How to wash a sweatshirt in the washing machine?

How to wash a sweatshirt in the washing machine?

The sweatshirt is a casual garment par excellence, ideal for staying warm while being stylish. But to maintain this characteristic comfort and softness, it is essential to maintain it well. Here are our tips for washing your sweatshirt in the machine without risk.

Prepare the sweatshirt before washing

Before putting your sweatshirt in the machine, check the care labels to find out the fabric composition and recommended washing temperatures.

• Turn your garment inside out to avoid wrinkling the fabric.
• Close the zippers and press studs to avoid damaging the fabric.
• Pre-treat stubborn stains with a suitable stain remover before washing.
• Sort your clothes by color to avoid fading.

These simple steps will allow you to optimize machine washing and extend the life of your favorite sweatshirt.

Choose the right washing program

To wash your sweatshirt safely, select a delicate cycle at low temperature:

• The wool/delicate program is ideal for wool sweatshirts.
• Opt for the synthetic cycle for sweatshirts in polyester or stretch.
• The cotton program is suitable for 100% cotton sweatshirts, in fleece for example.

These gentle cycles preserve the fibers without altering the shape or feel of your garment.

We do not recommend the normal cycle: its strong rotations can deform a sweatshirt and damage the prints or flocking.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Set the correct temperature

Impact of temperature on the fabric

too hot water can:

• Shrink or distort a sweatshirt, especially if it contains elastane.
• Blend on other clothing and alter colors.
• Damage delicate fibers such as wool or silk.

Conversely, a temperature too cold dilutes the detergent poorly and reduces the effectiveness of the wash.

Recommended temperature for cotton sweatshirts

For a sweatshirt in cotton, we recommend washing at 30-40°C maximum. This temperature:

• Dissolves stains on cotton well while protecting the fibers.
• Preserves bright colors by limiting fading.
• Prevents shrinkage of the fabric.

Recommended temperature for wool sweatshirts

wool sweatshirts must be washed at cold, i.e. at a temperature below 30°C. Washing hot could:

• Felt the wool and harden the fibers.
• Shrink irreversibly your garment.
• Wash the colors.

Use a suitable detergent

Detergent for cotton sweatshirts

To wash a cotton sweatshirt, preferably choose a detergent that is gentle or one marked "color-friendly".

Conventional detergents with high pH can damage cotton fibers and alter shades.

Laundry detergent for wool sweatshirts

Use a special wool detergent, without bleaching agent. These detergents maintain the acid pH necessary for this noble and delicate textile.

Never use normal detergent, which will irreparably damage your wool sweatshirt.

How to avoid damaging your sweatshirt with laundry

• Respect the dosages indicated so as not to irritate the skin with excess detergent.
• Rinse your laundry well to remove all irritating residue.
• Avoid fabric softener which can dull bright colors and make the sweatshirt rough.

Dry the sweatshirt properly

Air drying or machine drying?

We recommend drying your sweatshirt flat, in the open air if possible. The dryer, even at low temperature, can:

• Shrink or distort your clothing
• wear fibers prematurely
• create unsightly pills

It is therefore better lay your sweatshirt flat and let it dry naturally.

How to keep the softness of the sweatshirt after drying

To maintain the flexibility and the softness of your sweatshirt, consider:

• Iron at low temperature, steam off.
• The soften slightly at the seams.
• Fold it rather than storing it on a hanger for many months.

Avoid shrinkage when drying

To avoid shrinkage, be sure to:

• Be sure to stretch your garment in the direction of the stitch when drying.
• Iron it with an iron that is not too hot.
• Store it away from heat and humidity.

Also read: At what temperature should you wash a sweatshirt?

Cleaning new clothing: special precautions

It is recommended to wash your clothes before first use, for:

• Eliminate any manufacturing residues.
• Drain excess dye that could bleed.
• Shrink the garment slightly so that it keeps its shape after a few washes.

For a new sweatshirt, do this first machine wash carefully:

• Program delicate to cold.
• Turn the garment inside out to protect the prints.
• Wash separately to avoid fading.

Washing a sweater by hand: steps and tips

If you want to wash your sweatshirt by hand, here are the steps to follow:

1. Fill a basin with cold water and add a suitable detergent.

2. Immerse the garment and let it soak for approximately 30 minutes.

3. Gently rub the dirty areas without twisting the fabric.

4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

5. Stretch your sweatshirt in the direction of the stitch and let it dry flat.

6. Once dry, iron it if necessary with a warm iron.

This gentle method will preserve the colors and characteristic softness of your sweatshirt.

Also read: How to wash a sweatshirt by hand?

Washing wool by hand

To hand wash a wool sweatshirt, proceed as follows:

1. Prepare a mixture of cold water and special wool detergent.

2. Immerse the garment and leave to soak for 30 minutes, stirring gently.

3. Gently press the sweatshirt to dislodge dirt, without rubbing.

4. Rinse carefully with cold water.

5. Stretch the wet garment to prevent shrinkage.

6. Dry flat away from direct heat sources.

This manual method preserves the fragile nature of wool and its characteristic softness.

Regularly maintain your sweatshirt to extend its lifespan

So that your sweatshirt will last you for long years, think about:

• Air it frequently to eliminate odors.
• Wash it regularly before it gets too dirty.
• Refresh the interior with a teaspoon of white vinegar.
• Iron at low temperature to keep its shape.

By taking good care of your sweatshirt, it will accompany you for a long time every day!

Conclusion

To summarize, wash your sweatshirt carefully, preferably cold, and opt for natural flat drying. With this adapted care routine, your garment will remain soft, supple and shiny, for your greatest comfort!

Type of Sweatshirt	Preparation before Washing	Wash Program	Water Temperature	Drying
Cotton Sweatshirt	Turn over, close zippers, pre-treat stains, sort by color	Delicate cycle or cotton	30-40°C maximum	Dry flat
Wool Sweatshirt	Turn over, close zippers, pre-treat stains, sort by color	Wool/delicate cycle	Cold (below 30°C)	Dry flat
Polyester Sweatshirt	Turn over, close zippers, pre-treat stains, sort by color	Synthetic cycle	Cold (below 30°C)	Dry flat

FAQ

How to wash a sweater to keep it soft?

Prefer a cold wash and avoid fabric softeners which alter the natural softness of the textile. Stretch the garment well after washing and dry flat to maintain its suppleness.

How to wash a sweatshirt without damaging it?

Wash your sweatshirt inside out at a temperature below 30°C, on a delicate cycle, with a suitable detergent. Avoid strong drum rotations which damage the fibers.

Which program to wash a sweatshirt?

Concerning the program for your sweatshirt, opt for the delicate cycle, wool or synthetic depending on its composition. The fast or normal program is too aggressive.

What temperature to wash sweatshirt?

Ideally cold, that is to say at a temperature below 30°C to preserve the material. For a cotton sweatshirt, maximum 30-40°C.

How to wash a wool sweater?

Wash it by hand or in the machine cold (max 30°C), with a special wool detergent. Stretch it well while drying and iron with a warm iron to keep its shape.

Should new clothes be washed?

Yes, it is recommended to wash new clothing before wearing it to remove manufacturing residue and remove excess dye.

How to wash a wool sweater by hand?

Soak in a mixture of cold water + wool detergent. Press gently without rubbing. Rinse well. Stretch and dry flat away from heat.