How to Wash a Fleece: Keep It Soft and Long-Lasting

This guide provides simple, step-by-step washing instructions to keep your favorite fleece jacket or sweater soft, warm, and ready for many seasons to come. We'll cover everything from pre-treating stains to the best drying methods, ensuring your gear stays in top condition.

Fleece fabric is made of synthetic fibers designed to trap air, which is what gives it such excellent insulating properties. However, these delicate fibers can be easily damaged without the right care. Understanding the common pitfalls and the benefits of proper washing is the first step toward prolonging the life of your gear.

Using hot water, harsh detergents, or fabric softeners can ruin the delicate fibers of your fleece, causing them to mat or pill. Proper fleece care requires a gentle touch to maintain the fabric's signature softness and performance—the right technique makes all the difference.

When you wash a fleece jacket correctly, you're not just cleaning it—you're preserving its key features. Proper fleece cleaning keeps the fabric soft, controls odors, and maintains its insulating loft, ensuring your gear remains durable and warm for years. This is why following the right steps for your fleece is so important for its longevity.

Preparation is key to a successful wash. Before you even think about putting your fleece in the machine, a few simple checks will help protect the fabric and ensure a thorough clean.

Always check the garment’s care label for specific fleece washing instructions before you begin. Different fleece blends might have unique requirements, and the label is your most reliable fleece washing guide. For more general advice, you can also explore our product care guidelines.

To prevent damage, wash your fleece clothes with similar lightweight fabrics. Heavy items like jeans can cause friction and pilling. Always opt for a cold wash for fleece, as cold water helps protect the fibers from shrinking or becoming matted.

To clean a fleece jacket with stubborn spots, pre-treat stains using a small amount of mild detergent or a gentle stain remover. Apply it directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing. Never use bleach, as it can permanently damage and discolor the fleece fibers.

Once your fleece is prepped, it’s time for the main event. Whether you choose to hand-wash or use a machine, following these steps will help you achieve the best results without harming the fabric.

When you wash fleece in a washing machine, select the gentle or delicate cycle. These settings use less agitation, which reduces friction and helps prevent the fabric from pilling. Avoid heavy-duty cycles, as their aggressive spinning can damage the delicate fibers of your fleece. For more information, refer to our detailed wash and care instructions.

The ideal way to machine wash fleece is with cold water and a low spin speed. High temperatures can warp or even melt the synthetic fibers, while a fast spin can stretch the fabric out of shape. Sticking to a cold wash with a slow spin is the safest way to protect your garment.

Hand-washing is the gentlest method and is recommended for older or particularly delicate fleece clothes. However, a modern washing machine is safe for most fleece garments, as long as you use the correct settings. When in doubt, hand-washing provides an extra layer of protection.

How you dry your fleece is just as important as how you wash it. The wrong drying method can undo all your careful work, leading to shrinkage, matting, or a loss of that signature fluffiness.

The best way to dry a fleece jacket is to air-dry it. This method preserves the fabric’s softness and prevents shrinkage or heat damage. For optimal fleece drying, lay the garment flat on a clean, dry surface away from direct sunlight or heat, as hanging it can cause it to stretch.

If you need to use a machine, tumble dry fleece on a no-heat or low-heat setting. High heat is the fastest way to cause permanent damage, as it can melt the synthetic fibers and lead to matting. Always remove the fleece promptly once the cycle is finished.

Proper drying is essential for a fluffy fleece. If you notice any matting after washing, you can gently brush the fibers with a soft-bristled brush to restore their loft. Following the right soft fleece wash and drying routine will ensure your gear stays cozy for every adventure.

Knowing how to wash a fleece jacket or sweater correctly is key to maintaining its quality and extending its life. By following these simple fleece washing instructions—using cold water, a gentle detergent, and low-heat drying—you can keep your favorite gear feeling soft, looking great, and performing its best. With the right care, your fleece will be ready for many more adventures to come.