Revive Fleece Hoodie: Wash, Dry, Wear

how to revive fleece hoodie

There are several ways to revive your favourite fleece hoodie and make it soft again. Firstly, it's important to note that hoodies should not be washed after every wear, as this can cause fading, shrinking, and loss of softness. When you do need to wash it, use a quick, gentle cycle with cold water and avoid fabric softener. Always air dry your hoodie instead of using a dryer, as dryers can damage soft materials. To prevent colours from bleeding, turn your hoodie inside out before washing and avoid overstuffing the washing machine to minimise friction.

How to Revive a Fleece Hoodie

Characteristics Values
Washing Wash after five or six wears, use cold water, turn the hoodie inside out, wash with similar fabrics, use a mild detergent, avoid fabric softener, and avoid overstuffing the washing machine
Drying Air dry, avoid direct sunlight, dry flat on a towel or hang in a cool, dry room
Brushing Use a bristle brush to gently comb the hoodie in all directions
Other Tips Use anti-odour fabric spray between washes, hand wash if possible, use a garment bag, and always check the care instructions

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Wash infrequently

The first step to reviving your fleece hoodie is to stop washing it so frequently. It is recommended to wash your hoodie after every five or six wears. This is because the more you wash and dry your hoodie, the quicker it fades, pills, or loses its shape and colour. Washing your hoodie less often will also help to prevent shrinkage.

If you are concerned about odours between washes, consider using an anti-odour fabric spray to neutralise any smells.

When you do need to wash your hoodie, separate it from the rest of your laundry. Wash your hoodie with other items of a similar weight and texture. Keep similar fabric types together and separate darks and lights.

It is also important to wash your hoodie in cold water. Hot water can cause shrinkage and fading, and uses more energy. Cold water can also help to reduce wrinkles.

If you can, hand washing your hoodie is an even more sustainable method. Simply soak your hoodie in a small tub of cold water with a little detergent for 15-20 minutes, then rinse.

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Wash inside out

When it comes to washing your fleece hoodie, it is highly recommended that you wash it inside out. By turning the hoodie inside out before washing, you can protect the outer fleece from damage. This is because the outer fleece is more susceptible to abrasion and wear during the washing process. Washing your hoodie inside out reduces the friction between the fabric and the washing machine drum, which can cause excessive pilling—those unsightly bunches of fibres that clump together on the fabric's surface.

To turn your hoodie inside out, simply flip the neck of the jacket inside, pull the sleeves into the main body, and then turn it inside out. This way, the outer fleece will be protected during the wash.

It is also important to ensure there is nothing left in the pockets of your hoodie before washing it. Leaving paper or other items in the pockets can cause lint to form, which is challenging to remove.

Additionally, when washing your fleece hoodie, always use cold water and avoid warm or hot water settings. The warm and hot settings can cause the fabric to pill or melt.

If you need to remove a stain, treat the stain with a detergent or mild dish soap before washing. Allow the treated stain to soak in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. Instead of rubbing the stain, gently press on it with an old t-shirt or soft sponge to absorb it.

Remember, always wash your fleece hoodie inside out to protect the outer fabric and minimise pilling!

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Use cold water

To revive a fleece hoodie, it is important to use cold water when washing it. This is because the synthetic fibres in fleece can melt when exposed to high heat, causing them to form clumps that harden as they cool. As a result, the fleece becomes rough and scratchy. While this process cannot be completely reversed, using cold water can help to prevent further damage.

When washing your fleece hoodie, use a gentle cycle with cold water and avoid using fabric softener. Wash the hoodie alone, as being beaten against other fabrics during the washing cycle can contribute to the fleece becoming scratchy. Additionally, use minimal soap or detergent.

If hand washing is not an option, it is recommended to wash fleece items on a gentle setting in cool water with a small amount of detergent. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can contribute to the build-up of lint and fibres, making the hoodie feel less soft.

It is also important to air dry your fleece hoodie after washing. Avoid using a dryer or iron, as heat is the primary culprit behind scratchy fleece. If you need to dry the hoodie quickly, use a dryer with a no-heat option.

By following these instructions and using cold water when washing and rinsing, you can help revive and maintain the softness of your fleece hoodie.

