At Paper Skies, we believe that caring for your baby’s clothing should be just as gentle as the clothes themselves. Our bamboo fabric is not only soft, hypoallergenic, and breathable but also incredibly durable when treated with the right care. To ensure your little one’s favorite bamboo pieces stay soft, vibrant, and long-lasting, here’s a guide to properly caring for your baby’s Paper Skies bamboo clothing.
1. Wash with Love: Gentle Machine Washing
Bamboo fabric is delicate, and giving it the right treatment in the wash will help maintain its softness and color. We recommend washing your Paper Skies baby clothes in cold water (around 30°C or 86°F) to preserve the fabric’s integrity. This also helps in conserving energy and protecting the environment—one of the many reasons bamboo is such a sustainable fabric choice!
Tip: Always turn the clothes inside out before washing to help prevent the fabric from pilling and to protect any delicate prints or embroidery.
2. Use a Mild, Eco-Friendly Detergent
Opt for a gentle, eco-friendly detergent that is free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and bleach. Since bamboo is a natural fabric, it responds best to mild cleaning agents that are kind to both the fabric and the environment. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can damage the fibers and reduce the softness of the bamboo over time.
3. Avoid Fabric Softeners and Bleach
Bamboo clothing is naturally soft, and fabric softeners or bleach can strip it of its gentle texture. While fabric softeners may initially add a soft touch, they can coat the fibers, reducing the material’s breathability and softness. Instead, allow the natural softness of bamboo to shine without the use of these chemicals.
Tip: If you’re worried about extra softness, you can add a half cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle. It’s a natural, eco-friendly way to soften fabrics without harming the fibers.
4. Gentle Spin Cycle
When drying bamboo clothing, use a gentle spin cycle on your washing machine to avoid overstretching or distorting the fabric. Bamboo fabric tends to be more delicate than synthetic materials, so a low-speed spin will help maintain its shape and prevent stretching.
5. Dry Naturally: Air Dry for Best Results
One of the best ways to preserve your bamboo clothing is to air dry your baby’s clothes. Lay them flat on a drying rack or hang them in a shaded area, avoiding direct sunlight. Bamboo fabric dries quickly and naturally, so there’s no need to use a tumble dryer, which can cause shrinkage and may damage the fibers over time.
If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the clothes promptly once dry to avoid excess wear. But, as a rule, air drying is always the gentlest and most eco-friendly choice.
Tip: Avoid hanging bamboo clothes by the shoulders, as it can stretch the fabric. Instead, lay them flat or hang by the cuffs or hem.
6. Avoid High Heat and Ironing
Bamboo fabric can be sensitive to high heat, so avoid ironing or using steam on your baby’s bamboo clothes. High temperatures can affect the natural properties of the fabric, leading to potential damage. If needed, iron on the lowest setting and use a cloth between the iron and the fabric to protect it.
7. Storing Baby Bamboo Clothing
When storing your baby’s bamboo clothing, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. You can use cotton bags or breathable fabric storage containers to protect your clothes from dust while allowing the fabric to breathe.
Tip: Store bamboo clothes flat rather than folding them in tight, crumpled piles to preserve their shape.
8. Spot Cleaning for Small Stains
Babies are known for making a mess! For small stains or spills, gently spot clean with a soft cloth, cold water, and mild detergent. Avoid scrubbing aggressively to preserve the fabric’s softness. For more stubborn stains, try using a stain remover that’s safe for delicate fabrics and test it on an inconspicuous area first.
9. Don't Overwash: Preserve the Life of Bamboo Clothing
While it's tempting to wash baby clothes after every use, it's actually better for the fabric to only wash as needed. Bamboo clothing has natural antibacterial properties that help reduce odors and bacteria, so unless the clothes are visibly soiled, a light rinse or gentle spot cleaning is often enough.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your Paper Skies bamboo clothing stays soft, durable, and perfect for your little one to enjoy. With its eco-friendly and hypoallergenic benefits, bamboo fabric is the perfect choice for babies, and with the right care, these pieces will last through many adventures and growth stages.
Remember: Bamboo clothing isn’t just about comfort—it’s about making sustainable, thoughtful choices for both your baby and the planet. So, keep your baby’s bamboo clothes soft, clean, and eco-friendly with these simple care tips, and let them continue to enjoy the gentle touch of Paper Skies.