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7 Easy Steps to Wash Bamboo Sheets- The right way!

Bamboo sheets are soft, luxurious, and sometimes expensive! They are also absorbent, which means they stain very easily.

Washing bamboo sheets doesn’t have to be a pain, and doing it properly will ensure you get the longest life out of your sheets. On the other hand, if you wash them incorrectly, your sheets may get damaged and have to be replaced.

So, whether you just purchased a new set of bamboo sheets or you’ve had them for a while, we’re going to walk you through how to wash them in just seven easy steps.

7 Easy Steps to Wash Bamboo Sheets

Below are the steps to take when washing bamboo sheets:

  1. Only Wash in Cold Water
  2. Wash on Delicate
  3. Wash Separately
  4. Never Use Bleach
  5. Pre-soak Tough Stains
  6. Fabric Softener is Optional
  7. Remove from Dryer ASAP

Wash bamboo sheets in seven easy steps

Now that you have an idea of how to wash your bamboo sheets, let’s go into more detail about each step.

1. Only wash bamboo sheets in cold water, between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using cold water to wash bamboo sheets
Wash your bamboo sheets in cold water

I cannot stress enough how important it is to only use cold water when washing your bamboo sheets. Hot water will damage the fibers and shorten their lifespan significantly, so make sure you do not use it under any circumstances.

The ideal temperature range is 60-80 Degrees Fahrenheit or 15-26 Celsius. Not only is it better for the fabric, but cold water is much more energy-efficient than hot. If you want to save money and protect the environment at the same time, using cold water is the best way to go!

You should also ensure that your washer is set at the right temperature before you start. If there’s a hot-cold dial, it will likely be labeled with temperatures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius, so make sure yours has been adjusted correctly.

In addition to this, some newer models of washing machines have an automatic setting that will adjust the water temperature based on what you’re washing. If this is an option for your machine, use it!

If your washer doesn’t have these settings or they don’t work correctly, don’t worry! Just make sure the wash cycle you choose matches up with cold water and go from there. No matter what, avoid using hot water under any circumstances.

2. Wash bamboo sheets on “Delicate” or use the lowest setting available.

Wash bamboo sheets on low or delicate setting
Wash on “Delicate” or use the lowest setting available

Washing machines usually have a setting to reduce the speed and agitation of the spin cycle. It’s usually labeled “Delicates,” but it might also be called “Hand Wash” or something similar.

If your washing machine doesn’t have this setting, just use the lowest spin speed available to you instead. Putting your bamboo bedding in a pillowcase can also add a layer of protection from washing machine agitation.

It’s best to use the lowest agitation speed available on your washing machine to wash your bamboo sheets.

There is no point in applying more pressure than necessary when washing bamboo sheets because they are already considered delicate and prone to pilling.

3. Wash bamboo sheets separately or with like colors.

washing bamboo sheets separately
Wash bamboo sheets separately or with like colors

Washing your sheets separately from other laundry is a good idea for the reasons below.

First of all, if you wash them with linty fabrics like bamboo or cotton towels, your sheets will pick up all of that lint. It will take you about 15 minutes to get it all off after you dry them, so just avoid this situation altogether by separating your laundry.

Secondly, different fabrics hold onto detergent more or less depending on their weave and material composition. By washing bamboo sheets separately from clothes, the amount of soap build-up will be kept at a minimum.

It’s also a good idea to avoid washing them with jeans or clothing that have zippers, buttons, or hooks, etc. Any of these can get caught on your sheets and tear them, which you definitely do not want.

Finally, washing with like colors will minimize the risk of ruining your bamboo sheets with dye transfer. If you wash them with towels or other clothes with a lot of dye in them, your bamboo sheets might pick up some color.

4. Use a mild detergent that’s safe for colors, and Never use bleach!

assortment of laundry mild detergents for washing bamboo sheets

The type of detergent you use is critical when it comes to washing your bamboo sheets. Some detergents are milder than others, and they don’t contain harsh chemicals as others do.

Look for a detergent that is bio-degradable, dye-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic. It would be best if you also avoided anything that claims to “brighten” or “whiten” your clothes, as it may alter the color of your sheets.

Bleach is never a good idea when washing any fabric because its chemicals will break down and damage them over time. If you must use bleach to disinfect your bedding, be sure to dilute it heavily with water before putting it into your wash.

Make sure you read the label on your detergent. If it says “safe for colors” or something similar, that means it is dye-free and will not ruin them in any way. Just make sure to follow the guidelines set out by your manufacturer before putting your bamboo sheets into a wash load with bleach or another harsh chemical!

If you’re looking for the best detergent for bamboo sheets, go for Mrs. Meyer’s organic detergent found here on Amazon.