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Air dry

Step 1: Shake it Out

Give your hoodie a good shake straight after washing to remove excess water and loosen fabric fibres. This will speed up the drying process and help the hoodie dry evenly.

Step 2: Check for Stains

Before you start the drying process, check your hoodie for any stains or spots. Treat these areas, as they may become permanent once the hoodie is dry.

Step 3: Shape and Hang

When air-drying, it is important to shape your hoodie correctly to prevent any stretching or misshaping. Gently stretch and reshape the hoodie to its original form, paying attention to the cuffs and hem. You can then choose to hang it on a sturdy hanger or lay it flat on a clean, dry towel. If hanging, ensure the weight of the hoodie is evenly distributed to avoid stretching the shoulders or neckline.

Step 4: Choose a Location

The ideal location for air-drying is on a clothesline or a flat, well-ventilated surface, away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading. Indoors, a drying rack in a ventilated room is perfect. Outdoors, choose a shaded area to prevent sun damage.

Step 5: Avoid High Heat

To prevent shrinkage, avoid high heat when drying your hoodie. If you must use a dryer, choose a low heat setting and remove the hoodie while it is still slightly damp, allowing it to air-dry the rest of the way.

Step 6: Fluff it Up

To keep your hoodie soft and fluffy, use wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls in the dryer. These help to separate the fabric, improving air circulation and resulting in a softer finish.

Step 7: Avoid Overdrying

Always remove your hoodie from the dryer promptly to avoid set-in wrinkles and excessive shrinkage. If your hoodie is air-dried, bring it in before it gets too dry and stiff.

Step 8: Remove Wrinkles

If your hoodie does end up with wrinkles, a quick fix is to tumble it in the dryer with a damp cloth. Alternatively, a low heat ironing session will do the trick.

Step 9: Prevent Odours

Ensure your hoodie is dried in a well-ventilated area. If any odours persist, wash the hoodie with a vinegar solution before a regular wash to neutralise the smell.

Step 10: Avoid Common Mistakes

Do not overload the dryer, as this will result in uneven drying and more wrinkles. Also, avoid leaving your hoodie in the dryer for too long, and always follow the specific care instructions for your hoodie, especially if it has custom details or delicate prints.

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Use a bristle brush

To revive your fleece hoodie, you can use a bristle brush to gently comb it out. This process will help to restore the softness and smoothness of the fabric. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Start by choosing the right bristle brush for the job. Look for a brush with soft to medium bristles that will be gentle on the fabric. Avoid using a brush with very stiff bristles as they may be too harsh and could potentially damage the fabric.

Make sure your hoodie is clean and dry before you start. It is recommended to wash it using a gentle cycle with cold water and avoid using fabric softener. Once it's clean, allow it to air dry completely.

Now, begin brushing your hoodie with gentle strokes. Start at the top of the hoodie and work your way down. Use long, smooth strokes and brush in the direction of the fabric pile. Go over each section several times to ensure you're lifting any crushed fibres and removing any lint or debris.

As you brush, pay extra attention to areas that tend to pill or get matted, such as the elbows, cuffs, and areas around pockets. These areas may require more brushing and gentle detangling. Always brush in the direction of the pills or matted areas to avoid damaging the fabric.

Finally, once you've brushed the entire hoodie, take a step back and observe the results. Feel the fabric to ensure it's soft and fluffy again. If there are any particularly stubborn areas that haven't revived, you can go back and give them some extra attention with the brush.

By following these steps and using a bristle brush, you can effectively revive your fleece hoodie, bringing back its softness and cosy feel. Remember to be gentle and patient during the process to achieve the best results.

Frequently asked questions

Wash your hoodie with shampoo and conditioner. First, wet the hoodie with warm to hot water. Then, scrub it with shampoo using a sponge that is soft on one side and rough on the other. Flip the sponge and scrub the hoodie with the soft side. Repeat the process with conditioner.

It is recommended to wash your hoodie after five or six wears. Washing it less frequently will help it stay soft and keep its shape and colour.

Wash your hoodie with cold water on a gentle cycle. Turn the hoodie inside out and zip it up to prevent snagging on other items in the wash. Avoid using fabric softener and air dry your hoodie instead of tumble drying it.

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  • Byeon
  • Byeon
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