit for your health and the environment!

How long does a Bamboo Duvet Cover last?

These eco-friendly duvets can last up to 5 years if properly cared for. If you use only one duvet, when cared for properly, our Bamboo Duvets typically last for 3 years. If you rotate between multiple Bamboo Duvet Covers, each will last 6-7 years. In comparison, traditional cotton duvets usually only last a year or two before you need to replace them.

Can you hang dry Bamboo Duvet Covers?

Yes, you can. Once they are air-dried, you can toss in the dryer for 5-10 minutes if you need to get any ‘crispness’ softened.

Do Bamboo Duvet Covers wrinkle?

We don’t coat our linens with formaldehyde, which is a wrinkle-resistant toxin that the cotton industry uses. Therefore, they will get a soft wrinkle when you sleep on them, but with each fresh laundering, they’ll come out of the dryer silky smooth again.

How to clean Bamboo Duvet Covers? Do you have to use a special detergent?

We recommend a mild liquid detergent like Ecos, Mrs. Myers, Woolite, Seventh Generation, ECover, or Kirkland Ultra Clean. We don’t recommend bleach, fabric softener, washer balls or dryer sheets/balls. Harsher detergents can break down the fibers faster, shortening the lifespan of the linens.

Are Bamboo Duvets good for hot sleepers?

Yes, one of the remarkable qualities of rayon from Bamboo is that it’s thermal regulating. This means that the fibers sense your needs and adjust accordingly, bamboo will release the excess heat for hot sleepers, but keep the warmth in for cold sleepers. The micro-gaps and holes in the fibers act like a ‘smart fabric’ and know when to adjust the temperature.

Can you iron a Bamboo Duvet Cover?

Yes, absolutely, and even with high heat and steam. A little trick to reduce ironing: dry the duvet cover on high for the last 10 minutes of the cycle and remove immediately, and they will come out smooth.

Does pet hair wash off easily? My dog sheds and sleeps on my bed.

Yes, most of the pet hair should come off when you wash bamboo sheets. Or you can use a lint roller between laundry days. Remember, rayon from Bamboo fabric resists bacteria so your bed linens won’t accumulate the same amount of smell that cotton sheets might, and rayon is anti-static so it won’t cling to pet fur or lint. Our durable tight twill weave helps prevent snagging of pets claws better than normal satin weave sheets, or knitted flannels.

Do Bamboo Duvet Covers’ color fade?

No, when you wash the bamboo sheets they won’t fade, as we’ve used eco-friendly reactive dye to keep the colors deep and true.

Are Bamboo Duvet Covers Silky? Will they slide off the bed?

Yes, Bamboo Duvets have a soft, silky feel. But our Bamboo Duvet Covers get softer and cozier when you wash them, not like satin sheets where your bedding slides onto the floor!!

Care of Bamboo Bed Blankets:

Are bamboo blankets warm? Are bamboo blankets better than cotton blankets?

Bamboo’s fibers trap warm air and insulate you while sleeping, and although its also a highly breathable and cooling blanket, the fibers sense your particular needs and either keep you warmer or release the heat if you are overheating. Cotton blankets don’t have the same abilities as bamboo, so you’ll stay warmer with bamboo blankets.

Do you have to use a special detergent for bamboo blankets? How do you wash bamboo blankets?

No dry cleaning needed! We recommend a mild liquid detergent like Ecos, Mrs. Myers, Woolite, Seventh Generation, ECover, or Kirkland Ultra Clean. We do not recommend bleach, fabric softener, washer balls or dryer sheets/balls. Harsher detergents can break down the fibers faster, shortening the lifespan of the bamboo blanket.

Is Bamboo Viscose and Rayon from Bamboo the same thing?

Yes, the process of breaking down the bamboo stalk into a fiber is the same for both viscose or rayon. Because the end fiber is indistinguishable from other wood pulps (ie; eucalyptus, beech wood, pine, etc) the Federal Trade Commission requires that it be called one of those terms. We have chosen to call them ‘rayon viscose from Bamboo’ to be in line with what most large retailers are using, so that consumers are not confused.

Does the color ever fade?

No, we have used reactive dye to keep the colors deep and true.

Are bamboo blankets hypoallergenic? Are bamboo blankets soft?

Bamboo fibers are spun very round and smooth, so they don’t irritate skin the way that some rougher cotton fibers can. Bamboo blankets feel silky soft against your skin, and soothe skin irritations and eczema.

What is the best blanket for summer? What is the best blanket for winter?

Bamboo blankets are year-round blankets, as they are lightweight enough to use in the summer, without a duvet cover. But bamboo blankets are great for winter too, because you can layer them with a duvet cover, but also because bamboo fibers sense your needs and keep your warmth in.

My partner sleeps hot, but I sleep cold. Will a bamboo blanket keep me warm?

Yes, one of the remarkable qualities of rayon from Bamboo is that it’s thermal regulating. This means that the fibers sense your needs and adjust accordingly, bamboo will release the excess heat for hot sleepers, but keep the warmth in for cold sleepers. The micro-gaps and holes in the fibers act like a ‘smart fabric’ and know when to adjust the temperature.

What do I do if I see a snag in the blanket?

Don’t cut the yarn as it will leave a hole or unravel. Instead, you can ‘work’ the yarns back into place by gently using your thumbnails to work the yarns back into their woven track. You can also tie-off the snag so that it has a knot and will not snag further.

Can I hang dry the bamboo blanket?

Yes, you can. Once its air-dried, you can toss it the dryer for 5-10 minutes if you need to get any ‘crispness’ softened.

For more information about any of our BedVoyage products, please visit BedVoyage.com!