How to Wash or Clean Fleece
Fleece is a warm, comfortable, and water-resistant fabric that is a staple in many closets during cold-weather months. Learning how to wash fleece and keep it clean is key to keeping your fleece items looking pristine. Natural fleece is harvested from a wool-bearing animal, usually sheep. Synthetic fleece, on the other hand, is made from fabrics such as polyester. Given how common and functional it is, people wear this fabric often, so we frequently get asked what the best way to care for fleece is.
If you’ve ever wondered how to wash fleece and how to make your fleece look new again, continue reading below.
How to Wash Fleece
It is important to know how to wash fleece properly, in order to keep fleece blankets, jackets, or other items soft and looking like new. The good news is that fleece clothing and other items are durable, so it is generally safe to wash in a washing machine. Just follow these three simple steps to clean your fleece items.
- Spot-treat any visible stains with stain-removing treatment
- Turn your items inside-out and wash your fleece items on the gentle cycle using cold water.
- If you choose to dry your garment, set your dryer to its lowest setting and remove the item promptly once the cycle is finished. Remove promptly.
Note: You can also hand wash your fleece items using mild detergent and cold water.
Tips on How to Clean & Care for Fleece
While fleece is generally durable and easy to care for, there are some things to keep in mind when you wash and clean fleece items such as jackets or blankets so that you don’t cause damage.
Tips on How to Wash & Clean A Fleece Jacket
To clean your fleece jacket, first, you’ll need to separate it into a fleece-only load so everything you’re washing will have a similar weight and texture. Then, spot treat your jacket with stain remover, soap, and water, or a small amount of dish detergent, and let it soak in cold water for 15-20 minutes. Next, gently lint roll your fleece jacket in order to catch any larger pieces of lint or debris before the wash. Turning your jacket inside out, wash it on the gentle cycle with cool water and a mild detergent. Fabric softener and fleece should NEVER go together. When washing fleece, avoid using fabric softeners and bleach to ensure your fleece jacket or blanket lasts. Once the cycle is complete, promptly take it out and hang it in a drafty area to air dry. Or, if your jacket can be put in the dryer, be sure to select a no-heat tumble option.
Tips on How to Wash & Clean A Fleece Blanket
Washing a fleece blanket follows a lot of the same steps as washing other fleece items, such as a fleece jacket. If there are visible stains, pre-treat them and allow them to sit for 10 minutes. Then, wash your blanket in cool water with minimal detergent and let it air dry.
If you’re wondering how to keep fleece soft, the key is to never expose it to direct heat. So, whenever you’re laundering your fleece blanket, be sure that you never put it in the dryer with a heated setting, as it can melt the blanket fibers and cause it to shrink.
If you’d rather have a professional dry cleaner handle your fleece and other clothing items, trust in Mulberrys Garment Care! Learn more about our dry and wet cleaning services.