Introduction
A good sweatshirt becomes your comfort zone. You wear it casually at home, to the gym, for errands, everywhere. But most people wash sweatshirts the same way they wash the rest of their clothes, and that’s where things start to go wrong.
Those cute graphics? Faded and cracked. The color? Not as bright as it was. Sounds like a nightmare. Right?
So if you want your favourite sweatshirt to stay soft, cozy, and “new” for a long time, a little extra care goes a long way. You just need to know a few tricks, and this will help your favourite hoodies keep looking fresh without turning laundry day into a chore.
Ready to learn how to wash sweatshirts the right way? Let's get into it.
How To Keep Sweatshirts Soft And New
Want to know how to keep sweatshirts soft after every wash? It's simpler than you think.
Start with cold water, because heat is the biggest enemy of softness. Use a mild detergent so the fibres stay smooth. Avoid fabric softeners since they leave buildup that makes the fabric stiff.
These small habits protect the colour, shape, and feel of your favourite hoodie. Do this consistently, and your sweatshirts will stay as soft as the day you bought them.
Why Is It Important To Wash Sweatshirts The Right Way?
Sweatshirts need gentler care than regular clothes. The wrong wash routine can fade colours, shrink the fabric, or ruin the softness. A proper wash keeps the fibres strong, the fit in shape, and the hoodie feeling fresh for years.
What Happens If Sweatshirts Are Not Washed Properly?
If you don’t take care of your sweatshirts while washing, here’s what will happen:
- Colors fade and look dull.
- Fabric becomes rough and scratchy.
- The sweatshirt shrinks and doesn't fit right.
- Pills form on the surface.
- Graphics crack or peel.
- The shape gets stretched out.
- Material wears thin faster.
What To Check Before Washing A Sweatshirt?
Can I machine wash a fleece sweatshirt? Is hot water suitable or cold water? Will the colour bleed? These little things matter before you hit the wash button. Check these basics first:
1. Check the care label first
Now, it might seem like a no-brainer, but those care labels are there for a reason. Some sweatshirts allow machine washing. Others demand a gentle touch. So, if it says "hand wash only" or "dry clean," follow it.
2. Check the fabric type
Cotton, fleece, wool blends, and performance fabrics all need different wash settings. Know what you’re dealing with.
3. Look for prints and graphics
Bold prints, embroidery, or puff graphics need extra care. Turn them inside out or hand-wash to protect the design.
4. Test for colour bleed
If it’s new or has dark colours, do a quick colour-bleed test. It prevents stains on lighter clothes.
7 Best Ways To Wash A Sweatshirt
Alright, let's talk about the actual washing part. This is where most people go wrong without even realizing it. But don't worry—once you know what to do, it becomes second nature.
1. Sort the sweatshirts
Start by separating them by weight so heavyweight pieces don’t rub against lighter ones. Then sort by fabric like cotton or blends, so each gets the right cycle. Finally, split them by colour and check for graphics or prints that may bleed.
2. Pre-treat stains before washing
Stains get tougher after a wash. So clean, food, oil or sweat marks with a gentle remover before you wash your hoodies.
3. Turn the sweatshirts inside out
This one's an underrated laundry hack. Before you toss your sweatshirts and pullovers in the washing machine or wash them manually, just turn your sweatshirt inside out and then proceed. This protects the outer fabric from rubbing against other clothes. So, the colour and prints also don’t fade. Plus, if there's a zipper, zip it up so it doesn't snag on anything.
4. Choose a mild detergent
Harsh powders strip the colour and softness of the fabric. So, use mild, colour-safe detergents. Skips bleach and harsh chemicals. Also, avoid fabric softeners. They leave a coating that traps odour and makes the fabric stiff over time.
5. Don’t overload the washer
Sweatshirts need space to move. Overstuffing the machine increases friction and ruins the shape.
6. Wash with cold water
Hot water might seem like it cleans better, but it's actually terrible for sweatshirts. It breaks down the fibers, causing fading, shrinking, and roughness that nobody wants. Cold water keeps the fibres relaxed. So, stick to that.
7. Avoid excess washing
You think tossing your hoodies every alternate day will keep them fresh? But that’s the fastest way to make it lose its softness. See, sweatshirts don’t get dirty as quickly as everyday tees, so they don’t need constant washing. You can wash it after 5 to 6 wears for standard use.
How To Hand Wash A Sweatshirt?
Got a sweatshirt with delicate fabric or detailed graphics? Choose hand washing. Follow these simple steps for washing a hoodie manually:
- Step 1: Fill a bucket or a basin with cool water and a little detergent.
- Step 2: Dip the sweatshirt in and move it around lightly so the soap spreads evenly. Let it soak for about 10 to 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Rinse with clean water, press out the excess water without twisting.
- Step 4: Lay it flat on a towel, reshape it, and let it air dry.
That’s all it takes. Also, you get to save your electricity bills, too. So, a win-win, right?
Drying A Sweatshirt The Right Way
Drying is where most sweatshirts get ruined. And while it might seem tempting and time-saving to machine wash sweatshirts, please don’t do that.
Think about it. You spent money on a good sweatshirt. Why destroy it in 40 minutes because you couldn't wait a few hours for proper drying?
If you want to prevent shrinkage and other types of damage, you must know the correct drying techniques. Here’s what to do ( and what not to do) while drying a sweatshirt:
- Lay your sweatshirt flat on a clean surface. This stops the fabric from stretching and helps it keep its original shape. A flat dry also protects heavyweight cotton and fleece from sagging.
- Avoid hanging it when it is soaked. Wet cotton pulls downward and stretches the shoulders. The fabric also loses its structure faster when it hangs in that state.
- Keep it away from harsh sunlight. Bright sun can fade colours and make darker shades look washed out long before their time. A cool and shaded spot works best.
- Use a machine dryer only in an emergency. Sometimes life happens. You need that hoodie dry in two hours, not two days. Even then, choose the lowest heat setting, which is gentle on the cloth fabric.
Ultimately, patience pays off. Yes, air drying takes longer than machine drying. But your hoodie will last years instead of months.
Conclusion
A little care goes a long way when it comes to your favorite sweatshirts. Follow our expert tips and your sweatshirts will 100% stay soft, fresh, and looking new for years. If you want sweatshirts that stay comfortable for years, choose quality pieces and treat them with the right care routine.
And if you’re looking to add a few new favourites to your wardrobe, check out the softest, comfiest sweatshirts at ComfyThread. Your next go-to hoodie might be waiting there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I wash sweatshirts with other clothes?
Yes, you may wash them with other items, but make sure to wash them with items of similar weight. Avoid washing them with heavyweight items like jeans or towels to avoid pilling.
How often should I wash a sweatshirt?
If you layer it with an undershirt, you must wash it after 5 to 6 wears.
Can I iron a sweatshirt?
Yes, you can iron it, but use low heat and place a thin cloth on top.
Why does my sweatshirt shrink after washing?
Shrinkage happens when the fabric gets hit with too much heat or a harsh wash cycle.
Should I use warm or cold water to wash sweatshirts?
Always use cold water for washing a hoodie or a sweatshirt. It protects the fabric colour and graphics from getting ruined.