Melinda asked: I need to know how to clean a soft, fleece lined white sweatshirt with black embroidered lettering. It has small stains and now a watermark. My son does not want it washed because it will lose the softness of the fleece. How do I clean the spots and the jacket without washing it or ruining the inside, ultra softness. He has more than one like this, and I have ruined more than one.
The softness of fleece is what makes it so appealing to many. It’s warm and comfortable, making it the perfect lining for nearly any garment. Though spot cleaning may prolong the life of the softness, it is fine to machine wash fleece items. Here are cleaning suggestions for both, so you can choose which cleaning method will work for your piece.
Spot Cleaning Fleece
You Will Need:
- Bucket or sink
- Mild laundry detergent (ex: Woolite)
- Warm water
- Small brush (an old toothbrush works well)
Steps to Spot Clean the Fleece:
- Fill the sink or bucket with warm water.
- Add a small amount of mild laundry detergent and agitate it to mix well.
- Dip the small brush in the soapy water and scrub any spots and stains.
- Rinse the spots with clean water. This can be done by blotting the area with clean water or dipping just the affected area into the water.
- Be sure to remove all traces of the soap, or it will be more likely to leave a ring or water mark when dry.
- Remove as much of the moisture as possible by pressing a dry cloth on the area.
- Allow the piece to air dry. If you are worried about water marks forming, dry the area quickly with a hair dryer on the low or cool setting.
Machine Cleaning Fleece
Though it may seem that the washing machine ruins fleece, it’s often the products we use. Here are some guidelines for keeping your fleece in like-new condition even while machine washing.
You Will Need:
- Mild laundry detergent (ex: Woolite)
- Liquid fabric softener
- Towel or hanger
Steps to Machine Wash the Fleece:
- Fill the machine with warm water and add the appropriate amount of mild laundry detergent.
- Wash the fleece item using your normal washing cycle. If you are unsure, use the gentle cycle.
- Add liquid fabric softener at the appropriate time during the cycle. This will help soften the fabric as well.
- If desired, run an extra rinse cycle to ensure that all of the detergent has been removed. Any residue on the surface can leave it feeling rough.
- Remove the piece from the washing machine and either lay it flat on a towel or hang it on a hanger to dry.
- Do NOT dry the item in the dryer. While it may seem that washing will damage the fabric, it is actually the machine drying that causes the fleece to pill and become matted.
Additional Tips and Advice
- While the above cleaning methods will prolong the life if you fleece item, it may still become worn over time. This is how fleece items are. Use proper care and replace when necessary.
- Although spot cleaning will effectively remove stains, be prepared to wash the item, even jackets, from time to time as this fabric can also hold odors from perspiration.
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