How to Wash Bamboo Pajamas the Right Way

We get it—laundry isn’t always top of mind when you're juggling baby snuggles, diaper changes, and late-night feedings. But when it comes to your baby’s ultra-soft bamboo pajamas, a few simple laundry tweaks can make all the difference. Treat them right, and they’ll stay buttery soft and beautiful wash after wash. Treat them wrong? You might end up with a stiff, faded mess.

Let’s dive into why bamboo pajamas need a little extra love (and exactly how to wash bamboo pajamas the right way).

Bamboo fabric is a dream for sensitive baby skin—it’s breathable, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and silky smooth. It also happens to be a sustainable superstar. But that softness and eco-friendly charm comes with a catch: bamboo is more delicate than your average cotton or poly blend. Learn more about the best fabrics for babies with sensitive skin.

Without proper care, bamboo pajamas can:

• Shrink significantly
• Lose their vibrant color
• Become stiff or scratchy

That means if you toss them in with your towels or crank up the heat in the dryer, you could undo all that dreamy softness you fell in love with. Bamboo pajama care instructions are essential if you want these cozy garments to last.

If your little one struggles with eczema, you might be wondering—  Are Bamboo Pajamas Good for Eczema?  

This small step protects the outside of the bamboo fabric from friction and helps preserve the color and smoothness.

Harsh detergents can break down bamboo fabric. The best detergent for bamboo fabric is a mild, phosphate-free option (like Tide Free & Gentle).

We know it’s tempting, but fabric softener actually damages bamboo fibers and decreases breathability. When washing bamboo fabric, this is one of the most important rules to follow.

Hot water can damage bamboo fibers and cause bamboo clothing shrinkage. Stick with cold water and set your machine to a gentle cycle for best results.

Skip the high heat. Instead, hang dry or use your dryer’s air fluff (no heat) setting. This prevents bamboo pajama shrinkage and keeps your PJs smooth and cozy.

In our video test, we washed one pair of bamboo pajamas correctly, and another using the "wrong" method—and the difference was night and day. This visual experiment highlights just how important proper bamboo pajama care instructions really are.

The incorrectly washed pair:

• Lost its vibrant color and looked dull

• Shrunk noticeably in length and width

• Felt rough and stiff to the touch

The correctly washed pair?

• Stayed bright and beautiful

• Maintained its shape

• Felt just as soft as the day it was unboxed

🧠Think of it like this: bamboo pajamas are like the cashmere of babywear. A little TLC and proper bamboo pajama washing techniques go a long way.

Here’s your go-to checklist for how to wash bamboo pajamas:

DO:

• Use cold water and a gentle cycle when washing bamboo pajamas
• Choose a mild, phosphate-free detergent
• Turn pajamas inside out before washing bamboo fabric
• Hang dry or use air fluff (no heat)

DON’T:

• Use hot water or high heat drying when washing bamboo fabric

• Add fabric softener or bleach to bamboo pajamas

• Mix bamboo with heavy items like towels or jeans

Still wondering about the best way to clean bamboo pajamas? Follow these steps every time, and your baby’s bamboo pajamas will stay just as dreamy as day one.

Want bamboo pajamas that are as durable as they are dreamy? Explore our ultra-soft baby bamboo pajamas — designed with parents (and their laundry machines) in mind.

And if you haven’t already, watch our care experiment video here to see the transformation in real time. It’s a must-see for any bamboo-loving parent!