With a little TLC, your fleece and sherpa clothing can stay soft and keep you cozy for longer. Washing and drying your fleece doesn’t have to be complicated – with our easy-to-follow steps, you can extend the longevity of your favorite pieces.See below for instructions on how to wash a fleece jacket.
Understanding Fleece Fabric
What Is Fleece?
Fleece, which is mostly composed of polyester, is a synthetic material that’s designed to mimic the insulating qualities of wool, but it is considerably lighter and simpler to clean.
Fleece also refers to other varieties like borg and teddy fabric – teddy fabric is soft and fluffy and is often used for loungewear and casual wear, whereas Borg fabric, which is heavier and thicker, is usually used for outerwear. Because of their varying textures, they sometimes require different cleaning techniques.
Sherpa vs Fleece
While all sherpa is fleece, not all fleece is sherpa – the distinction lies in the differences in thickness and texture. Sherpa fleece is generally thick and has distinct fluffy tufts, whereas other types of fleece, such as microfleece and polyester fleece, are more lightweight and smoother in appearance. Each has their purpose, as described below.
Types of Fleece
Aside from sherpa material, here are a few other popular types of fleece:
- Polyester fleece – A quick-drying, lightweight material that’s often used in activewear or outdoor wear due to its moisture-wicking ability.
- Microfleece – Lightweight and compact, microfleece is used for in-between layers of athleticwear, often added to a base layer material to keep you warm without adding unnecessary bulk.
- Technical fleece – Practical for outdoor use because of its DWR (durable water repellent) abilities, commonly used by snowboarders, hikers, and other outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Before Washing
- Check care labels: Always read the care labels for specific washing instructions. Take note of any water temperature, detergent type, and drying methods to prevent long-term damage.
- Look for stains and damage: Pre-treat any stains and use a gentle stain remover to treat spots before washing. Make sure to also repair any loose threads or tears to avoid additional snagging.
- Gather supplies: Choose a mild detergent and have a soft brush/other necessary cleaning supplies on hand to make things easier for later washes.
FAQ: Should I zip up my fleece jacket before washing?
Yes, zipping up a jacket prevents any potential snags or tears on both your fleece or other garments in the wash. It also reduces the chances of it getting caught on any parts in the washer, if that’s the method you’re using.
Hand Washing Fleece
Hand washing is the gentlest option for cleaning your fleece, and is especially recommended for delicate items:
- Use a mild detergent: Detergents without perfumes and abrasive agents can clean your clothes equally well, if not better without any added residue. This is especially true when it comes to fluffier fabrics, like fleece.
- Setup: Fill a sink or bucket with cool water and add your preferred detergent. Avoid washing your fleece and sherpa in hot water as it can help stains set and shrink the material.
- Hand washing: Submerge your fleece and gently massage it against itself before leaving it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. If any stains are still visible, you can scrub them using a soft-bristled brush, applying very little pressure. We recommend testing this on a less visible area first.
- Rinsing: Rinse out the soapy mixture with cold water until no detergent remains. This is key to keeping your fleece soft.
Machine Washing Fleece
If hand washing isn’t a possibility, use these machine washing instructions to protect your fleece or sherpa:
- Use a mild detergent: As stated above, mild detergents are effective at cleaning without unnecessary additives. You can skip out on fabric softeners too as they leave a coating that makes fleece less soft.
- Setup: Turn your fleece inside out and place it in a mesh washing bag (sometimes called a delicates bag). This minimizes it rubbing or snagging against other items so that it maintains the fuzzy texture it’s known for.
- Machine washing instructions: Use a cool water setting on a short, delicate wash cycle. It’s best to wash your fleece by itself, but if you’re adding it to a load, make sure it’s not overloaded and place it in a mesh bag for added protection.
Air Drying Fleece
To keep the fleece's shape and softness, we always recommend air drying.
Turn your fleece right-side-out and place it flat on a clean, dry towel in a well-ventilated area. Fleece air dries surprisingly fast compared to other fabrics because of its moisture-wicking nature. Depending on the type of fleece and ventilation, it can take anywhere from 1–4 hours to fully dry.
Avoid hanging your fleece jacket on a hanger to dry. While this works just fine for other materials, the weight of fleece could cause it to stretch.
Machine Drying Fleece
Keep in mind that air drying is the best method for fleece, but if you’re using a dryer, consider these tips:
Use the lowest heat setting and take the fleece out as soon as it dries. Extended exposure to high temperatures can make your clothes shrink and damage the synthetic fibers, reducing the overall plushness of fleece. Leaving your fleece in the dryer can also create creases and wrinkles.
FAQ: Does fleece shrink in the dryer?
Fleece will shrink if exposed to high temperatures over a prolonged amount of time. Use the lowest heat setting to prevent unwanted shrinkage. The life of your fleece will shorten with frequent exposure to extreme heat.
Preventing Static Cling
- Add white vinegar: To soften fibers and get rid of detergent residue, white vinegar works as a natural fabric softener and lessens static cling.
- Steer clear of overdrying: Because of the nature of fleece fabric, overdrying increases static cling. Check on your fleece regularly to prevent overdrying.
- Apply cloth anti-static spray: Use an anti-static spray designed for fleece and similar fabrics. You can find it next to the detergent in the laundry aisle.
Washing & Drying Technical Fleece
The best way to wash technical fleece or durable water repellent (DWR) fleece is to wash it using a detergent meant specifically for technical fabrics. Use the coolest wash setting and, unless reactivating the DWR treatment, air dry in a ventilated area out of direct sunlight.
There are also spray-on DWR restoring treatments that can be used right after the wash or when the jacket is dry. With tech-specific products, it’s best to follow the instructions of the individual product.
How To Keep Fleece Soft
- Brush the fabric: After the fleece has dried, gently brush it to help bring back the fluff of the fleece. Always start with light pressure so you don’t over-fluff and matt the fabric.
- Use dryer balls: Wool dryer balls increase air circulation and reduce static cling by separating fabric fibers.
- Avoid overloading: Wash your fleece separately or with other fleece materials. Overloading your washer creates excessive friction and pilling, which, over time, reduces softness.
- Spot clean: If you stain your fleece, try spot cleaning it instead of doing a full wash. It helps maintain the integrity of the fabric for longer if you can avoid overwashing.
With these simple steps, you can extend the life of your fleece items and keep them in the best condition. Stay comfortable whatever the adventure in your fresh fleece.
