{"id":3161,"date":"2019-10-14T08:00:31","date_gmt":"2019-10-14T13:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/?p=3161"},"modified":"2024-01-25T02:58:47","modified_gmt":"2024-01-25T07:58:47","slug":"its-so-fluffy-7-tips-to-help-keep-your-sweatshirt-soft-even-after-washing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/its-so-fluffy-7-tips-to-help-keep-your-sweatshirt-soft-even-after-washing\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s So Fluffy: 7 Tips to Help Keep Your Sweatshirt Soft (Even After Washing)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3163\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/womans-hands-in-fluffy-hoodie.jpg\" alt=\"womans hands in fluffy hoodie\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/womans-hands-in-fluffy-hoodie.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/womans-hands-in-fluffy-hoodie-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ve all been there. You found a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/sweatshirts\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sweatshirt that is perfectly soft and fluffy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Everything about it feels absolutely amazing, and you just <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to have it. But then after you buy it and wash it, it doesn\u2019t feel anywhere near as nice as it did when it was on the rack. Or perhaps you\u2019ve washed and worn it a few times and noticed <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pilling, lint build-up or matting<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that has caused it to gradually lose the softness that made you fall in love with it in the first place.<\/span><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In either case, it\u2019s never any fun when a much-loved sweatshirt loses its fluffiness. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although you can tackle excess lint and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fluff <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lint roller<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the good news is that there are things that you can do to keep that from happening. While all fabrics change after repeated wearings and washings, properly caring for your fleece sweatshirts can minimize the wear and tear and extend their life. Keep reading to learn how to keep your favorite sweatshirt soft.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Check the Care Label<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To keep your sweatshirt soft and fluffy and extend its wearable lifetime, always check the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">care label<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before putting it into the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">washing machine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The care label provides valuable information on washing and caring for the sweatshirt.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This label usually includes instructions on water temperature, recommended detergents and whether the item can be tumble-dried. By following the instructions, you can prevent damage to the fabric and help retain its softness and fluffiness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examine your sweatshirt\u2019s care label to determine the recommended instructions for the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">washer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The label should indicate if your shirt requires a specific water temperature when using the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">machine wash<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> setting.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, you may need to use a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gentle cycle<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cool water to wash fleece<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whereas a cotton shirt can typically withstand a normal cycle with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hot water<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A more delicate fabric, like cashmere or wool, may require you to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hand wash<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the item with<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cold water<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a sweatshirt made of delicate fabric, you may need to use a laundry bag to prevent damage caused by rubbing together with other items in the washing machine. Your care label should also indicate whether to use fabric softeners or bleach on your sweatshirt.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When drying your sweatshirt, reference the care label for specific instructions. Some sweatshirts can withstand<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high heat<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without losing their fluffy softness; however, other shirts need <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low heat<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or should be hung up to air dry instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By checking the care label and following the recommended washing instructions, you can help keep your sweatshirt soft and fluffy after washing. This will ensure that it remains comfortable to wear and looks great for years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Use the Right Detergent<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you take a trip down the laundry aisle at your local store, it\u2019s easy to get overwhelmed. There are countless <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">laundry detergents<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to choose from. There are different brands, different formulas, different scents\u2026 The list goes on and on. Many people base the decision of what to use solely on price or fragrance, but that isn\u2019t always the best option.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to keep your favorite sweatshirt soft and extend its life, you need to use a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mild detergent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mild detergents<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> only contain surfactants to lift grease and dirt rather than enzymes that can chemically alter the fibers that make your sweatshirt cozy. They are also typically non-scented, pH balanced and perfect for sensitive skin.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You also need to be sure to use that detergent according to the manufacturer\u2019s recommendations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Remove Stains the Right Way<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter how careful you are, stains are just a part of life.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/remedies-to-remove-stubborn-shirt-stains\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you need to get stains out of your shirt<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, be sure to do so the right way. Most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stain removal<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> products are harsh and can actually damage the fabric while removing the stain. Instead of using harsh chemicals like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bleach<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to clean your favorite sweatshirt,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thespruce.com\/natural-laundry-stain-removers-4061242\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">consider trying some natural <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stain-removal<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> remedies<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">such as corn starch or table salt<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They\u2019re much safer for your sweatshirt and many of them work even better than expensive <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stain-removal<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> products.