Why does my fleece blanket pill?

Pilling happens when fibers rub together. Wash on gentle, never use fabric softener, and avoid washing with abrasive items like denim or zippers.

Can you put a fleece blanket in the dryer?

Yes, on low or no heat. High heat melts the synthetic fibers and ruins the texture permanently.

Every 2-4 weeks during regular use. More often if you have pets or use it daily.

Quality fleece is pre-shrunk and resistant to shrinking. Cheap fleece may shrink in hot dryers.

Bedroom

We spend a third of our lives in bed. A clean fleece blanket means better sleep and fewer allergens. Here's how to clean yours.

1
Wash separately
Wash fleece alone or with similar fabrics. Fleece attracts lint from cotton and other materials, ruining the soft texture.
2
Use cold water
Set the washing machine to cold water on the gentle cycle. Hot water damages the synthetic fibers and reduces softness.
3
Add a small amount of detergent
Use only a small amount of detergent. Excess detergent leaves residue that makes fleece feel rough and pilled.
4
Add vinegar to rinse
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar removes detergent residue and restores softness.
5
Air dry or tumble low
Air dry on a drying rack for the softest results. If using a dryer, tumble on low or no heat to prevent damage.

TIPNever use fabric softener on fleece -- it coats the fibers and reduces the natural softness over time.
TIPWash fleece blankets every 2-4 weeks during regular use to prevent oils and odors from building up.
TIPStore fleece blankets folded loosely, not vacuum-sealed -- compression damages the fluffy texture.

XUsing fabric softener, which builds up on synthetic fibers and reduces softness, causing pilling.
XHigh heat in washing or drying, which melts synthetic fibers and creates a hard, scratchy texture.
XWashing with cotton items, which deposit lint that is difficult to remove from fleece.

Cold water, gentle cycle, no fabric softener, and tumble dry low or air dry. Avoid hot water and high heat.