To keep fleece soft, wash it with similar items like other fluffy clothing or blankets, and always air dry it by hanging or laying flat. Proper care is essential to maintain the plush feel and longevity of your favorite fleece garments and blankets.
Washing Your Fleece for Lasting Softness
The key to preserving fleece's softness begins in the wash. Gentle treatment and proper sorting are crucial.
Sort Smartly
Always wash fleece with similar items. This is vital because fleece can easily pick up lint from cotton items or get snagged by zippers and buttons from coarser fabrics. Washing fleece alongside items with similar textures helps prevent pilling and keeps the fabric fibers intact and soft.
- Ideal companions for your fleece wash:
- Other soft, fluffy sweatshirts
- Hoodies
- Blankets
- Any items made of fleece or similar soft, synthetic materials.
Gentle Cycle & Cold Water
Using a gentle cycle on your washing machine minimizes friction and agitation, which can otherwise damage fleece fibers over time. Cold water is preferred as hot water can degrade the synthetic fibers that give fleece its softness and warmth, potentially leading to shrinkage or a stiff texture.
Detergent Choice
Opt for a mild liquid detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue on fleece fibers that reduces their breathability and can actually make them feel less soft over time by coating the individual fibers. Bleach and harsh chemicals should also be avoided as they can break down the fabric.
The Golden Rule of Drying Fleece
One of the most critical steps to maintain fleece softness is how you dry it.
Avoid using a dryer for fleece. The high heat from a tumble dryer can melt or damage the synthetic fibers, leading to a matted, stiff, or scratchy texture. This can also cause shrinkage and reduce the garment's lifespan.
Instead, always opt for air drying:
- Hang it: Gently hang your fleece item on a clothesline or a sturdy hanger. Ensure it's not stretched out of shape.
- Lay it flat: For heavier items like blankets or delicate garments, laying them flat on a clean, dry surface or a drying rack helps maintain their shape and prevents stretching while drying.
Allow the fleece to air dry completely. This method preserves the integrity of the fibers, ensuring your fleece remains plush and comfortable.
Extra Tips for Ultimate Fleece Care
Beyond washing and drying, a few additional practices can help extend the life and softness of your fleece items:
- Turn Inside Out: Before washing, turn fleece garments inside out. This protects the outer surface from friction and pilling during the wash cycle.
- Deal with Stains Promptly: Pre-treat any stains with a mild stain remover before washing. Avoid rubbing vigorously, which can push the stain deeper into the fibers.
- Store Properly: Once dry, fold your fleece neatly. Avoid hanging heavy fleece items for extended periods as they can stretch out.
Quick Reference: Fleece Washing Dos and Don'ts
For easy reference, here’s a summary of best practices for washing fleece:
| Action | Do | Don't |
|---|---|---|
| Sorting | Wash with similar items (sweatshirts, hoodies, blankets) | Wash with lint-shedding fabrics (cotton towels) or rough items (jeans) |
| Wash Cycle | Use cold water and a gentle cycle | Use hot water or heavy-duty cycles |
| Detergent | Use mild liquid detergent | Use fabric softener, bleach, or harsh powdered detergents |
| Drying | Air dry by hanging or laying flat | Tumble dry on high heat |
| Preparation | Turn inside out before washing | Overload the washing machine |