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Don\u2019t Use <\/b><b>Fabric Softener<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fabric softener<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a great way to keep your sweatshirt soft, right? Unfortunately, no. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fabric softeners<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tend to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">build up<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on garments, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and they can actually cause the fibers to flatten or tangle, making<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> them feel less soft. They can also damage certain properties in sweatshirt fabrics so they are best to avoid.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Turn Your Sweatshirt Inside Out Before Washing<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you place your sweatshirt in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">washing machine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, turn it inside out. This helps protect the outside of the garment from damage that could occur during the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wash cycle<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. When washing<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/sweatshirts\/full-zip-up-hoodie\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">zip-up <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hoodies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, be sure to zip them. This prevents the zipper from getting snagged in the wash.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/sweatshirts\/pullover-hoodie\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For pullover <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hoodies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with drawstring hoods, you may want to consider tying the string. This will keep it from getting tangled or pulling out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3164\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/placing-sweater-in-dryer.jpg\" alt=\"placing sweater in dryer\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/placing-sweater-in-dryer.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/placing-sweater-in-dryer-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Launder Sweatshirts with Similar Items<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To keep sweatshirts in good condition, they should be laundered with similar items. They shouldn\u2019t be washed with jeans or heavy jackets that could cause damage. You should also avoid washing your sweatshirts along with towels and other high-<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lint<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fleece items<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fleece blankets<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fleece jackets<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polyester fleece<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fabric<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> attracts <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lint<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and when it builds up, it can create a scratchy, uncomfortable feeling. Be sure to wash your favorite sweatshirt with other garments that are similar in color, too, to avoid stains.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Run an Extra <\/b><b>Rinse Cycle<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Normally, we are all about conserving water <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">when running a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wash cycle<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. When it comes to keeping your favorite sweatshirt nice and soft, an extra <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rinse cycle<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a must. Running your sweats through an additional <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rinse cycle<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ensures that every trace of detergent has been removed. And ensuring that all of the detergent has been rinsed away is an important step when it comes to ensuring that your shirt stays soft.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Skip the Dryer<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Throwing your sweatshirt in the dryer with a few dryer sheets probably seems like a great way to ensure that it stays nice and soft, but doing so can actually do more harm than good. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fleece is a synthetic fabric that is known for its warmth and softness. However, it is also prone to pilling and shedding when exposed to high heat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tumble dry<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> setting on sweatshirts made of fleece fabric can cause damage to the structure of the fabric. High temperatures and movement can cause the fibers to break down, leading to pilling and a loss of softness.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air drying<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a much better option because it is gentler on the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fleece fabric<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It helps the fleece stay nice and soft without using chemicals like the ones found on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dryer sheets<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By air drying your sweatshirt instead, you can avoid damage and help retain its softness and fluffiness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">air dry<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> your sweatshirt made of fleece fabric, simply lay it flat on a clean surface or hang it up to dry. Avoid using clothespins or hangers, as they can stretch the fabric and cause it to lose its shape. By taking this simple step to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dry fleece<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can help ensure your sweatshirt remains soft and fluffy, even after multiple washes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3162\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/portrait-of-woman-in-pink-sweatshirt.jpg\" alt=\"portrait of woman in pink sweatshirt\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/portrait-of-woman-in-pink-sweatshirt.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/portrait-of-woman-in-pink-sweatshirt-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it\u2019s impossible to keep your favorite sweatshirt looking and feeling like new forever, there are things that you can do to keep it soft for several years. By washing and caring for it properly, you can preserve the fluffiness of your sweater and enjoy its toasty warmness for many winters to come.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"We\u2019ve all been there. You found a sweatshirt that is perfectly soft and fluffy. Everything about it feels absolutely amazing, and you just have to have it. But then after you buy it and wash it, it doesn\u2019t feel anywhere near as nice as it did when it was on the rack. Or perhaps you\u2019ve [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[24],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3161"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3161"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3161\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4398,"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3161\/revisions\/4398"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3161"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3161"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3161"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}