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Hibbett | City Gear’s Guide to Caring for Fleece

Hibbett | City Gear’s Guide to Caring for Fleece

Oct 13, 2021

You know how you buy fall pieces, bring them home and then see that dreaded “dry clean only” tag? This is one of the many reasons we love all things fleece! It’s super simple to care for, it stays looking good forever, and you can pretty much always throw it in the washer, too. Here’s Hibbett | City Gear’s guide on everything you need to know about caring for fleece outerwear. 

Two men in fleece hoodies and joggers

How to Clean Fleece

Here’s how to wash fleece blankets and throws, vests and jackets:

  1. Spot-treat stains. Kid spilled jelly on the front of their fleece jacket (or your fleece pants)? No worries! Simply cover the spot with a stain remover, laundry detergent or even mild dish soap, and then soak the fleece in cold water for 15 minutes. Then take an old cloth and blot to help absorb the offending substance. 
  2. Separate out your fleece. It’s tempting to put your fleece throws in the wash with your other living room blankets, but keep fleece separate from other items. This will help lint and dust from collecting on the fleece. Be sure to pair similar fleece pieces together, separating garments from heavier items like blankets. Turn any pieces of clothing — fleece beanies, gloves or sweatshirts— inside-out before throwing in the machine.
  3. Handle with care. Use a mild, bleach-free detergent and a gentle cycle with cool water temps, and skip the fabric softener. If your fleece jackets have seen many outdoor football games or bonfires, they may not smell so great, so consider adding half a cup to a cup of vinegar to the wash cycle. If you’re nervous about ruining your fleece in the washing machine, hand-washing is always a great option; this also cuts down on any pilling that could occur. 
  4. Fluff it up. To keep higher-nap fleece pieces looking new, remove from the washing machine while wet, and use a fleece brush to gently revive the fibers. 
  5. Take a no-heat approach. If your fleece is dryer-safe, consider a no-heat setting to preserve the integrity of the garment. When in doubt, air-dry your fleece. 
  6. Skip the dryer sheets. Like fabric softener and high heat, dryer sheets can damage your fleece. 
  7. Roll it out. Use a lint roller to remove any fibers or pet hair stuck to the outside of the fleece. 
Man sitting in red Ugg slippers, black joggers, and grey hoodie.

How to Wash Fleece Shoes

There’s nothing like a pair of fleece-lined insoles or fleece slippers to keep your feet cozy in the colder months. To keep your shoes looking new, however, you’ll need to follow a few steps: 

  • Combine lukewarm water with mild detergent. 
  • In circular motions, gently dab the fleece shoes or inserts with the detergent mixture on a soft cloth. 
  • Set slippers or insoles in indirect sunlight and away from heat to air-dry. 
  • To remove odors, mix 1 part vinegar to 1 part water and mist over the shoes. Or sprinkle baking soda on the insoles and then shake it out or use a small hand vacuum. 
  • Use a wool or fleece brush to fluff matted fleece. 
Woman in adidas Superstars, adidas leggings, and adidas sweatshirt.

How Often to Wash Fleece

It’s tempting to throw a fleece jacket in the washer after each wear. But unless they’re extremely dirty or smelling less than fresh, resist the urge to launder too much. Yes, that is a thing!

  • With fleece jackets and sweatshirts, aim for a wash every six wears.
  • Blankets can be washed once a season, unless you’re using them outside by a bonfire.
  • Wash fleece gloves, fleece scarves and other winter accessories about three to five times a season.

When the spring and summer months hit, store your clean fleece outerwear in a closet, folded in drawers or stored in seasonal bins. But as the colder weather moves in, be sure to stop at Hibbett | City Gear for all your women’s, men’s or kids’ fleece favorites. 

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