Key Takeaways
- Wash your fleece throw by hand or in the machine at low temperature (30-40°C) with a mild detergent.
- Avoid using excessive heat which can damage the synthetic fibers.
- Opt for air drying or a delicate cycle in the tumble dryer.
- Gently brush the plaid to restore its soft and soft appearance.
The
Introduction
Long winter evenings wouldn't be the same without a cozy fleece blanket to warm you up. This essential linen accessory envelops you in comfort and warmth while adding a decorative touch to your interior. However, like any textile, it requires regular maintenance to maintain its softness and its soft appearance. In this complete guide, we will reveal to you all the advice and tricks for washing your fleece blanket gently, protecting it from stubborn stains and prolong its lifespan.
- 38% of the environmental impact of a garment's life cycle is linked to the "wash - machine dry - iron" cycle. [1]
- 20,000 deaths per year are estimated in conventional cotton cultivation due to the pesticides used. [2]
- 60°C for 30 minutes with conventional laundry detergent would allow COVID-19 to lose its infectious potential according to washing recommendations. [3]
Preparing the fleece blanket for washing
Before you start washing, always check the label of instructions of your throw. It will tell you the maximum temperature supported and the precautions to take. Gently shake the plaid to remove accumulated dirt and lint, then turn it over to the wrong side to prevent it from se pilling.
Also read: What is a fleece throw?
Washing process
Hand wash
Hand wash is an ideal option for delicate or heavily stained fleece throws. Fill a tub or tub with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Let the plaid soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently rub the dirty areas with a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all traces of detergent have disappeared.
Machine wash
Cycle selection: choose the right machine program for the fleece blanket
Most fleece throws can be washed in machine without problem. Opt for a delicate program at low temperature (30-40°C) and reduce the spin speed to avoid damaging the fibers. You can also use the cycle for wool or silk items if your machine allows it.
Water temperature
Excessive heat is the number one enemy of polar blankets. It can shrink the fabric and alter its soft texture. Follow the recommendations on the label or choose a maximum temperature of 40°C for safe washing.
Washing tips
- Use a mild liquid detergent formulated for delicate fabrics.
- Avoid harsh detergents containing bleach or bleaching agents.
- Add a few drops of softener to preserve the softness of the throw.
- Do not overload the drum of the washing machine to allow effective rinsing.
How many times should you wash a fleece blanket?
The frequency of washing depends on the use of your plaid. As a general rule, cleaning two to four times a year is sufficient for normal use. If you have allergies or pets, you may need to wash more often to remove mites and bacteria.
Can you wash a blanket in machine?
Yes, most blankets in fleece can be washed in machine without problem. Simply follow the same advice as for plaids: delicate program, low temperature, detergent gentle and spin reduced.
We recently received an email from a loyal customer, Ms. Dupont, who shared with us her experience with one of our fleece throws. She explained to us that after several years of use, her favorite blanket had started to lose its cozy and soft appearance.
Rather than simply throwing it away, Ms. Dupont decided to follow our maintenance advice. She gently hand washed the blanket with a mild detergent, taking care to avoid excessive heat. After air drying, she then gently brushed the fibers to restore their original silky appearance.
Ms. Dupont told us that her blanket had regained all its softness, as on the first day. She was delighted to be able to continue enjoying it for many more years, while reducing its environmental impact by avoiding having to replace it prematurely.
The role of polyester in washing fleece blankets
polyester plays a crucial role in the maintenance of fleece blankets. Indeed, most polar blankets are composed of synthetic fibers based on polyester. This material gives the throws their soft and soft texture, while providing them with good resistance to frequent washing.
When washing, polyester requires special precautions. It is recommended to use a mild detergent and to avoid excessively high temperatures which could damage the fibers. Washing at low temperature (30-40°C) and delicate spinning will preserve the softness and shape of the fleece throw.
As the founder of
The Oversized Hoodie® , I can assure you that the polyester composition of fleece throws requires special care. Improper handling can alter the softness and texture so characteristic of this textile.
— Geoffrey, Founder ofThe Oversized Hoodie®
Also read: How to wash polyester?
