How to wash fleece?
Fleece is a very popular material used to make clothes and accessories. Fleece sweatshirts are a particularly popular choice because they provide warmth, are soft, and lightweight. This makes them a great solution for colder days, hiking, or even spending time outdoors. Want to ensure your fleece fabrics retain their high quality for longer? Learn how to wash your fleece to keep it looking great for years to come.
Washing fleece – 5 most important rules
Wondering how to wash fleece? We've prepared a few tips that will make the task much easier. Learn them and, above all, follow them, and then washing fleece will be a breeze.
How often should you wash fleece ?
You don't need to wash fleece very often, as this material is considered quite durable. However, much depends on the frequency and type of use. In fact, synthetic materials like fleece can easily be washed 4-5 times a year – even with heavy use. If you only wear a sweatshirt or other clothing occasionally, fleece should only be washed 1-2 times a year.
What to wash fleece in?
Instead of hand washing, opt for washing your fleece in a washing machine. This is a much more convenient solution and won't negatively impact the quality of the material. However, remember that fleece is quite absorbent, so it requires special treatment. Above all, choose a gentle wash cycle and avoid spinning. Fast spins can damage the material, so if you wish to wring the garment out by hand, do so gently.
What detergents are good for washing fleece?
Choose detergents designed for fleece, as these types of detergents won't damage the delicate structure of this material. They can also impregnate the garment, making it even more moisture-resistant and insulating against the cold.
Note that traditional detergents are quite strong and leave a thin layer of hydrophilic substance on the fabric. This negatively impacts the breathability of the garment, making them unsuitable for fleece. It's best to first opt for dedicated detergents designed for technical clothing. These are usually available in small bottles, but since fleece is rarely washed, the detergent will still last a long time.
Remember that in most cases, fleece detergents are formulated to remove dirt and unpleasant odors even at low temperatures.
At what temperature should I wash fleece ?
Wash your fleece at a low temperature, as hot water isn't good for this material. To ensure the fleece doesn't change its properties, a temperature of around 30-40°C is the best choice. However, in this case, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Therefore, before washing your fleece, be sure to read the care label.
Drying fleece – how to do it properly?
You don't need to tumble dry fleece, as this material dries quickly. So, even without spinning, you don't have to worry about puddles forming around your laundry.
The best solution is to dry your fleece outdoors, but be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight. This can cause the vibrant colors to fade, and the garments to lose their aesthetic appeal.
If fleece clothing is suitable for tumble drying, be sure to use a low temperature setting and a short drying time. Only tumble dry fleece if the garment manufacturer has approved it.
How to waterproof fleece?
Although fleece sweatshirts and other garments made from this material have excellent insulating properties, they can absorb moisture over time. This, in turn, leads to a loss of thermal insulation and a feeling of cold. What can you do in this situation? You should impregnate the fleece, which will improve the material's insulating properties. For this purpose, use dedicated products, which can be found in sports and clothing stores, among others.
Fleece should be impregnated to protect it from moisture, stains, and other dirt. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations when doing this, and ensure the fleece garment is dry and clean. Apply the impregnation to the entire garment and dry it outdoors, and you'll be able to enjoy the fleece's functionality even longer.