Frustrated with Pilling Sheets? See If Bamboo Is Better

Bamboo sheets are a popular choice for bedding due to their softness, breathability, and eco-friendly properties. However, one common concern among consumers is whether bamboo sheets pill.

Pilling refers to the formation of small, firm balls of lint on the surface of a fabric, which can be unsightly and uncomfortable. In this article, we'll explore how bamboo sheets pill, the factors that contribute to pilling, and how to prevent it.

Do Bamboo Sheets Pill?

The short answer is that bamboo sheets generally don't pill. Bamboo is one of the best fabrics for bed sheets, and there are several reasons for this, related to both the nature of bamboo itself and how it's manufactured.

Bamboo Sheets Have Minimal Friction

One of the main factors that contributes to fabric pilling is friction. Regular use of any fabric creates some friction, as the fabric rubs against itself or other fabrics and materials. However, bamboo sheets have very little friction compared to other fabrics. This is because the natural fibers that makeup bamboo fabric tend to be much longer than the fibers found in other fabrics.

For instance, when comparing cotton vs. bamboo bed sheets, bamboo sheets have longer fibers, making them less likely to pill. The long fibers not only reduce friction but also make bamboo sheets super smooth and incredibly soft.

Bamboo Fabrics Are Pill-Resistant

Bamboo fabric is less likely to pill because it's a natural fabric made from the bamboo plant. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic, nylon, and spandex are more likely to pill than sheets made of natural materials.

This is because synthetic materials are designed to be super-strong, meaning they don't easily shed loose fibers, leading to more pilling. Bamboo, being a natural fabric, is less prone to pilling.

Bamboo Sheets Resist Secondary Causes of Pilling

Bamboo sheets are naturally breathable and antimicrobial, reducing the buildup of sweat and bacteria, which in turn reduces the friction that causes pilling. Bamboo sheets are also less likely to be washed frequently, as they stay cleaner for longer due to their antimicrobial properties.

Frequent washing is one of the factors that contribute to pilling, so fabrics that stay clean without frequent washing are less likely to pill.

How to Keep Bamboo Sheets From Pilling

Although bamboo sheets are unlikely to pill, slight pilling is still possible with just about any type of fabric. Thankfully, there are things you can do to make your bamboo bed sheets less likely to pill.

Proper Washing

The best way to keep your bamboo sheets from pilling is to wash them correctly. Always read the instructions on the label and review other suggestions for how to wash bamboo sheets to ensure you're not doing anything that might damage the fabric.

In short, use a mild detergent (no harsh chemicals), cold or warm (but not hot) water, and a gentle cycle. To dry the sheets, either air dry or tumble dry with low heat.

The Secret To Pill Resistant Fabrics: The Fabric Pilling Grade System

There's an official pill grading system that tells you how much pilling to expect from any given fabric. There are a total of five grades, with a higher grade meaning the fabric is less likely to pill. A grade of 1 indicates severe pilling, whereas a grade of 5 means the fabric is pill-resistant. Opting for bed sheets with pilling grade 5 means you're practically guaranteed not to experience pilling.