Bamboo is a soft, environmentally friendly material that is becoming increasingly popular for bedding. Bamboo sheets are durable and have a silk-like feel, making them very comfortable to sleep on. But can you bleach bamboo sheets if they become stained?
Although bleach has powerful cleaning properties and is an effective stain remover, it can also be too strong for delicate fabrics. However, it is still possible to use bleach on bamboo sheets if you do it right with the proper methods.
In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about bleaching bamboo sheets so you can keep them looking like new.
Can You Bleach Bamboo Sheets?
Yes, bamboo sheets can be bleached by using special processes. The typical behavior of bamboo sheets is that they become more rigid when washed. However, after drying, they become extremely soft again. Because bleach can damage bamboo fibers and prevent them from softening, avoid using bleach that contains chlorine.
Instead, it’s best to clean bamboo sheets with oxygen bleach, also known as sodium percarbonate. Oxygen bleach is not as strong as chlorine bleach and is also safer to use on colored sheets. It’s also safer for your health and the environment. However, oxygen bleach still has some harshness, so use it sparingly.
A homemade solution of vinegar and water is also a great alternative to bleach. It’s milder and much less damaging to bamboo sheets. While vinegar is the most natural solution, it is less effective than bleach at killing germs and removing stains.
How to Bleach Viscose Sheets made from Bamboo
If you’re determined to bleach bamboo sheets to remove some stains, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Rub some non-bleach stain remover on the stain and soak the bamboo sheet in cold water for one hour.
- Do not wash with hot water. Use lukewarm water at 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) instead.
- Do not use chlorine bleach. Instead, use an oxygen bleach or vinegar solution.
- Do not apply concentrated bleach directly on the bamboo sheet. This will damage the fibers of your bedding. Always thoroughly mix the bleach with water before placing the sheet in the solution.
- Use a mild detergent such as Kirkland Ultra Clean, ECover, Woolite, Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyers, or Ecos. Baby shampoo works great too.
- Please note that it is normal for bamboo sheets to become stiff right after washing. After drying, the fabric becomes soft again.
- Do not use fabric softeners, as they are not required for bamboo viscose sheets.
- Do not use laundry balls or dryer balls as they can snag and damage sheets.
How To Remove Stains from Bamboo Sheets?
You should learn how to remove stains from bamboo sheets, as they absorb moisture easily. It is important to take good care of your bamboo sheets so that these blemishes do not ruin them permanently.
If you wash your viscose sheets before the first use or every week thereafter, follow these additional steps if you find stubborn stains. We’ll introduce the best bamboo sheet stain remover for each scenario.
Important: Hot water should only be used if stains are to be removed. For regular washing, use lukewarm water at 40 degrees Celsius.
Urgency in Removing Stains from Your Viscose Bed Sheets
Surprisingly, white bamboo sheets are more stain resistant than colored sheets because the dye in the colored fabric absorbs more stains. You should wash your sheets as soon as you spill something on your 100% viscose from bamboo sheets.
If you sweat at night, you should also check them for body oils. The absorbency of sheets makes stains harder to remove by the day as oils penetrate deeper layers.
Removing General Stains from Bamboo Viscose Sheets
To remove most general stains from your bamboo sheets, you can make a mixture of water and vinegar. It should be 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. Soak the stain in this mixture for up to 2 hours, then machine wash the sheets in hot water.
How To Remove Oil Stains from Bamboo Sheets?
If your bamboo bedding has oil stains like lipstick, you should wash it in lukewarm water. Some people have found that liquid dish soap also helps remove stains. It’s a degreaser that you have to soak the sheets in first, then put more in the washing machine.
When Your 100% Viscose from Bamboo Sheet Gets Natural Stains
You may have grass stains on your clothes that may rub against your bamboo sheets. To remove these stains, make a paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and apply it directly to your sheet before washing.
What To Do With Pet Stains on Viscose Sheets?
Vomit or urine can also cause pet stains, for example. Remove these stains by washing the sheets in cold water and then in warm water which includes one cup of vinegar.
How to Remove Coffee Stains from Bamboo Sheets?
In the morning, you can enjoy a cup of coffee in bed and sometimes make a mess. Remove these blemishes by soaking your bamboo viscose sheets in white vinegar, water, and liquid dish soap for 15 minutes. Then put your bamboo sheets in the washing machine.
When You Have Red Wine Stains on Your Bamboo Viscose Sheets
For red wine stains, start by applying 1 part liquid dish soap to 3 parts hydrogen peroxide to the stain for 20 minutes. Then dab the stain and put the bamboo bedding in the washing machine.
How to Remove Bodily Stains from Your 100% Viscose from Bamboo Sheets
For sweat stains, first, apply a liquid dish soap directly to the stain. Soak viscose sheets in a paste of chlorine-free bleach and detergent.
For urine stains, apply vinegar directly to the stain. Also, you can try mixing water and baking soda to soak the sheets. Soak for up to two hours before washing.
What To Do with Viscose Sheets That Turn Yellow Over Time
If your white bamboo bed sheet turns yellow over time, there are a few ways you can try to fix it. Soak the sheets in a mixture of hot water and lemon juice for one hour. After that, you can put the sheets in your washing machine and you should end up with white bamboo sheets again.
Removing Stains from Bamboo Sheets Gives Them New Life
Use our tips above to remove stains from your bamboo viscose sheets. Most involve soaking the sheets in some sort of mixture to remove layers of stains. Eventually, you will have clean viscose sheets restored to their original colors. You can then continue to enjoy its many benefits, such as its smoothness, softness, flexibility, thermo-regulation, and moisture-wicking properties.
