How to Get Stains Out of Bamboo Sheets

Nick Durante
by Nick Durante

Bamboo sheets are an excellent alternative to traditional cotton sheets that are just as comfortable and durable. Despite their durability, it is understandable to be concerned about finding stains on your bamboo sheets. Many homeowners are at a loss about how to get stains out of bamboo sheets.

You can get stains out of bamboo sheets if you scrub the affected area with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Cool water and warm water can lift stains from bamboo sheets, but hot water can cause permanent damage to the fibers. Place your bamboo sheets in a bucket filled with mild dish soap and cold water to get stains out of them.

Depending on the severity of the stain, you may be able to get stains out of bamboo sheets by throwing them in the dishwasher. Bamboo sheets are attractive, comfortable, and durable, but stains can ruin their appeal. Follow along as we explore how to get stains out of bamboo sheets.

How to Clean Bamboo Sheets

Bamboo sheets are as delicate as they are comfortable, so it is important to clean them correctly. It is tempting to get stains out of bamboo sheets with bleach and hot water, but both options can damage them. Luckily, there are several ways to get stains out of bamboo sheets without causing any damage.

1. Cold Water

Soak your bamboo sheets in cold water to remove stains without damaging them. Hot water can damage the fibers in bamboo sheets and make them lose their durability. Place your bamboo sheets in a bucket filled with cold water and let them soak.

You can get better results if you put laundry detergent in the bucket as well. Allow the sheets to soak in the bucket for 10-20 minutes to dissolve the stain. It is normal to have to repeat the process several times before you get stains out of bamboo sheets.

Run the sheets through your washing machine on the sheets or cool wash setting so you don’t damage them. Air dry your bamboo sheets afterward so you don’t shrink them or weaken the fibers.

2. White Vinegar

White vinegar is the ultimate stain remover and is one of the best ways to get stains out of bamboo sheets. Moderation is important because white vinegar is acidic and using too much can further damage the fabric. The best way to avoid using too much is to pour a liberal amount of white vinegar on a rag and blot the stain.

This allows you to keep the white vinegar in the problematic area without soaking the sheets entirely. Remove the bamboo sheet from your bed before you use the vinegar so that it doesn’t seep through the sheets. Work the vinegar into the stain in a circular motion until you notice it begins to fade.

Avoid dousing the bamboo sheet with white vinegar because the acidity will likely cause damage. Wash your bamboo sheets with cold or warm water afterward, just don’t use hot water.

3. Mild Dish Soap

Dish soap is one of the best ways to get stains out of bamboo sheets, but only if it is mild. Brands such as Palmolive and Dawn produce several mild dish soaps that are suitable for bedding. You can either place your bamboo sheets in a bucket with cool water and mild dish soap or simply blot the stain.

Wet a rag with cool or warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Blot the stain or gently scrub it without applying too much pressure. This will help lift the stain from the bamboo sheets, especially if it is a grease stain.

You won’t have much luck with mild dish soap if there are blood or ink stains on your bamboo sheets. With that said, mild dish soap is the perfect option for grease stains and spills.

4. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can get stains out bamboo sheets, especially if it is 70% or stronger. Try to find rubbing alcohol that is 90% or higher for the best results. Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, can quickly evaporate from bamboo sheets because of the low water content.

Pour rubbing alcohol onto a paper towel or washcloth and scrub the stained area. Rubbing alcohol provides some of the quickest results because of how strong it is. You won’t likely need to scrub the stain for long before the stain is gone.

The alcohol will evaporate, but you will still need to run the sheet through the washing machine. Be careful anytime you work with rubbing alcohol because of how flammable it is.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent disinfectant and stain remover. It is widely used for medical purposes in the same way as rubbing alcohol. Much like rubbing alcohol, you can pour hydrogen peroxide onto a rag and scrub the stain on your bamboo sheets.

Hydrogen peroxide can white bamboo sheets, so it may not be ideal if yours are colored or dark. Otherwise, hydrogen peroxide is a great way to quickly get stains out of bamboo sheets. You can also pour hydrogen peroxide onto the stain and let it soak before you run the sheets through the washing machine.

6. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a household item that can easily get stains out of bamboo sheets. The acidity can help break down stains or dissolve them altogether. With that said, you still need to be careful because the acidity can damage bamboo sheets like with white vinegar.

Mix equal parts lemon juice and cool or warm water and soak a rag in the solution. Carefully blot or scrub the stain with the mixture for 1-3 minutes. You can adjust the mixture and add more lemon juice if you aren’t having great results.

It is okay to pour lemon juice directly onto the stain, but you will need to work quickly. Blot the stain with a rag soaked in water to balance out the acidity.

7. Baking Soda

Mix 1 part baking soda and 4 parts water to create a paste to get stains out of bamboo sheets. Brush the paste onto the stain and let it sit on your bamboo sheet until it hardens. Wet a rag with cool or warm water and scrub the paste off of the sheet.

This is a great way to get grease and sweat stains out of bamboo sheets. However, it may not work well for tough stains such as blood and ink. Wash your bamboo sheets in the washing machine afterward on a mild cycle so you don’t damage the fibers.

Be careful if you have colored sheets because the baking soda can leave behind a white stain. That is why you should scrub the sheets with a wet rag before you put them in the washing machine. This process is most effective if you catch the stain while it is still wet, but it works either way.

Summing It Up

Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are among the best ways to get stains out of bamboo sheets. White vinegar is another great option, but don’t let it soak in the sheets for too long. The acidity of white vinegar can eventually weaken the fibers and create another stain.

Cool water is enough to get stains out of bamboo sheets in many cases, but hot water will damage them. Mild dish soap like Dawn and Palmolive can get grease stains out of bamboo sheets whether you soak or blot them.

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Nick Durante
Nick Durante

Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.

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