To keep fleece soft, the most important rule is to never expose it to direct heat.
The key to maintaining the softness of fleece fabric lies in how you care for it during laundering. Based on the provided information, the primary way to prevent damage and preserve its fluffy texture is to avoid heat at all costs.
The Importance of Avoiding Heat
Direct heat is detrimental to fleece fibers. As stated in the reference, putting fleece in a dryer on a heated setting can have serious consequences:
- Melting Fibers: The synthetic fibers that make up fleece can actually melt when exposed to high temperatures. This process ruins the fabric's texture, making it feel rough and matted instead of soft and plush.
- Shrinking: Heat can also cause fleece garments or blankets to shrink, altering their shape and size permanently.
Practical Tips for Washing and Drying Fleece
To ensure your fleece remains soft and cozy, follow these simple care instructions, focusing on minimizing heat exposure:
- Wash in Cold Water: Always wash fleece items in cold or cool water. This cleans the fabric effectively without risking heat damage. Use a gentle cycle if available.
- Use Mild Detergent: Opt for a mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as these can sometimes leave a residue that affects the fabric's feel or break down the fibers over time.
- Skip the Dryer Heat: This is the most crucial step. As highlighted, never put fleece in the dryer with a heated setting.
- Air Dry: The best way to dry fleece is to air dry it by laying it flat or hanging it up. This method uses no heat and fully preserves the softness.
- Use a No-Heat or Low-Heat Setting (Carefully): If you must use a dryer, select the "air fluff" setting (no heat) or the absolute lowest heat setting possible. Remove the item as soon as it is dry or even slightly damp to avoid prolonged exposure to tumbling heat.
By consistently avoiding direct heat, especially during drying, you can significantly extend the life and maintain the luxurious softness of your fleece items.
