When you switch2bamboo for any of your clothing, bedding or household items, it’s common to wonder if they need any extra care.
Being made of, or from, bamboo can have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to cleaning.
So, how do you clean a bamboo mattress topper?
(Looking to buy a new mattress topper? Skip to our favourite sellers here)
How do you clean a bamboo mattress topper?
Bamboo is a great material for including on a mattress topper.
Not only is the bamboo fabric antimicrobial, it’s also thermoregulating keeping you warm when it’s cooler, and cool when it’s warmer. How clever is that?
Home washer dryer
Most bamboo mattress toppers have a vinyl or memory foam core which cannot be machine washed so you can skip the trip to the laundrette or dry cleaners.
Mattress topper cores can be refreshed by sprinkling with baking soda, allowing it to sit for around eight hours and then vacuuming it off.
Baking soda neutralizes odors and draws moisture out freshening up your mattress with ease.
Repeating this process 3 times a year will keep your topper fresh and dry.
The bamboo cover can be removed and washed in the same way as any other bamboo clothing or fabric item.
Wash your bamboo cover in a gentle detergent just as you would wool or other delicate items, on a gentle, cooler cycle of your washing machine
After washing, the best way to maintain the shape of any bamboo fabric is to air dry it.
Spot cleaning
If your topper has fallen foul of a spill or accident, blot as much moisture as you can from the topper first.
Next, use a dash of white vinegar and warm water solution to spray on and work into the stain or damp area.
Blot again, making the topper as dry as you possibly can.
Then, liberally sprinkle baking soda onto the damp area in order to draw out the remaining moisture.
Leave for eight hours or longer, vacuum and leave the mattress to air dry.
If the stain or smell is stubborn, the whole process should be repeated.
Steaming
You should NOT steam clean a foam mattress topper as the heat and moisture from the steamer will damage the foam.
How to care for your bamboo bedding and clothing
The washing and drying of bamboo clothing and bedding, including baby items and towels, can be approached in similar ways.
Manufacturers should say whether their fabric is 100% bamboo viscose or rayon, or if it has a mix of fibres it should state this on the label and packaging.
Other bamboo fabrics, such as Lyocell and bamboo linen, have been mechanically ground, pulped with natural enzymes and spun, and are therefore more eco-friendly and a better choice when switching to bamboo.
Lyocell is a soft, semi-synthetic fabric which uses a closed-loop manufacturing process making it more eco-friendly than its distance cousin, Rayon.
It looks and feels soft and will be marketed as bamboo fabric, sometimes mixed with lycra or spandex in order to maintain its shape.
Bamboo linen has the feel of linen. A little rougher around the edges but this is due to the 100% natural, mechanical and chemical-free way it has been processed.
Washing
Bamboo fabric keeps the strength of the bamboo plant and is incredibly durable, outlasting cotton equivalents when cared for properly.
When washing your bamboo items they should be washed in a gentle detergent just as you would wool or other delicate items, on a gentle, cooler cycle of your washing machine.
Washing at a cool temperature or a cold wash helps to maintain the shape of the fabric and reduce possible shrinkage.
Drying
Good
Using a drier on very low heat is okay, but using too high a heat can damage the bamboo fibres or shrink the fabric.
Better
Drying your bamboo items indoors with artificial heat (radiators and air vents) is better but try not to leave them directly on the heat source.
Best
Drying your bamboo fabrics outside is by far the best method. There’s no risk of over-drying which can damage the fibres, the moisture is carried away rather than collecting in your home and you get the added benefit of having that gorgeous outdoors aroma.
The best cleaning solutions for bamboo furniture, floors and household items.
- Household dish soap and lukewarm water make a perfectly suitable solution to wipe down floors, furniture and utensils. Just don’t leave it to soak in and never use the dishwasher for utensils, cutlery or bamboo straws.
- For a deeper clean, mix 50ml of white vinegar (a cup) with a litre (a quart) of warm water and use as above.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of bleach with 1 litre (a quart) of water for a suitable disinfecting cleaning solution for items such as cutting boards or bathroom flooring.
Using a soft-bristled brush in addition to the solutions listed above will not damage your bamboo items and may improve the result, especially on furniture which has been neglected for a while.
For truly ingrained dirt on bamboo furniture try dabbing some normal table salt onto your damp cleaning cloth (along with one of the solutions above) and use the extra abrasive quality of the salt to really lift the grime out.
Looking to switch2bamboo for your mattress topper?
The Topper by Panda
The original Panda Memory Foam (Hydro Foam) Bamboo Mattress Topper.
Includes a removable, washable and naturally hypoallergenic bamboo cover.
The Topper by Panda, adds a further layer of luxurious and orthopedic support to your mattress, enhancing comfort and support.
Exquisite home bamboo mattress topper.
Naturally antibacterial hypoallergenic bamboo Zip Cover removable.
Orthopaedic Support Can Help Reduce Pressure Points, Distributes Weight Evenly To Alleviate Stress On The Spine, and promotes excellent spinal alignment
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