How to Wash Fleece Blankets and Keep Them Soft

Washing a fleece blanket comes down to a few simple rules. To keep it feeling wonderfully soft, always choose a cool, gentle cycle with a mild liquid detergent. And whatever you do, steer clear of fabric softeners and high heat. This gentle approach protects the delicate fibres, making sure your favourite blanket stays soft and cosy for years.

The Secret to Keeping Fleece Blankets Soft

A fleece blanket is a staple in any cosy UK home, the perfect companion for a chilly evening on the sofa. With all that snuggling, the big question is how to wash it without losing that signature softness. It's a common worry. Many of us fear that one wrong move in the laundry room will leave our beloved blanket looking tired, bobbly, or matted.

The good news is that looking after fleece is surprisingly straightforward. The secret isn't a complicated process, but simply being gentle. It’s all about protecting the delicate synthetic fibres that give fleece its unique texture. Knowing a bit about what is fleece fabric helps you understand why it needs a delicate touch. High heat, harsh chemicals, and aggressive wash cycles are its biggest enemies, as they can cause the fibres to melt or tangle together permanently.

To keep your blanket in perfect condition, just focus on these key principles:

• Use Cool Water: Washing on a cool setting, ideally below 30°C, is crucial. This simple step stops the fibres from melting and shrinking, preserving the blanket's shape and feel.
• Choose a Gentle Cycle: A delicates or hand-wash cycle minimises friction. This is the best way to prevent those annoying little bobbles, known as pilling, from forming.
• Avoid Harsh Additives: Stay away from fabric softeners and bleach. These products can leave a coating on the fibres, which actually reduces softness over time and can cause damage.

Honestly, think of it like looking after a favourite woolly jumper, only much simpler. By sticking to these gentle rules, you can make sure your fleece stays as soft as the day you first snuggled up in it.

How To Machine Wash Your Fleece Comforter

The washing machine is usually the quickest way to get your buttery-soft fleece feeling fresh again. Before you pop it in, it’s always worth glancing at the care label. Those little symbols are your best guide to what the manufacturer recommends for long-lasting softness.

I have also found it’s best to wash fleece on its own or with other similar fleece items. This little trick stops it from becoming a magnet for lint from things like towels or cotton hoodies, keeping its surface smooth.

This chart gives you a great visual breakdown of what those care symbols mean, helping you make the right choice between a machine or hand wash.

As you can see, a few moments spent checking the label can make all the difference in keeping your fleece in beautiful condition for years to come.

Nailing the Machine Settings

Choosing the right settings is where the magic happens. You want to be as gentle as possible to protect those delicate fibres that give fleece its incredible softness.

Your best bet is to select the delicates or hand wash cycle on your machine. These cycles use a lower spin speed, which is crucial for preventing the fabric from stretching, pilling, or getting stressed.

Temperature is just as important. Stick to cool water, as anything below 30°C is perfect. Hot water is the enemy of fleece; it can cause the synthetic fibres to melt and fuse together, leading to that matted, rough texture we all want to avoid. It’s a simple tweak that has a huge impact on the life of your blanket.

Choosing Your Cleaning Companions

When it comes to detergents, remember that less is more. You only need a small amount of a mild liquid detergent to get the job done. I always steer clear of powdered detergents for fleece, as they can sometimes leave a chalky residue that makes the fabric feel stiff.

There are a couple of products you should never let near your fleece:

• Fabric Softener: This is the number one enemy of fleece. It leaves a waxy film on the fibres that actually repels water and, ironically, makes the blanket feel less soft over time.
• Bleach and Harsh Chemicals: These aggressive cleaners will only weaken the fibres and can cause permanent discolouration, ruining the look and feel of your cosy comforter.

To keep things simple, here’s a quick-glance guide to machine washing your fleece.

Machine Washing Fleece Do's and Don'ts

Following these pointers will help ensure your comforter comes out of the wash just as soft and inviting as it was when it went in.

By getting these simple steps right, you can confidently machine wash your fleece, knowing it will emerge clean, fresh, and wonderfully soft every single time. For more in-depth guidance on specific products, have a look at our Snuggle Comforter Care Guide for some extra tips.

