Fleece jackets are a popular cold weather staple, loved for their lightweight warmth and soft comfort. Properly caring for your fleece jackets will help them last for many seasons. Washing fleece can seem tricky, but following a few simple guidelines will keep them clean, fluffy, and pill-free. Let’s look at the best practices for washing and caring for fleece jackets.

Prepping Fleece Jackets for Washing

Before tossing your fleece in the washing machine, take a few preparatory steps:

Check pockets and zippers

Empty all pockets and make sure no items are still inside. This prevents damage to the jacket or washing machine. Close all zippers, velcro, and toggles to prevent snagging and tearing during the wash cycle.

Pretreat stains

Inspect the fleece for any dirt, stains, or spills. Pretreat any noticeable areas with a stain remover or mix a solution of warm water, mild detergent, and a splash of white vinegar. Gently scrub with a soft bristle brush, then rinse. This helps lift stains before washing.

Wash similar colors together

Sort fleece by color before washing. Wash light and bright-colored fleeces separately from darker or brightly dyed ones to prevent colors from bleeding and dulling.

Use a garment bag

For extra protection, place the fleece jacket in a zippered mesh garment bag. This prevents pilling from friction and keeps zippers from snagging on other items.

Choosing the Right Wash Method

Machine wash cold

Wash fleece jackets in cold water on a gentle cycle setting. Warm or hot water can cause shrinking. The delicate or gentle setting prevents damage from agitation.

Mild detergent

Choose a mild, gentle detergent without dyes, fragrances, or other harsh chemicals that may irritate skin or damage the fleece over time. Avoid regular laundry detergents.

Skip the fabric softener

Fabric softeners and dryer sheets can coat the fleece fibers, reducing the jacket’s ability to insulate. Softener residue can also diminish the fleece’s absorbency.

When to hand wash

Delicate fleeces or those prone to pilling may do better with hand washing. Use cool water and a gentle detergent, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid wringing or twisting fleece while wet.

Drying Fleece Jackets

Drying fleece properly maximizes fluffiness and minimizes pilling:

Air dry when possible

Lay flat or hang fleece jackets to air dry. This prevents heat damage from the dryer. Laying flat helps the fleece maintain its shape.

No heat tumble dry

If air drying isn’t possible, tumble dry on low or no heat. High temperatures can cause shrinking.

Dryer balls

Toss a couple wool or plastic dryer balls in with the fleece. As they bounce around, they help break up the fleece fibers, keeping the material soft and pillowy.

Check after drying

Inspect for pilling or residual damp spots after drying. Refrain from wearing fleeces until fully dry, as moisture retention compromises insulation.

Steps for Defuzzing and De-Pilling Fleece

With repeated wear and washing, fleece jackets tend to pill or get fuzzy from fabric friction. Here’s how to freshen up a fleece and remove those pills:

Use a de-pilling shaver

An electric fabric shaver quickly removes pills without damaging the fleece. Gently shave the surface in small sections until pills are gone.

Try a lint roller or brush

For isolated pills, wrap scotch tape sticky-side out around your fingers and roll over the area. You can also use a lint roller or a sweater stone brush.

Consider pill remover fabric shavers

There are mini, battery-powered shavers designed specifically for removing fleece pills. These are safe for regular use.

Avoid razors or scissors

Never use a razor or scissors to remove pills. This damages the fibers and causes further pilling. Only cut loose threads, not pills.

Storing Fleece Jackets

Store fleeces properly between wears to maintain shape and prevent pilling:

Fold neatly

Refold fleeces along original crease lines rather than just crumpling into a drawer or hanging crookedly. This keeps shape intact.

Use breathable storage

Avoid airtight plastic bins or garment bags. Instead store in breathable cotton storage bags or on open closet shelves. Fleece needs airflow to stay fresh.

Avoid wire hangers

Wire hangers can stretch out the shoulders. Use wider, sturdier hangers to support the weight of the fleece.

Wash before storing

Wash fleece before storing long term or at the end of a season. This removes body oils, dirt and odors that can attract moths or other pests.

When to Repair Damaged Fleece

Even with proper care, fleece eventually shows wear. Look for these signs that it’s time to repair or replace your trusty fleece:

Pilling that won’t shave off

If de-pilling no longer restores the fleece’s smooth surface, the material may be permanently damaged. Time to replace.

Lost loft and insulation

Heavily worn or matted fleece won’t provide warmth anymore. Fluff up with dryer balls to restore loft. If that fails, the fleece fibers are packed down for good.

Stretched out cuffs or hems

Once the ribbing stretches out, it won’t bounce back. Sewing new ribbed cuffs and hem can resuscitate an otherwise solid fleece jacket.

Broken zipper

Replacing a busted zipper often costs more than the fleece itself. Opt for a new jacket unless the fleece has sentimental value.

Multiple small holes

A few small holes can be patched, but once the fleece show excessive wear, let it go. The material has reached the end of its lifespan.

FAQs About Caring for Fleece Jackets

How do you get odors out of fleece jackets?

For sweat or mildew smells, wash with an enzymatic odor eliminator or white vinegar added to the detergent. For smoke smells, hand wash with diluted vodka or white vinegar, air dry in the sun, and repeat until odor-free.

Can you put fleece in the dryer?

Yes, fleece can go in the dryer but always use low or no heat setting. High heat causes shrinkage and damages the material. Adding dryer balls helps restore fluffiness.

Should you wash fleece before wearing?

It’s a good idea to wash new fleece jackets before wearing to remove chemical residue from manufacturing. Use a gentle detergent and cold water, then air dry. Washing also helps improve fleece’s insulation ability.

Does fleece keep you warm when wet?

No, fleece loses most of its insulation capacity when wet. The material dries quickly, but avoid getting fleece soaked through. For wet weather, choose a waterproof shell over the fleece to stay warm and dry.

Can you shrink fleece jackets if they get too stretched out?

Unfortunately, once fleece stretches out, it won’t shrink back to size. Wash in hot water will make it a bit tighter, but also damages the material. Better to have ribbed cuffs and hems replaced than try to shrink the whole jacket.

How do you prevent pilling on a new fleece jacket?

Wash before wearing. Use a fabric shaver right away if any pills appear. Wash in a garment bag, inside-out and on gentle cycle. Avoid over-drying. Store properly between wears. Keep fleece away from hook fasteners, zippers and abrasive surfaces.

Caring for Your Fleece

With its unbeatable comfort and lightweight warmth, fleece makes the perfect cold weather jacket. Show your fleece some TLC by heeding these care instructions. Always check pockets and zippers before washing, pretreat stains, and wash on gentle cycle in cold water. Air dry when possible or tumble dry on low heat. Use a fabric shaver to remove pills. Repair any damage right away to prolong your fleece’s lifespan. Store properly between wears. Following these fleece care tips will keep you cozy for many seasons to come!

Conclusion

Proper care and washing will help fleece jackets look fluffy, pill-free, and good as new. By checking pockets and stains, washing in cold water with a gentle detergent, air drying when possible, and using a de-pilling tool, fleece jackets will maintain their warmth, comfort, and durability for many years. Follow these guidelines to get the longest life out of your favorite fleece!