To properly wash micro fleece and preserve its signature softness and anti-pilling properties, use cold water on a delicate cycle, wash full loads of fleece separately, and opt for a mild detergent.
Micro fleece, known for its lightweight warmth and comfort, requires a specific washing approach to prevent pilling, maintain its texture, and extend its lifespan. By following these simple steps, you can keep your fleece items looking and feeling new.
Preparing Your Micro Fleece for Washing
Proper preparation is key to a successful wash. Taking a few moments before loading your machine can significantly impact the outcome.
Sort and Separate
The most crucial step is to wash fleece items apart from other laundry. This prevents lint, pet hair, and fibers from other fabrics (especially cotton) from sticking to the fleece, which is the primary cause of pilling.
- Separate by fabric type: Only wash fleece with other fleece items.
- Separate by color: Group similar colors together to avoid dye transfer.
- Turn inside out: Turning fleece garments inside out can further protect the outer surface from abrasion and reduce pilling.
- Close zippers and fastenings: This prevents snagging and damage to other items or the fleece itself.
Pre-Treat Stains
Address any visible stains before washing. This increases the likelihood of their removal and prevents them from setting in.
- Gentle stain remover: Apply a small amount of a mild, enzyme-based stain remover directly to the stain.
- Dab, don't rub: Gently dab the stain with a clean cloth or sponge. Rubbing can spread the stain or damage the fleece fibers.
- Let it sit: Allow the pre-treatment to work for a few minutes (check product instructions) before washing.
The Washing Process
Once prepared, your micro fleece is ready for the washing machine. The right settings and products are essential.
Washing Machine Settings
Choose settings that are gentle on the fabric to prevent damage and maintain its soft texture.
- Cold water: Always use cold water. Hot water can damage the synthetic fibers, leading to shrinkage, melting, or loss of softness.
- Delicate or gentle cycle: Select the machine's "delicate" or "gentle" cycle. These cycles have lower agitation, which minimizes friction and abrasion, reducing the risk of pilling.
- Full loads: Only wash full loads of fleece items. Paradoxically, washing a full load reduces friction and abrasion in the washer compared to a small load. More items cushion each other, preventing individual pieces from rubbing harshly against the washer drum.
Detergent and Additives
The type and amount of detergent you use play a significant role in maintaining your fleece.
- Mild detergent: Use the recommended amount of a mild detergent based on your load size. Harsh detergents can strip the fibers of their softness and leave residue. Look for detergents designed for delicates or performance fabrics.
- Avoid fabric softener: Do not use fabric softener. While it may seem counterintuitive, fabric softeners can clog the fleece fibers, reducing its breathability and wicking properties, and even affecting its ability to retain warmth. It can also leave a waxy residue.
- No bleach: Never use bleach, as it will damage the synthetic fibers and can cause discoloration.
Drying Micro Fleece
Drying fleece correctly is just as important as washing it to prevent damage and maintain its feel.
Gentle Drying Methods
High heat is the enemy of fleece, so avoid it at all costs.
- Air drying: The best method is to air dry your micro fleece. Lay it flat on a clean, dry surface or hang it on a clothesline or drying rack. This preserves the fibers and prevents static.
- Low heat tumble dry: If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting or a "air fluff" setting. Remove items promptly once dry to prevent static and over-drying.
- Add dryer balls: Wool dryer balls can help reduce drying time and static without the need for fabric softener sheets (which should also be avoided).
What to Avoid During Drying
- High heat: Never use high heat, as it can melt the synthetic fibers, causing permanent damage, stiffness, and shrinkage.
- Over-drying: Over-drying can make fleece feel stiff and attract static.
Quick Care Tips for Micro Fleece
For easy reference, here's a summary of the do's and don'ts for washing micro fleece.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| ✅ Wash separately from other laundry | ❌ Wash with lint-producing fabrics |
| ✅ Use cold water | ❌ Use hot water |
| ✅ Select a delicate/gentle cycle | ❌ Use harsh wash cycles |
| ✅ Wash full loads of fleece | ❌ Wash small, individual fleece items |
| ✅ Use mild detergent | ❌ Use fabric softener or bleach |
| ✅ Air dry or tumble dry on low heat | ❌ Tumble dry on high heat |
| ✅ Turn garments inside out | ❌ Iron fleece directly (avoid ironing) |
By following these guidelines, your micro fleece garments and blankets will remain soft, warm, and comfortable for years to come. For more detailed garment care instructions, always refer to the specific care label on your item, as recommendations can vary slightly between manufacturers.