5. Pre-soak or treat tough stains for 10-15 minutes before putting them in the washing machine.

bamboo sheets pre soaking to remove tough stains
Pre-soak or treat tough stains before washing

Everyone has experienced a stain at one point or another, so you should know how to treat them appropriately before washing your bamboo sheets.

If the stains are fresh and it’s still possible for them to come out, soak your bamboo sheets in cold water with a mild detergent until it begins to break down. After this, wash the sheets as you usually would with a cold-water cycle.

If your stains are old and have been set into the fibers of your bamboo sheeting or other clothes, there is no need to worry because it’s still possible to get them out!

If you’re washing by hand, soak your bamboo sheets in a mixture of cool water and a little bit of laundry detergent overnight. But, if you’re washing by machine, do the same thing but put them in with your regular load instead.

6. Fabric softener is optional, but go for an organic brand that won’t leave a residue if you do.

Type of fabric softener to use on bamboo sheets
Using fabric softener (Optional)

Using a fabric softener is entirely up to you, and it doesn’t affect the quality or longevity of your sheets, so if you like using one, then go ahead!

If you decide to use a fabric softener, make sure it is organic and won’t leave any residue. I usually use Botanical Origin or Mrs. Meyer’s from time to time. I find that they don’t leave any unwanted scents or residues, but you can use anything that feels safe for your skin.

If using a fabric softener is out of the question, then just skip it! Washing your sheets with laundry detergent alone will be enough to leave them fresh and smelling nice. It all comes down to personal preference.

7. Finally, remove them from the washer as soon as the cycle is complete and dry them immediately to minimize wrinkles.

removing bamboo sheets from the machine after done washing
Remove them from the washer as soon as the cycle is complete

Bamboo sheets are more prone to wrinkling compared to cotton or microfiber. You can reduce the number of wrinkles by removing them from the washer as soon as the cycle is complete.

When still wet, take your bamboo sheets out and either dry them in the dryer or hang them up to let them drip dry.

The quicker you get your bamboo sheets out of the washer, the less likely they will be to wrinkle.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the following section, I will go over some of your most common questions about washing bamboo sheets.

How often should you wash bamboo sheets?

For most people, washing bamboo sheets once a week is sufficient. However, if you have pets or suffer from allergies, you may need to wash them more often. If your sheets start to look dingy or feel extra greasy, it’s time for a wash.

Can you use vinegar on bamboo sheets?

Vinegar is a great natural cleaner and can safely be used to remove stubborn stains on bamboo sheets. However, it is important to test a small area first to make sure the vinegar doesn’t cause any discoloration.

If the test area doesn’t show any discoloration, you can safely soak your bamboo sheets in a 1-part vinegar to 9 parts water solution for 30 minutes. You can wash them as usual afterward.

Can I use baking soda on bamboo sheets?

Similar to vinegar, baking soda is also a great natural cleaner. It can be used to remove tough stains on bamboo sheets and also has deodorizing properties.

If you would like to use baking soda to clean your bamboo sheets, mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of water. Soak the bamboo sheets in the solution for 30 minutes before washing them as usual.

Can you wash bamboo sheets in warm water?

It’s safe to wash bamboo sheets in warm water, but I would recommend using cold or lukewarm water to avoid any shrinking. If your sheets are more than a year old, they should have gone through any shrinkage by now and can be safely washed in warmer water.

Do bamboo sheets shrink?

Bamboo sheets can shrink, but it is usually minimal and won’t cause any problems with how they fit on your bed. As mentioned before, I would recommend only using cold or lukewarm water to wash bamboo sheets in order to avoid any shrinkage.

Here’s our guide on how to prevent bamboo sheets from shrinking.

How do you get body oil out of bamboo sheets?

If you get body oil on your bamboo sheets, the best way to remove it is with a mixture of dish soap and water.

Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 1 cup of water and soak a cloth in the solution. Rub the cloth gently on the stained area until the oil is removed. The dish soap solution works by breaking down the body oil and loosening it up, making it easier to remove. You can then wash the sheets as usual.

Do bamboo sheets wrinkle easily?

One of the cons of bamboo sheets is that they wrinkle easily. This is usually more of a problem with the fitted sheet, as it can be difficult to keep it in place. Wrinkles will be more prominent if you dry your bamboo sheets in a dryer or keep them in the washing machine for too long.


As you can see, washing your bamboo sheets can be pretty easy! Sticking to the steps I mentioned above, will ensure you get the longest possible life out of your sheets and help them stay soft, luxurious, and stain-free.

If you have any questions or are looking for additional information on how to wash bamboo sheets properly, please reach out! We’re happy to help in any way we can.

Molly E
