Which Program to Wash a Sweatshirt?

Introduction to sweatshirt washing

The sweatshirt or hoodie has become an essential clothing in many people's wardrobes. Comfortable, casual and easy to wear, it has established itself as a safe bet for feeling comfortable every day.

However, to maintain all the qualities of your favorite sweatshirt for as long as possible, it is important to use the correct method of washing. Choosing the right program according to the main material of your garment will allow you to keep it soft, without shrinkage or fading, for long years.

Importance of choosing the washing program

The sweatshirt is a casual item of clothing that we wear frequently. It is therefore washed regularly. Choosing the wrong program can damage the fibers and prematurely alter the appearance of your sweatshirt.

For example, washing a wool sweatshirt at 60°C will cause it to shrink. Or, washing a colored sweatshirt at high temperature can cause unsightly color transfers.

Choosing the program carefully allows you to effectively clean your sweatshirt while preserving its quality, shape and colors over the duration.

Presentation of the different types of sweatshirts

Sweatshirts are most often made of cotton, but there are also models in wool, polyester, linen and mixtures. The ideal program depends on the main subject:

• Sweatshirts in cotton: robust, flexible and absorbent. Wash at 40°C.

• Sweatshirts in wool: soft, warm but delicate. Wash at 30°C maximum.

• Sweatshirts in polyester: durable, stretchy and wrinkle-free. Wash at 30°C

• Sweatshirts in linen: light, breathable and chic. Wash at 30°C

At The Oversized Hoodie, our commitment is to provide you with expert advice for caring for your favorite clothes. Proper maintenance will allow you to keep your sweatshirt soft and comfortable for many years.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Understanding the Materials of your Sweatshirt

Material	Wash Program	Water Temperature	Drying Tips
Cotton	Cotton program	40°C	Air drying
Wool	Delicate program	30°C max	Dry flat
Polyester	Synthetic programs	30°C	Air drying
Lin	Delicate program	30°C	Air dry and iron if necessary

Characteristics of cotton, wool and polyester

cotton is hypoallergenic, comfortable and easy to maintain. But it shrinks easily.

wool is very soft, insulating and breathable. But it is delicate and sensitive to heat.

polyester is durable, stretchy and dries quickly. But it tends to pill.

Impact of materials on the choice of washing program

cotton and polyester can withstand frequent washing in the machine. But wool is more fragile and requires delicate washing by hand or machine.

cotton and linen can be washed at medium temperature while polyester and wool require water cold or warm.

Tips for identifying the material of your sweatshirt

Look at the label for the exact composition.

Rub the fabric between your fingers:

• cotton is soft and absorbent

• wool is soft, warm and fluffy

• polyester is smooth and elastic

Do the water drop test: it beads up on the polyester and is absorbed into the cotton.

Also read: How to wash a sweatshirt by hand without damaging it?

Selection of the Suitable Wash Program

Cotton sweatshirt program

cotton supports machine washing well. Choose a cotton program at 40°C maximum.

Use a mild detergent to preserve the natural softness of cotton.

Avoid putting it in the dryer as this will make it rough.

Wool sweatshirt program

wool is a delicate material that is sensitive to high temperatures.

Wash your wool sweatshirt on a delicate program at cold (30°C max).

Choose a special wool detergent to avoid damaging it.

Or wash it by hand with Marseille soap.

Program for polyester sweatshirts

polyester is easy to wash in machine.

Opt for a synthetics program at 30°C and a classic detergent.

Avoid washing it at more than 40°C to avoid deforming or shrinking it.

Linen sweatshirt program

Like wool, linen is a natural fiber that is quite fragile.

Wash your linen sweatshirt at cold (30°C max), preferably by hand.

Choose a delicate machine program and a gentle detergent.

Let it dry flat to avoid creases.

Also read: What material to choose for a sweatshirt?

Washing and Drying Tips

Hand washing techniques

To wash a delicate sweatshirt by hand:

• Use cold water and Marseille soap

• Rub gently without twisting

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water

• Squeeze without wringing then lay flat to dry

Efficient use of the washing machine

Some tips for washing your sweatshirt in machine:

• Close zippers and buttons to avoid snagging the fabric

• Turn it over to protect the place and patterns

• Fill the drum well to absorb friction

• Avoid overloading the machine to allow proper dilution of the detergent

Precautions and Maintenance of the Sweatshirt

To ensure that your sweatshirt lasts for long years, some precautions and regular maintenance are necessary.

Treating difficult stains

To overcome stubborn stains:

• Treat quickly before the stain dries

• Deposit Marseille soap directly on the stain

• Rub gently with a clean cloth

• Rinse and then wash normally in machine

On white sweatshirts, you can also use pure white vinegar on the dirt before washing.

Preventing shrinkage and fading

To avoid shrinkage:

• Wash in cold water (30°C max)

• Avoid the dryer and dry flat

• Iron if necessary by interposing a cloth

To preserve colors:

• Wash colors and white separately

• Turn the sweatshirt inside out to protect the place

• Use a special detergent colors

Tips for regular maintenance

A few simple habits to keep your sweatshirt:

• Air it frequently to eliminate bad odors

• Wash it as soon as it is stained to avoid streaks

• Remember to iron it if necessary to give it a new look

• Store it folded or on a hanger in your wardrobe

Regular maintenance preserves the appearance and lifespan of your sweatshirt.

In summary: which washing program should you choose?

Summary of best practices

To summarize, here are the key tips for washing and maintaining effectively your sweatshirt:

• Identify the main material (cotton, wool, polyester.)

• Choose the appropriate program (temperature, delicate cycle.)

• Use a specific detergent if necessary

• Dry always flat, not in the tumble dryer

• Air and iron regularly

• Quickly treat accidental stains

Importance of proper maintenance for durability

By following these few recommendations during each wash, you will keep your sweatshirt looking like new and will be able to wear it for many years.

Good regular maintenance will allow you to fully enjoy the comfort qualities and bright colors of your favorite sweatshirt. Even after years, it will keep its appearance from the first day!

I am delighted to share with you all our tips for washing your sweatshirts while preserving their quality. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

FAQ

How to wash a sweater to keep it soft?

To keep a sweater soft, wash it in cold water at 30°C maximum with a delicate detergent and dry it flat without tumble dryer.

How to wash a sweatshirt without damaging it?

Wash your sweatshirt on the program appropriate for its material: delicate cold for wool, cotton at 40°C for cotton, synthetics at 30°C for polyester. Dry it flat.

How to machine wash a sweatshirt?

To machine wash a sweatshirt, choose a program suited to the material: delicate cold for fragile sweatshirts , cotton at 40°C for cotton, synthetics at 30°C for polyester.

What temperature to wash a sweatshirt?

The ideal temperature for washing a sweatshirt is 30°C maximum for wool and linen, 40°C for cotton and 30°C for polyester. Wash colored sweatshirts cold.

How to wash a wool sweater?

Wash wool sweaters by hand or in the machine at cold (30°C max) with a delicate program and special detergent wool. Dry flat.

How to wash a sweater by hand?

To wash a sweater by hand, use cold water with Marseille soap, rub gently then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Squeeze without wringing and dry flat.

How to wash a wool sweater by hand?

Wash the wool sweater by hand in cold water with Marseille soap. Rub gently, rinse then squeeze without wringing. Lay flat to dry.