Last Updated on 8 months by Susan Mayrich
Are you wondering how to wash fleece without shrinking? The fleece jacket is a wardrobe staple for many people. It’s warm, comfortable, and perfect for layering in colder weather – or just wearing on its own when the temperature rises.
Does Fleece Shrink? It depends; some fleece material is made from synthetic fabric, which doesn’t shrink. The fleece material that is polyester-made tends not to shrink. However, some fleece may be made of cotton and might shrink. The shrinkage will depend on several factors, including the type of fleece, fabric quality, the washing and drying process, and the individual fibers. Generally speaking, though, fleece will shrink to some degree when it is washed and dried.
To learn more about fleece shrinkage, this article will discuss if and how much fleece shrinks after washing and drying, conditions that make fleece shrink, and how to unshrink fleece properly.
What Is Fleece Fabric?
Fleece fabric is a type of fabric that is made from synthetic fibers, typically polyester. It is known for its softness, warmth, and insulation properties. Fleece is often used to make jackets, vests, sweaters, and other winter wear.
It’s a moisture-wicking, breathable and fast-drying fabric that lets moisture escape, making it perfect for activewear.
It can also be used for home decorating. For example, it can be used to make curtains, rugs, bedspreads, and pillows.
Fleece is a good choice for these applications because it is a cheap, machine-washable fabric.
Fleece can also be reusable “paper towels,” made by sewing squares of fleece together.
These paper towels are used instead of regular paper towels and are washed after each use so they can be reused. Fleece fabric is available in a wide variety of colors and styles.
It can be found in most fabric stores and is also available online. Fleece is a good choice for a variety of projects, both practical and decorative.
Does Fleece Shrink In The Dryer?
Fleece fabric can vary in terms of the amount of shrinkage it experiences when placed in a dryer. Some people find that their fleece items do shrink after being dried, while others do not experience any shrinkage at all. Fleece will shrink in the dryer because heat causes fibers to contract.
This is known as ‘shrinkage.’ It can be challenging to predict how much a fleece article will shrink when put in the dryer, but generally speaking, the thicker the fleece or heavier it is, the more likely it will shrink.
The heat in your dryer and the time the item spends in it can also affect how much it shrinks. Note that there are several different types of fleece fabric, including lycra spandex fleece, cotton-blended fleece, polar fleece, polyester fleece, sherpa fleece, high pile/loft fleece, microfleece, and more.
The amount of shrinkage that each type of fleece experiences may vary, so it is always best to check the care instructions before laundering any fleece items. When it comes to shrinking fleece in the dryer, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Fleece will shrink in the dryer because heat causes fibers to contract.
The thicker the fleece or heavier, the more likely it will shrink when dried in a machine.
Generally speaking, polyester fleece, microfleece, and anti-pilling fleece are more resistant to shrinking in the dryer. In contrast, cotton-blended fleece, polar fleece, and sherpa fleece are more likely to shrink. The heat in your dryer and the time the item spends in the dryer can also affect how much it shrinks.
Does Fleece Shrink In Wash?
The fleece does not shrink in the wash. However, it will sometimes change shape and length.
Some types of fleece items shrink after being washed, while others do not experience any shrinkage. The heat in your washing machine and the time the item spends in the machine can also affect how much it shrinks.
Most types of fleece, such as cotton fleece, will shrink if it is washed in hot water, while polyester Fleece does not shrink when washed in hot water.
This is because cotton and other natural fabrics include elastic fibers that relax when exposed to hot water, resulting in the garment shrinking. To avoid shrinkage, it is best to wash the fleece in cold water and air dries it.
Does Cotton Fleece Shrink?
The answer to this question as different fabrics will shrink to different degrees depending on the composition of the fabric and the washing and drying procedures used. Generally speaking. However, cotton fleece will shrink quite a bit if it is washed using hot water and at high temperatures.
Does Polyester Fleece Shrink?
On the other hand, polyester fleece will not shrink as much as cotton fleece. Polyester fleece is often treated with an exceptional finish that helps to prevent shrinkage. This means if you plan to wash and dry a polyester fleece garment using hot water and high temperatures.
The fabric can be permanently harmed when fleece polyester is exposed to temperatures greater than 180 degrees. So it is best to avoid hot water and high heat settings to prevent shrinkage. Instead, use water with low heat settings in the washing machine. It is also important not to overfill the machine.
Does Patagonia Fleece Shrink?
