Hoodies, sweatshirts, and sweatpants are popular comfort wear owing to their undefined style and comfort. This great casual piece is perfect to wear at home or simply layer with the inner for outside in the cold season.
Whenever you visit a store or go for this custom clothing online, what are the major things that fascinate you the most? The softness and fluffiness of your sweatshirts and hoodies. And finally, you grab it. But after purchasing it, when you wear and wash it for some time, you don’t feel the same softness as it was before. Or may the color that has mesmerized you a lot has finally faded. Would you like to wear the same favorite sweatshirt or hoodie again? Obviously not.
Maybe you aren’t aware of this, but there are certain factors that contribute together to making your hoodies and sweatshirts look dull. However, there are incredible tips that will help you to maintain the look and softness of your custom sweatshirts.
5 Important Tips to Take Care of Hoodies & Sweatshirts
- Washing in Cold Water Using Mild Detergent: To prevent your sweatshirts and hoodies from getting shrink, always wash them in cold water. Cold water can increase the shelf life of your clothing. However, it doesn’t mean that you cannot use hot water. If you want to sanitize and deep clean it, go for hot water, as it can kill bacteria and germs.
One thing you must remember is that the water temperature has no role in making your hoodies and sweatshirts soft and fluffy. Cold water can only reduce the clothing from getting damaged, But, if you want to maintain its softness, always go for mild detergent.
Using mild and scent-free detergent will not only make your clothing soft and fluffy but will also help them from getting faded. Ensure that you use the appropriate amount of detergent. Because too much usage can make it hard and stiff. Always read the usage instructions mentioned on the detergent bottle.
Overstuffing the washing machine with clothes is a big NO. This temptation of yours can damage the stuff of your clothing. Give your hoodies and sweatshirts enough space to move in the laundry cycle.
- Avoid using Fabric Softener: With so many instructions available on the internet, you might get confused about which one to follow. Some may recommend you air dry your clothes. However, air drying your sweatshirts and hoodies can prevent them from shrinking but might feel stiff and hard. If you experience the same after air-drying, make sure to use minimal laundry detergent.
One of the best tips to make your hoodies and sweatshirts soft is the usage of wool dryer balls. After getting them washed, put them in the dryer with wool dryer balls. They are not only eco-friendly and affordable but don't leave any coating after getting dried unlike fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
Properties of Wool Dryer Balls:
- They don’t possess synthetic fillers
- Eco-friendly & a great alternative to fabric softeners and dryer sheets
- Maximize the speed of drying time
- Minimize the usage of appliances and save the electricity
- Always Use Garment Bag to Separate Wash Hoodies from Other Clothes: Avoid rubbing your custom sweatshirts and hoodies with other clothes by placing them in a separate garment bag. This is a meshed bag that can protect your hoodies while washing. At the same time, it becomes quite easy to separate them from other clothes.
The garment bags are specially designed to have a mesh that can allow water and detergent to flush in and out of the bag without allowing your hoodies and sweatshirts to get mixed with other clothes. It comes in different shapes and sizes. Make sure that you select carefully based on your needs.
- Always Turn Hoodies & Sweatshirts Inside Out Before Washing: If you aren’t having a hoodie bag, don’t worry. You can still protect your sweatshirts while washing. Turn them inside out. This hack will protect your hoodie designs from getting rubbed against other items. If they have zippers, zip them before washing. This simple hack can last the softness of your sweatshirts.
- Ironing Them using Soft Cloth In Between: Not only excess wash but excess heat can also fade the color of your sweatshirts and hoodies. Iron them only when extremely required. And while ironing, ensure to place a soft cloth in between. This will minimize heat transfer.
How Often Should You Wash Hoodies?
Unlike your custom clothing, hoodies should never be washed frequently. Before it needs to go in the washing machine, hoodies can be worn five to seven times. This is because they are worn over another clothing layer and don’t get in contact with the skin directly. Excessive washing can lead to fabric peaking, shape loosening, shrinkage, and color fading as well.
Always keep in mind that everybody is different and so is their body. If you are an over-sweating person with a bad odor or any sort of skin infection, then you must go for a frequent wash with a good detergent.
- If you are wearing it for a complete day, 3-4 times wash a week is good
- If you are wearing it for 6-10 hrs a day, go for 2-3 washing a week.
- If you are wearing it for less than 4 hours, only 1-2 times a week is recommended.
Before washing, always ensure the fabric with which your hoodie is made of. This will ideally help you to stay extra attentive while washing.
Conclusion: While it is difficult to keep your sweatshirts looking and feeling soft forever, but, following simple tips will help you maintain their softness and fluffiness for a very long time. By washing and caring for it properly, you can keep it in a good condition and enjoy its toasted warmth for many winters.
Never forget to read the care instructions mentioned on the clothing label. It will straightforwardly be mentioned whether you can machine wash it or go for dry cleaning. You need to be mindful by using cold water, mild detergent, air drying, or wool dry ball to keep it soft, fade-free and last for longer.
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