How to Tackle Stains and Hand Wash Your Fleece

Life happens. A splash of tea during your morning cuppa or a chocolate biscuit mishap doesn't have to spell disaster for your favourite fleece. The trick is to act quickly before the stain has a chance to set, which makes it much easier to remove.

For most common spills, a homemade solution is often your best bet. Try creating a simple paste with baking soda and water, or dabbing the area with a mix of white vinegar and cool water. Always blot the stain gently with a clean, damp cloth, working from the outside in to stop it from spreading.

Hand Washing Your Entire Blanket

Sometimes, a full hand wash is the kindest option for your fleece, especially if it's an older, more delicate blanket. It's also perfect when you don't have enough fleece items to justify a full machine load. It’s a straightforward process that puts you in complete control.

First, find a large basin or give your bathtub a quick clean. Fill it with cool water, never warm or hot, as high temperatures can damage the delicate fibres. Add a tiny amount of mild liquid detergent, just enough to create a few gentle bubbles when you swish it around.

I cannot stress this enough: using too much soap is a common mistake. It leaves behind a residue that makes the fleece feel stiff and robs it of its softness. Always start with less than you think you need.

Submerge the blanket completely and just let it be. A good 15 to 20-minute soak will allow the detergent to do its job without any aggressive scrubbing from you.

After it has soaked, gently move the blanket through the water with your hands. Avoid any harsh rubbing, wringing, or stretching, as this can easily pull the fibres out of shape.

When it's clean, drain the soapy water and refill the tub with fresh, cool water for rinsing. You might need to repeat this a couple of times until all the suds have vanished. If you're dealing with stubborn organic stains, understanding how enzymatic cleaners work can be a game-changer. Finally, to get the excess water out, gently press the blanket against the side of the tub instead of wringing it.

Drying Your Fleece Without Causing Damage

Getting the wash cycle right is a great start, but how you dry your fleece blanket is where you really protect that buttery-soft feel. High heat is the number one enemy of those delicate fibres. It can literally cause them to melt and mat together, and once that happens, you’ll never get that plush texture back.

The best and safest method is to let it air-dry. It takes a little more patience, but it’s a foolproof way to keep the fibres in perfect condition. In fact, a recent survey found that 54% of UK households are now choosing to air-dry their fleece specifically to preserve its quality. It’s a simple trick that makes a huge difference. You can learn more about these findings on how to wash fluffy blankets to see how others are keeping their throws looking like new.

Getting the Best Results When Air-Drying

A word of warning: do not just sling a wet, heavy blanket over a single washing line. The weight of the water can easily stretch the fabric out of shape.

For the best results, drape it evenly over a clothes airer or across a few parallel lines. This helps distribute the weight and lets air circulate all around it, which means it will dry faster and more evenly.

If you absolutely must use a machine, the key is to stay far away from the heat settings.

The golden rule for tumble drying fleece is simple: low or no heat. Your dryer's ‘air fluff’ setting is your best friend here. It tumbles the blanket to restore its fluffiness but uses unheated air to do it.

Here’s a great little hack I have learned over the years: toss a couple of clean, dry towels into the drum with the damp blanket. The towels act like a sponge, absorbing a lot of the excess moisture and cutting down the drying time considerably, all without you having to crank up the heat. Keeping your machine in top shape is also crucial; this ultimate dryer maintenance checklist is an excellent resource for making sure it runs safely and efficiently.

Keeping Your Fleece Blanket in Top Condition

Knowing how to properly wash your fleece blanket is half the battle, but a few simple care habits can make a world of difference in keeping it soft and plush for years. Over time, even the most well-loved fleece can start to feel a bit flat. If you notice this happening, don't worry, a few easy tricks can usually bring it right back to life.

Sometimes, all your blanket needs is a quick refresh, not a full wash. Try gently brushing the dry fleece with a soft-bristled brush. This simple action helps to lift and separate the fibres, fluffing them up and restoring some of that wonderfully soft texture. It's a great way to deal with any fibres that have started to clump together.

