Birchwood Oversized Ultra Soft Fleece Throw (2024)

FAQs

Why does fleece lose its softness? ›

Using too much soap can get stuck in the fibres and not thoroughly washed off, reducing the softness. Fabric softeners can damage the water-resistant coating put on many fleece products. Avoid using dryer sheets and liquid softeners.

While there are multiple reasons fleece can shed or pill (including the quality of the fleece fabric itself), the primary reasons have to do with two important and often overlooked steps in the fleece blanket business: Brushing and Shearing.

Polyester fleece is naturally stain resistant, so just a teeny bit of soap and water and a light wash will do the trick. Machine wash blankets on cool + tumble dry low or no heat + keep the irons and bleach at bay = Soft Blankets Forever.

There are specialised sheepskin brushes you can use for this. Brushing will often leave the fleece looking a lot cleaner, with no washing necessary. If you decide it needs more attention, check the care label. There's a good chance your fleece is dry clean only.

Fleece Blankets

Polyester fleece retains its softness best when washed with mild detergent and a white vinegar rinse. Air-dry or tumble-dry on a low setting. If you remove your fleece blanket from the dryer and it still isn't soft enough, try gently brushing the fibers to separate and fluff them further.

Just by wearing and washing fleece, thousands and millions of these plastic fibers are shed and end up in the environment, including the air around us. More than one-third of the microplastics in the ocean come from synthetic clothing. Plastic microfibers have been found in food, water, and air.

Vinegar Soak: Soak the blanket in cold water mixed with a half cup of vinegar before the first use. Vinegar helps to set the colors and fibers, reducing shedding. Gentle Wash Cycle: Always wash the blanket on a gentle cycle with cold water to minimize agitation, which can loosen fibers.

For a fuzzy blanket, washing it in cold water on the gentle cycle and adding fabric softener can help stop shedding and strengthen the fibers. Additionally, using a mild detergent will help keep the colors of your blanket vibrant and prevent fading over time.

Fleece also tends to generate a high amount of static electricity, which causes the accumulation of lint, dust, and pet hair. It is also susceptible to damage from high temperature washing, tumble drying or ironing. Lower-quality fleece material is also prone to pilling.

Vinegar helps break down detergent build-up and naturally softens the fabric. Tennis Balls in Dryer: Place a couple of clean tennis balls in the dryer with the blanket. They will bounce around and help to fluff up the fleece fibers, restoring the soft, plush feel.

Should a fleece be tight or loose? ›

Should a fleece be tight or loose fitted? The fit of a fleece ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, since fleeces are typically used as a midlayer option, they should be loose enough to accommodate a thermal or other baselayer underneath, but not so baggy that an outer layer cannot be worn over it.

Before you start the process of washing your fleece jacket, gather some essential supplies. Laundry bag: Use a mesh bag to contain fleece items and prevent pilling during the wash cycle. Mild detergent: Choose a gentle, dye-free detergent without brighteners or bleach. Woolite or other delicates detergent works well.

In fact, the excess detergent can actually stick to the fleece fibers and make your blanket feel less soft. Avoid using bleach, which can damage the fibers or affect the blanket's dye. Because polyester fleece is naturally stain-resistant, a cold water wash with detergent should get your fleece blanket clean.

One thing you can do is use a lint remover or a lint brush on the garment. This will help to loosen up the knots and remove any dust or little hairs from the fabric. Another way of going about this is to use a fabric shaver.

Use Mild Detergent: Select a detergent that is gentle and designed for use with delicate fabrics. Harsh detergents can weaken fibers and increase shedding. Avoid Fabric Softeners and Bleach: These products can deteriorate the fabric's integrity by breaking down the fibers, leading to increased shedding.

Fleece and synthetic insulation will lose loft over time, thereby decreasing their insulating qualities.