Can I wash a bamboo blanket in a washing machine?

Bamboo products have quickly flooded the market. The supply is vast, but demand for bamboo blankets and pillows is also high, as they are much more practical than traditional down bedding. As good as bamboo blankets are, they still need to be cleaned occasionally. The question is, can they be machine washed or are they hand washed only? Or should they not be wetted at all? We'll try to answer these questions in this article.

Is machine washable?

A bamboo duvet has a number of advantages over down-filled bedding. Bamboo fiber is soft, delicate, holds its shape well, and doesn't wrinkle easily. Bamboo, being an environmentally friendly material, nevertheless does not create conditions for the development of saprophytes, insects and various microbes. However, if it is not cared for, over time dirt will penetrate between the fibers and the product will begin to lose its shape, simultaneously becoming a breeding ground for germs.

Dirt is unforgiving, so it's important to remove it promptly. Bamboo fiber items, including blankets, can be washed either by hand or by machine. However, they must be washed and dried properly, otherwise they risk being damaged. Let's discuss how to properly wash bamboo blankets by hand and by machine, and then how to dry them properly.

Please note: Bamboo stems are split into extremely fine fibers, which are then subjected to a special treatment to produce high-quality bamboo filling.

Instructions

Can you wash a bamboo item in an automatic washing machine? Not only can you, but you should, as modern washing machines are ideal for this. However, to avoid damaging the item, it's important to follow these basic rules:

• You cannot wash bamboo products at temperatures above 40 ⁰WITH;
• You can only wash bamboo with liquid detergent, preferably a special one – no bulk powders;
• During washing, the drum should not rotate at a speed greater than 800 rpm, the same applies to spinning;
• If your machine has a “double rinse” mode, be sure to turn it on; if not, turn on the second rinse manually;
• Do not select washing modes (even delicate ones) if the program will last more than 1 hour. Bamboo fibers should not be left in water for too long.

These are the basic rules. Please read them again and remember them well, then the risk of damaging your bamboo blanket will be minimal. Now, here's the procedure to follow when washing such a blanket in an automatic or semi-automatic washing machine.

1. You need to make sure that the blanket fits into the washing machine drum.
2. Inspect the blanket for damage; if you find any holes, sew them up.
3. Fold the bamboo blanket and then roll it into a roll.
4. Remove the detergent drawer from the washing machine and rinse it under running water. There should be no powder residue left in the machine from the previous wash.
5. Place the tray back in place and pour the liquid product into it.
6. Select the appropriate washing mode. If you have trouble choosing, read the article Functions and modes in a washing machine.
7. Now you can wash the blanket, but don’t forget to set the double rinse mode.
8. When the program is finished, open the hatch and feel the blanket; there is a high probability that it will not spin out properly at 800 rpm – repeat the spin.
9. Dry your blanket properly. Read on to learn how.

Important! When washing a bamboo blanket in an automatic washing machine, do not force it into the drum in a crumpled mass; crumpled items will be harder to straighten out.

Manually

What about hand washing? For those who prefer gentle hand washing, we can reassure you that bamboo blankets can be washed by hand quite well, as long as you do it right. Bamboo blankets should be washed without soaking or vigorous mechanical action. In other words, avoid vigorous rubbing or vigorous hand washing.

Do not wash in hot water. The optimal water temperature is 40°C. ⁰WITH. Do not pour liquid detergent directly onto the blanket. First, fill a basin or bathtub with warm water, then dissolve a liquid hand-washing detergent in it, and then add the bamboo blanket. Only a special liquid detergent is suitable for hand-washing bamboo items. After washing the blanket, gently wring it out and begin drying.

Tips for drying your garment

Finally, let's talk about drying a bamboo blanket. Incidentally, if a bamboo blanket isn't dried properly, its filling will clump together, and it will take a lot of effort to restore it (if it can be restored at all). Experts offer very sound and straightforward advice on this matter.

Carefully straighten the damp blanket and lay it out on a flat surface. Drying at home is best for this. The blanket should be dried in a well-ventilated area, or better yet, on a balcony or outside in the shade. Avoid placing the blanket in direct sunlight, as this will damage the bamboo material. Avoid hanging the blanket on a clothesline, as this will cause the filling to clump.

While drying, periodically fluff and shake the blanket to ensure the filling dries evenly and prevents clumps. This doesn't mean you have to stand next to it for hours at a time. Simply approaching the bamboo blanket about once an hour, shaking it out and turning it over, will ensure it dries properly.

Note! If you're drying your bamboo blanket at home, you can place a fan heater nearby. Just don't place it too close.

To summarize, washing a bamboo blanket, both by hand and in the washing machine, is not only possible but also necessary. This should be done at least once every six months, and preferably once every three months. This will ensure your bamboo bedding stays clean and fresh. And how wonderful it will be for allergy sufferers to sleep on!

   

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