Tackling Pills and Storing It Smartly

Pilling is probably the most common issue you'll run into with fleece. Those tiny, annoying balls of fluff are caused by friction during use and washing, but thankfully, they're easy to sort out.

• Fabric Shaver: A battery-operated fabric shaver is a brilliant gadget for this. It gently shaves off the pills without harming the fabric underneath.
• Lint Roller or Tape: For a lighter case of pilling, a sticky lint roller or even some packing tape wrapped around your hand will do the trick, lifting off the bobbles with ease.

When it's time to pack your blankets away for the warmer months, how you store them really matters. Steer clear of airtight plastic containers, as they can trap moisture and potentially lead to mildew.

Your best bet is a breathable storage bag. It keeps the dust off while allowing air to circulate, ensuring your blanket stays fresh and free from any musty odours.

Once your blanket is clean and completely dry, tucking it into one of these bags and storing it in a cool, dry place like the top of a wardrobe is perfect. For more ideas on this, our guide on using a bedding bag for storage has some excellent advice. Taking these small steps will ensure your cosy companions are in pristine condition, ready for you when the cold weather returns.

Washing Fleece with the Environment in Mind

That buttery-soft fleece blanket you love is a synthetic material, and like many modern fabrics, it comes with an environmental footnote. During a wash, these textiles can release tiny plastic fibres, what we now know as microplastics, which can eventually find their way into our rivers and oceans.

But don't worry, you don't have to give up your favourite cosy throw. There are some genuinely simple and effective ways to tackle this head-on, so you can enjoy your blanket with peace of mind.

Capturing Microplastics at the Source

One of the best things you can do is physically stop the fibres from ever leaving your machine. Specialised laundry bags or a filter you can fit directly onto your washing machine are brilliant for this. They're designed specifically to catch those minuscule fibres during the wash and rinse cycles.

It’s a straightforward solution that makes a real difference. If you're curious about the science behind these fabrics, you can dig deeper into what is microfiber bedding to see how they're constructed.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Beyond filters, a few small tweaks to your laundry habits can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. It's about washing smarter, not harder.

Here are a few easy habits I always recommend:

• Wash Less Often: It sounds obvious, but only wash your blanket when it truly needs it. A good airing out can often do the trick. This saves water, energy, and cuts down on fibre shedding.
• Go Cold: A cool wash is your fleece's best friend. It’s much gentler on the fabric and uses a fraction of the energy a warm cycle demands.
• Pick a Better Detergent: Look out for plant-based, biodegradable detergents. They're kinder to your blanket and the planet, as they don't contain harsh chemicals that end up in the water supply.

These small actions are catching on. A 2023 report revealed that 58% of UK households are now using a microplastic filter or washing bag, a huge leap from just 32% back in 2020. It shows we can all play a part. You can discover more insights about washing fleece on love2laundry.nl.

Your Fleece Washing Questions Answered

Still have a few questions? I understand. When you have a blanket this soft, you want to be sure you're doing things right. Here are some of the most common queries I hear about fleece care, answered simply and clearly.

How Often Should I Wash My Fleece Blanket?

Honestly, this comes down to how much you use it. Is it your go-to companion for every movie night on the sofa? If so, giving it a wash every two to four weeks is a great rhythm to get into. This keeps it feeling fresh without over-washing.

If your fleece is more of a decorative throw that only comes out occasionally, you can get away with washing it just a couple of times per season.

Will Fabric Softener Make My Fleece Even Softer?

This is probably the biggest mistake people make. It seems logical, but you should always avoid fabric softener and dryer sheets when it comes to fleece.

They don't actually soften the fibres. Instead, they coat them in a waxy residue that builds up over time, ruining that buttery-soft feel and making the fabric less breathable. For more tips like this, have a look at our full list of frequently asked questions.

What If My Fleece Is Already Matted?

Don't panic! A little matting can often be fixed.

If the matting is mild, try laying the blanket flat once it's completely dry and gently going over it with a soft-bristled brush. This can really help fluff up and separate those compressed fibres. For any pilling, those annoying little balls of fluff, a fabric shaver is your best friend for carefully removing them without damaging the blanket.