Patagonia fleeces will not be quickly shrunk because they’re made of polyester, which has a different structure and shrinks at a very high temperature than other fabrics. However, it is still important to pay attention when washing them because some types of Patagonia fleece will be ruined if they are dried in the dryer with heat.
Does Microfleece Shrink?
Microfleece is a synthetic fabric made from polyester. It is often used in clothing and blankets.
Whether you put it in a dryer on wash it in hot water, Micro-fleece should not shrink. Some people have found that microfleece shrinks a lot in the wash, while others have not had the same experience.
It is important to note that how you wash and dry your fabric can also affect how much it shrinks. It is recommended that you wash and dry a sample of the fabric to see how it reacts.
How To Wash Fleece Without Shrink?
There are several ways to wash fleece without shrinking.
#1. Wash fleece with other similar items
For example, wash a wool sweater with wool sweaters
#2. Wash with cold water
If you have a laundry mat, use cold water and set the washer to permanent press or gentle cycle. If you’re washing with a laundromat machine, wash with like colors and allow the clothes to soak for 10-15 minutes before washing with cold water.
#3. Use gentle detergents and avoid using fabric softeners
Use a mild detergent and fabric softener if necessary, but avoid bleach as it may damage the fabric.
#4. Use normal cycle
Fleece is best washed in cold water on the regular cycle. It requires extra care when dried, so use an air-dry setting or hang dry if possible. Do not put it in the dryer, as this will shrink it.
#5. Dry on low heat in the dryer or line-dry outside if possible
The best way to dry fleece is by tumble drying on a low heat setting. You can also hang fleece to dry but ensure that it is not in direct sunlight as this may fade the color. Alternatively, you can lay it flat to dry but ensure sufficient space between the layers to allow ventilation.
#6. Rinse well
Finally, be sure to rinse the fleece well after washing it. This will help remove any detergent or soap residue, which can cause the fleece to shrink.
Can You Shrink Fleece?
Yes, it is possible to shrink some types of Fleece, while others you may not. If you have a Fleece made from natural fibers like cotton, it can shrink when washing and drying them in a warm or hot setting. If you have a Fleece made from synthetic fibers like polyester, then it might not shrink.
How Do I Shrink My Fleece?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to shrink your Fleece will vary depending on your fleece.
However, some methods you may want to try to include soaking it in warm water, then wringing it out and placing it in the dryer on a low heat setting. You could also try using a steam iron on the fleece. Set the water temperature dial to “warm.” Using warm water instead of hot water, you won’t over-shrink the clothing.
Will A Fleece Blanket Shrink?
This also depends on the type of fleece used. Most of the blankets are made from polyester. This is because polyester can be made into many different textures, making it a popular choice for blankets. It is also a good choice for those who suffer from allergies, as it does not contain any natural fibers. So fleece blanket will not quickly shrink. If the blanket is made from cotton fleece, it might shrink when washing it in warm or hot water.
How To Unshrink Fleece?
There are a few ways to unshrink fleece, but the most common is to submerge it in water and then apply heat. You can use a washing machine, bathtub, or sink. The key is to get the fleece wet and add heat until it’s dry. This method should also work on clothing, blankets, towels, or anything else made of fleece. You may also be interested to know about how to shrink fleece.
#1. Fill a sink with lukewarm water and laundry detergent. I’ve had good luck with Tide-free & gentle in the past if that’s an option for you. Don’t use hot or boiling water. The goal is to get the fleece wet, not to cook it.
#2. Next, add the fleece item to the water and agitate it. You can use your hands or a washcloth. Let it soak for a few minutes.
#3. Then apply some heat. I usually do this in the bathtub, but you could use a washing machine on the gentle cycle or just warm water from the sink.
#4. Keep adding heat until the fleece is dry. This could take 30 minutes or longer, so be patient. Once it’s dry, you can put it in the dryer on low heat or air-dry it.
If you have a stubborn spot that’s still shrunk, you can try one of the following methods.
- Soak the item in hot water.
- Heat a metal spoon until it’s hot and press it against the fabric. Hold it there for a few seconds until the fabric loosens up. Repeat as needed. Use a hairdryer. Put the item on a hard surface and apply the hairdryer at a distance.
- Move the hairdryer around in circles, so it doesn’t cause anyone’s spot to shrink even more than the rest of the fabric.
It’s A Wrap!
Now, you’ve known how to wash fleece without shrinking!
Although polyester fleece fabric does not shrink in the washer or dryer, fleece produced from cotton may shrink somewhat as a result of heat when washing and drying it.
Use cold or cool water and a low-temperature drying cycle to prevent this.
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