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The instructions will tell you exactly how to wash your fleece blanket, but bear in mind there are 11 different fleece fabrics, and what’s suitable for one may not necessarily be good for another. All fleece fabrics are synthetic, barring cotton fleece, a natural fabric.
Washing blankets or throws are at the top of most people’s procrastination list for the day. Suppose this sounds like your “to-do” list, then you’re not alone. Washing blankets is something that many of us keep putting off until that major spill happens or a muddy dog does his happy dance all rolls all over the blankets. Now you have no option but to go ahead with the task you dread most.
Modern technology has made washing blankets and throws easy, and most washing machines are big enough to wash blankets. They also have different wash cycles dedicated to different fabrics, so it’s as easy as pushing a few buttons. But if you’re going to hand-wash your blankets, smile; it’s a therapeutically calming exercise and not the back-breaking chore you’ve seen in the old black and white movies.
Let’s move on and see if we can cure the blanket-washing blues together.
However, in textile fabrics, fleece refers to the final product from a specific process that uses both polyester and cotton to mimic the soft cushion-like feel of genuine sheep wool.
Both polyester and cotton fibers are woven into yards, knitted into fabric, and then brushed, which ends up as fleece fabric. Cotton fleece is a natural fiber that is more breathable than synthetic fleece as air circulates much better in cotton fleece while keeping you warm at the same time.
The downside to cotton is that it tends to shrink, but it will be the least of your worries with the proper care and keeping to the washing instructions.
Plush fleece is on the other end of the scale because it’s made from 100% polyester. What gives this fabric that plush fur texture, as opposed to soft wool texture, is that it is brushed on both sides as opposed to just one side. Plush fleece is thus much softer than other fleece types.
Here are the different types of fleece fabric:
1. Anti-Pill
2. Blizzard
3. Bonded
4. Cotton
5. French Terry
6. Microfleece
7. Plush
8. Polar
9. Polyester
10. Sherpa
11. Spandex/Lycra
The label on your fleece blanket or throw should indicate what type of fleece fabric it is, and the washing or care instructions will be displayed with pictures and keywords. All textiles packaged and sold to end-users must be labeled by law, but the label can either be attached to the item or printed on the packaging. Check this with your purchase, and if the blanket does not have a label attached, write the care instructions in a book for easy reference.
Keeping your fleece blanket or throw fuzzy and soft is always a concern because we would like to maintain that new feel that inspired us to buy fleece in the first place. But, no matter how much that new feel appeals to you, it shouldn’t prevent you from keeping your blanket clean. Believe it or not, if you adhere to the recommended washing instructions, your fleece blanket will remain soft and fuzzy.
you can’t remember the washing and care instructions printed on the packaging of your fleece blanket, follow this essential guide when using a washing machine:
Hand-washing a fleece blanket or throw is almost identical to washing a microfiber blanket. There are several steps to follow to prevent any hiccups along the way. With machine wash instructions, you are advised to select cold water and a gentle wash cycle, so apply gentleness to your hand-wash routine as well.
Substitute the washing detergent with white vinegar and select a long gentle cycle. The vinegar will not only loosen up the fibers but will also eliminate any odors. Dog lovers will enjoy this life hack.
Alternatively, you can take the amount of detergent you usually use for your fleece blanket and only use a third. In equal parts, white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda (baking powder) will make up the remaining two-thirds of your washing detergent.
The bicarbonate of soda will restore the soft fuzziness to your blanket as it is a natural deodorizer a cleaning agent. It prevents mineral build-up from hard water and prevents bacteria growth.
The step-by-step guide for both machine and hand-washing your fleece blankets should paint a rosier picture of this otherwise tedious chore that we tend to put off for as long as possible. To enjoy your fleece blanket or throw as much as you did when you first got it, it is essential to keep it clean and odor-free. But if you’re still stuck on putting it off till tomorrow, at least hang your cozy fleece blankie out to air for a few hours today.
Yes, in most cases, you can machine wash a fleece blanket.
However, it's essential to follow the care instructions on the blanket's label to ensure that you don't damage the material or cause it to lose its softness and warmth.
In general, fleece blankets can be washed in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent.
Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the fibers and reduce the blanket's ability to keep you warm.
