When it comes to buying new sheets, what type of material should you go with? There are a lot of choices out there, but the two main contenders are bamboo sheets and eucalyptus sheets. Both of these materials have advantages and disadvantages, but which one is the winner? Read on to find out.
What Is Eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. The majority are native to Australia, but they can also be found in other parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America.
Eucalyptus has many uses like making wood pulp, building materials, oils for fragrance, and more. It was recently recognized that eucalyptus trees could also be used to make premium quality linen on beds, which we are going to discuss today.
Eucalyptus Bedding
Eucalyptus fabric is manufactured from Eucalyptus trees; the fiber is extracted from the pulp of the trees, which are grown sustainably. You might also hear this type of fabric called Tencel sheets or eucalyptus Lyocell. However, though it is environmentally friendly, Tencel is hydrophilic; what this means is that it absorbs moisture. This may increase the odor that the sheets give off and also lead to mildewing if the sheets are not dried quickly after use. Depending on your climate, they tend to dry faster than cotton, which may or may not be important to you.
Eucalyptus fibers are grown without harsh, toxic chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers, making them safe for those with allergies.
Some users find that Eucalyptus sheets are not very soft, but there are ways to help reduce this problem; after washing the sheets, take them out of the dryer immediately and hang them up outside in direct sunlight. The UV rays will naturally work their way into the fibers, making them softer over time.
Another disadvantage with these types of sheets is that they are incredibly wrinkle-prone and difficult to maintain after washing or drying them. The wrinkles do not come out of these sheets easily, which means you will be spending more time with an iron in your hand getting them to look good.
What Is Bamboo?
Bamboo is a type of woody plant that can grow up to 100 feet tall and 3 inches in diameter. It has been used as scaffolding, weapons, utensils, and even musical instruments throughout the world. Bamboo has been so useful to humans that it has been cultivated for thousands of years.
Bamboo products are becoming more and more popular over time. There are many uses for this amazing plant, but today we will focus on bamboo used for bedding.
Bamboo Bedding
Many people believe that bamboo is much like silk due to its luxurious feel and smooth texture. Similar to eucalyptus fabric, bamboo sheets are manufactured by extracting pulp from the stalks of bamboo plants grown in a sustainable manner where little environmental impact is exerted.
As with eucalyptus bedding, bamboo has antibacterial and antifungal qualities, making it an excellent choice for people with allergies. These sheets repel dust mites and protect against mold, mildew, and fungus, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
These types of sheets are great for people who deal with excessive sweating since bamboo helps wick the moisture away from your body, allowing you to sleep more comfortably. As well as helping you stay cool on those hot summer nights it also insulates your body, keeping you warm during colder months.
Bamboo bed sheets are also highly durable and resistant to tearing. Unfortunately, like Eucalyptus sheets, bamboo bed sheets do tend to wrinkle quickly after use. You can combat this by hanging the sheets up to dry immediately after washing them. Also, you can reduce wrinkles on these sheets by ironing them with a low-temperature setting.
What Are the Main Differences Between Eucalyptus and Bamboo Bedding?
Both these types of bedding share much in common; they both work well for people with allergies and other sensitivities to chemicals and dust mites. Both materials are great for the environment and help provide a more natural sleeping experience. Compared to other fabrics, eucalyptus and bamboo bedding offers durability and resistance against wear and tear. This means they will last longer than your average set of cotton sheets.
While both are eco-friendly, eucalyptus trees undergo a closed-loop process when produced, which results in less wastage. Still, they are both more environmentally friendly than many other bedding materials.
You'll also find both of these natural bedding options more expensive than regular sheets, but natural fabrics are the only way to go if you want quality bed sheets. Most of us spend around a third a day in bed, so why compromise.
Bamboo vs Eucalyptus Sheets: Which One Wins?
When comparing eucalyptus sheets to bamboo sheets, you really can't go wrong with either one. Both types of sheets will be soft and durable, making them great for those who don't want to compromise on comfort or quality while making an eco-friendly choice. However, if we had to pick a winner in this face-off, it would have to be bamboo bedding.
Here's why:
Bamboo sheets are the softest and most comfortable sheets you can buy. While bamboo does an excellent job of capturing moisture and wicking it away from your skin, it also is one of the softest fabrics around, making these sheets a great pick for those who like to really feel their bedding as they drift off to sleep. On top of that, bamboo sheets are very durable and can last for years. As eucalyptus sheets are relatively new to the bedding market, choices are limited, and you might not find the color or pattern you were looking for.
Eucalyptus is also prone to mildew due to its hydrophilic nature, which makes it difficult to maintain.
Bamboo is the clear winner in this battle of eco-friendly bedding. With its durability, incredibly soft fabric, moisture-wicking, and antibacterial qualities, you really can't find a better choice when looking for natural bedding made from sustainable fabric.
FAQ
Can you machine wash and dry bamboo or eucalyptus bedding?
Sheets made from both materials are very durable, but they still should be handled with care. Both eucalyptus and bamboo sheets can be washed on a gentle cycle using cold to warm water, but make sure to check the tag for specific washing instructions. You want to avoid hot water because it can damage natural fibers. When drying your sheets, use low heat settings as high temperatures can cause them to shrink slightly.
Are sheets made from bamboo and eucalyptus fibers eco-friendly?
Both bamboo and eucalyptus are eco-friendly. Bamboo is a natural product made from the fibers of the bamboo plant, whereas eucalyptus is also natural, but the fibers are actually made from recycled wood pulp. Both of these materials are biodegradable, renewable resources.
How are bamboo and eucalyptus sheets different from cotton?
Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics used in bedding. A lot of people like cotton because it is durable and comfortable. At the same time, it isn't very eco-friendly bedding since cotton plants use a lot of water.
More and more people are also becoming aware of the dangers that harsh chemicals can pose to their health. One of these harmful chemicals is formaldehyde which is used in the production process of many types of fabrics such as cotton and polyester.
Many consumers prefer sleeping on bamboo sheets since they are softer and have better moisture absorption properties compared to cotton sheets. Eucalyptus and bamboo fabric are also hypoallergenic, which means they won't irritate allergies as cotton might do.
How long do bamboo or eucalyptus sheets typically last?
This really depends on the quality of the sheets and how well you take care of them. These types of sheets should last for a while if you take care of them, which means not over-drying them in the dryer and washing them at a low temperature.
You can search also for other sleeping products like Blackout Eyemask and Silk Pillowcase!