How to ensure that the blanket remains soft after washing
To ensure that your fleece throw retains its incomparable softness after washing, there are several tips to follow. First of all, using a special softener for delicate textiles will help revitalize the synthetic fibers and restore their silky appearance.
In addition, it is recommended to dry the plaid in the air rather than in the tumble dryer. Excessive heat from the dryer can dry out the fibers and make them rough. Drying outdoors or in a well-ventilated room will allow the plaid to regain its natural softness.
At
The Oversized Hoodie® , we strongly recommend drying in the open air to preserve the soft appearance of the fleece throws. The dryer, as convenient as it is, can be too harsh for synthetic fibers.
— Geoffrey, Founder ofThe Oversized Hoodie®
Also read: How to keep a fleece soft?
Solutions for difficult stains
Even with the best care, it is sometimes inevitable that your fleece throw will suffer from stubborn stains. Do not panic ! With the right products and a little patience, you can overcome the toughest dirt.
Pre-treatment of stains
Before washing, it is advisable to treat stains as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the more time they will have to embed themselves in the fibers. Gently dab the soiled area with a damp cloth and cold water to prevent the stain from spreading.
Natural and effective products
For a deep cleaning, use natural stain removers such as baking soda, white vinegar or Marseille soap. These ecological products will act gently on the fibers while dislodging encrusted dirt. You can also use a special detergent for delicate laundry.
Also read: How to remove stains from polyester?
Is the dryer recommended for a fleece blanket?
Although practical, the tumble dryer is not the ideal option for drying your fleece throw. Intense heat may alter the texture of the fabric and cause it to shrink. Additionally, the rotating motion can create static electricity, making the plaid rough and attracting lint.
It is preferable to opt for drying in the open air. Simply hang the plaid on a drying rack or lay it flat. You can also dry it in machine using a gentle cycle and low temperature. Don't forget to add one or two dryer balls to prevent the plaid from bunching up.
Also read: Should you put throws in the dryer?
Tips for cleaning a pilou pilou throw
The pilou pilou throws, with their ultra-soft synthetic material, require special care. Avoid at all costs washing in machine which could damage them. Prefer dry cleaning or hand washing with a very gentle detergent.
To restore their soft appearance, you can gently brush them using a clothes brush after drying. A little regular brush will also remove the accumulated lint and hair.
Also read: How to rediscover the softness of a blanket?
Conclusion
A well-maintained fleece throw will remain your comfort and warmth ally for many years. By following our advice on washing, drying and cleaning of stains, you will preserve the soft and soft appearance of your precious textile.
No longer be afraid to use your throw without restraint, whether for cozy evenings by the fire or trips with family . Thanks to regular but delicate maintenance, it will retain all its beauty and its incomparable softness.
| Type of Textile | Washing Method | Water Temperature | Drying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fleece Throw | Hand or machine wash | 30-40°C | Air dry or tumble dry on gentle cycle |
| Pilou Pilou throw | Dry clean or hand wash | N/A | Air drying and gentle brushing |
FAQ
How to wash a fleece to keep it soft?
To maintain the softness of a fleece, opt for wash by hand or in machine at low temperature (30-40°C) with a gentle detergent. Avoid harsh detergents and dry in the air or in the tumble dryer on a gentle cycle.
How to machine wash a fleece blanket?
The fleece blankets wash very well in the machine. Choose a delicate program, a low temperature and reduce the spin speed. You can add a few drops of softener for more softness.
How to clean a pilou pilou throw?
The pilou pilou ultra soft throws are fragile. Avoid machine washing and opt for dry cleaning or by hand with a very gentle detergent. Brush them gently after drying to restore their soft appearance.
Which blanket washing machine program?
For fleece throws, choose a delicate program, wool or silk on your washing machine. Select a low temperature (30-40°C) and a reduced spin speed to preserve the fibers.
Références
[1] Comment mesurer l'impact environnemental lié à l'entretien de nos vêtements ?, Cousu Bio
[2] Guide des matières textiles écologiques, Dream Act
[3] Covid-19 : les recommandations de lavage, Laver Mon Linge
