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How to wash a fleece robe so it stays soft
How to wash a fleece robe so it stays soft: cold water, a gentle cycle, mild detergent, no fabric softener and low heat, plus how to handle pills and matting.
A new fleece robe feels like a hug. After a few months of hot washes and high-heat drying, it can turn flat, rough and pilly. The good news is that fleece is easy to care for once you know the few things that wear it out. Here is how to wash it so it stays soft for longer.
First: what does your care label say?
Always start there. The label is written for the exact fabric and construction of your robe, and it beats any general guide. The general fleece advice below comes from outdoor and fleece fabric brands. If your label says something different, go with the label. Polartec, the company that makes Polartec fleece, also says to follow each garment's care instructions.
How do you wash a fleece robe?
- Use cold water. Columbia recommends cold water on a gentle cycle to prevent damage and keep colors, and warns that extra-hot water can cause shrinkage.
- Pick a gentle cycle. Less agitation means less rubbing on the fibers.
- Use a mild detergent, and not too much. Columbia suggests a mild detergent and an extra rinse to clear any leftover soap.
- Skip fabric softener. Columbia says to avoid it with fleece, and Polartec agrees.
- Wash with similar soft things. Columbia advises washing fleece with other soft items and keeping it away from anything with zippers or Velcro, which can snag and rough up the surface.
Why should you skip fabric softener on fleece?
It feels like softener should make a soft fabric softer, but fleece care guides say the opposite. Columbia explains that fabric softener can reduce fleece's moisture-wicking properties, and Polartec also lists avoiding fabric softeners in its care advice. If your robe feels stiff, an extra rinse to clear leftover detergent is the safer fix.
How often should you wash a fleece robe?
Less often than you might think. A robe you wear over clean pajamas for an hour in the evening does not need a wash after every wear. Hang it up to air out between wears, and wash it when it looks or smells like it needs it, or after a spill. Fewer washes means less wear on the fibers over the life of the robe.
Can you put a fleece robe in the dryer?
Heat is where most fleece gets damaged. Columbia says it is better to air dry fleece whenever possible, by hanging it or laying it flat. If you use the dryer, choose a low-heat or air-dry setting to avoid overheating. Polartec also says to tumble dry on low or hang dry. A long, heavy robe can take a while to air dry, so many people tumble it on low for a short time and then hang it to finish.
How do I keep fleece from pilling?
Pilling happens when fibers rub and tangle into little balls. Columbia says following gentle washing and drying steps and keeping zippers and Velcro out of the load helps prevent it. A few more habits that help:
- Wash it a little less often. A robe worn over clean pajamas does not need washing after every wear.
- Do not overload the machine, so the robe can move freely instead of grinding against other clothes.
- Keep it away from towels and jeans, which are rougher fabrics.
- If pills do show up, Columbia suggests a fabric shaver or pumice stone to remove them and refresh the garment.
How do I fix fleece that already feels flat?
If the pile looks a little crushed, give it a good shake as it comes out of the wash, then let it dry fully. Once dry, you can run your hand over it or use a fabric shaver on any rough patches.
How we care for our fleece robe
Our Plush Fleece Long Robe is 100% polyester plush fleece, and its label says machine wash cold on gentle, tumble dry low. Add the tips above, like mild detergent, no softener and no zippers in the load, and it is made for exactly this kind of easy routine. Our Striped Plush Fleece PJ Set has the same care, so you can wash the two together.
How should you store a fleece robe?
Hang it on a wide hook or hanger by the collar so the pile is not crushed under a pile of other clothes. Make sure it is completely dry before you put it away, especially after air drying a long robe.
Quick fleece care checklist
- Check the label first.
- Cold water, gentle cycle.
- Mild detergent, extra rinse, no fabric softener.
- Wash with soft things only, no zippers or Velcro.
- Air dry or tumble on low.
- Fabric shaver for any pills.
Keep going: Cozy Christmas morning outfit ideas that still look good in photos and Cozy winter loungewear for plus size women: a simple guide.
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Questions
Can you put a fleece robe in the washing machine?
Most can, but check the care label first. Outdoor brand Columbia recommends a gentle cycle in cold water with a mild detergent for fleece.
Should I use fabric softener on fleece?
No. Columbia advises avoiding fabric softener on fleece, and Polartec also says to avoid fabric softeners.
Can you put fleece in the dryer?
Follow your label. Columbia says air drying is better when possible, and if you use a dryer, choose low heat or an air-dry setting to avoid overheating.
How do I get pills off a fleece robe?
Columbia suggests a fabric shaver or pumice stone to remove pills and refresh the fabric.
Why did my fleece robe get rough?
Heat and rough washing are common culprits. Columbia warns that extra-hot water can cause shrinkage and suggests keeping fleece away from zippers and Velcro in the wash, which can help prevent pilling.
Keep reading
Sources: Columbia Sportswear: how to wash and dry fleece · Polartec: fleece fabric and care