When washing a fleece blanket, it's best to avoid washing it with items that have zippers or hooks, as these can snag the fibers and cause damage.
Instead, wash the blanket separately or with other soft items, such as towels or sheets.
After washing, tumble dry the blanket on low heat or air dry it flat to prevent shrinkage and maintain its shape.
Avoid high heat, as this can damage the fibers and cause the blanket to lose its softness.
By following these care instructions, you can safely and effectively machine wash your fleece blanket and keep it looking and feeling great for years to come.
Fleece blankets are relatively easy to care for, and following these steps can help keep them looking and feeling great after washing:
By following these steps, you can help keep your fleece blanket looking and feeling great after washing.
It's important to remember always to check the care label and follow any specific instructions provided to ensure that your blanket stays in great condition.
Yes, you can usually put a fleece blanket in the dryer.
However, it is essential to check the care label on the blanket first, as some fleece materials may require special care instructions.
Assuming the care label does not indicate otherwise, you can dry a fleece blanket in the dryer in a low-heat setting.
It is best to remove the blanket from the dryer promptly once it is dry to avoid over-drying, which can damage the fibers and reduce the softness of the blanket.
If you want to minimize the risk of the fleece blanket shedding or developing pills during the drying process, you can also put it in the dryer with a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls.
These items can help to fluff up the blanket and prevent it from clumping together in the dryer.
To wash fleece and keep it soft, you should follow these steps:
If you notice any pilling or shedding on your fleece after washing, you can use a fabric shaver or lint roller to remove any excess fibers.
Overall, handling fleece gently is crucial to avoid damaging the fibers and maintain their softness.
Yes, you can make fleece fluffy again with a few simple steps:
By following these steps, you can restore the softness and fluffiness of your fleece, making it cozy and comfortable again.
Fleece is made from synthetic fibers, such as polyester, which can become matted and flattened with repeated use and washing.
This can cause the fabric to lose its softness and become less fluffy.
The repeated friction and rubbing of the fibers during washing and wearing can cause the fibers to break and become less flexible, resulting in a less soft and fluffy fabric.
Additionally, exposure to high temperatures during washing and drying can cause the fibers to melt and stick together, further reducing the softness and fluffiness of the fleece.
It's also important to note that using fabric softeners or bleach can damage the fleece fibers, making it less soft over time.
To keep your fleece soft and fluffy for longer, it's best to wash it in cold or warm water, avoid using fabric softeners and dry it on a low heat setting with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff up the fibers.
The frequency with which you should wash a fleece depends on how often you wear it and how dirty it gets.
As a general rule of thumb, you should wash your fleece when it looks or smells dirty or if you've been sweating heavily in it.
However, fleece is made from synthetic fibers, so it doesn't need to be washed as frequently as natural fibers like cotton or wool.
Washing fleece too often can cause it to lose its softness and become less fluffy.
As a general guideline, you can wash your fleece every 5-6 wears or when it looks or smells dirty. If you wear your fleece for high-intensity activities like hiking or running, you may need to wash it more frequently.
Ultimately, the frequency you wash your fleece depends on your preference and how dirty it gets.
Just remember to follow the care instructions on the label and avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, which can damage the fibers and reduce the softness of the fleece.
When washing fleece, it's essential to use a gentle detergent that won't damage the synthetic fibers or leave a residue on the fabric.
Here are some detergents that are suitable for washing fleece:
When choosing a detergent for fleece, it's important to avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, which can damage the fibers and reduce the softness of the fleece.
Always follow the care instructions on the label and wash your fleece in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle to help preserve its softness and fluffiness.
Fleece made from synthetic fibers like polyester typically does not shrink after washing.
This is because synthetic fibers are less susceptible to shrinking than natural fibers like cotton or wool.
However, if the fleece is made from a blend of synthetic and natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, it may be more prone to shrinking.
In this case, it's essential to follow the care instructions on the label and avoid washing the fleece in hot water or drying it in a high-heat setting, as this can cause the natural fibers to shrink and distort the fabric.
Wash your fleece in cold or warm water to minimize the risk of shrinkage and dry it on a low-heat setting.
It's also a good idea to avoid stretching or pulling the fabric when wet, as this can cause it to become misshapen or distorted.
If you're unsure how to care for your fleece, check the care label or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions.