Hoodies are a wardrobe staple, providing comfort and style in one versatile garment. However, properly caring for your hoodie is essential to ensure it remains looking great and lasts as long as possible.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share the best practices for washing, drying, and maintaining your hoodies.
Say goodbye to shrunken, faded, or damaged hoodies, and hello to a fresh and well-cared-for wardrobe!
How to Wash Your Hoodie
You can either wash a hoodie by hand or by machine. Machine washing is an easier and faster method; however, it will cause more wear and tear compared to hand washing. We’ll go over both methods in this section.
Here’s how to wash your hoodie:
Sorting
Before you start washing, it’s crucial to sort your hoodies based on color, fabric type, and level of dirtiness.
Washing similar colors together will prevent color bleeding, and separating fabrics will ensure that each hoodie gets the proper care.
Pre-treating Stains
If your hoodie has any stubborn stains, pre-treating them with a stain remover or a gentle detergent can help remove them more effectively.
Be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area of the hoodie first to ensure the stain remover won’t cause damage or discoloration.
How to Machine Wash Your Hoodie
Using the washing machine is a convenient and efficient way to clean your hoodies. However, it’s crucial to choose the right settings to protect your garment from damage. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the washing machine settings you should use when washing your hoodie.
Turn Your Hoodie Inside Out
Before washing, turn your hoodie inside out to protect its design, color, and any embellishments. This simple step can go a long way in preserving your hoodie’s appearance.
Select the Right Cycle
Choose a delicate or gentle cycle for your hoodie to minimize agitation and reduce the risk of damage. These cycles are specifically designed for fabrics that require more gentle care, like hoodies.
Water Temperature
Cold water is generally recommended for washing hoodies, as it is gentler on the fabric and helps prevent color bleeding.
If you need to shrink your hoodie, you can use warm or hot water, but be sure to consult our guide on how to shrink a hoodie for specific instructions.
Detergent and Additives
Use a mild detergent when washing your hoodie, as harsh detergents can damage the fabric and cause colors to fade.
Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these can weaken the fibers and lead to pilling or other damage.
Pre-treating Stains
If your hoodie has any stubborn stains, pre-treating them with a stain remover or a gentle detergent can help remove them more effectively.
Be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area of the hoodie first to ensure the stain remover won’t cause damage or discoloration.
Washing Mixed Fabrics
If you’re washing hoodies made of mixed fabrics or with other types of garments, make sure to follow our guide on how to wash and dry mixed fabrics to ensure proper care for each item.
How to Hand Wash Your Hoodie
Hand washing is an excellent alternative to machine washing, as it offers more control over the cleaning process and can be gentler on delicate fabrics.
To hand-wash your hoodie, follow these detailed steps:
Prepare Your Washing Station
Find a clean basin, sink, or tub large enough to hold your hoodie comfortably.
Fill your chosen washing station with cold water. Cold water is gentler on the fabric and helps prevent color bleeding.
Add Detergent
Add a small amount of mild detergent to the water. Swish the water around to create suds and ensure the detergent is evenly distributed.
Remember that using too much detergent can be harsh on the fabric and difficult to rinse out completely.
Submerge and Soak
Submerge your hoodie in the water, ensuring that it’s fully saturated.
Allow it to soak for about 15-30 minutes. This will help loosen dirt, sweat, and other debris before you begin the hand-washing process.
Gently Wash
Gently agitate the water to create suds, and use your hands to massage the fabric of your hoodie, paying special attention to any stained or soiled areas.
Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can cause stretching and damage.
Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the soapy water from your washing station, and then rinse your hoodie thoroughly with cold water.
Continue to rinse until all detergent is removed, and the water runs clear. Make sure not to leave any soap residue, as it can cause irritation and stiffness in the fabric.
Remove Excess Water
Gently squeeze out excess water from your hoodie, being careful not to twist or wring the fabric, which can cause stretching and damage.
You can also place your hoodie between two clean, dry towels and gently press to remove more water.
How to Dry Your Hoodie
Air Drying
Air drying is the best method for most hoodies, as it minimizes the risk of shrinkage and damage. Simply lay your hoodie flat on a clean, dry towel or hang it on a clothesline to dry.
Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause fading. For more drying tips, check out our laundry hacks for busy people.
Machine Drying
If you need to machine dry your hoodie, use the lowest heat setting and remove it promptly once it’s dry to prevent wrinkles.
Keep in mind that machine drying can cause shrinkage, so if you’re unsure about the potential effects, stick to air drying.
How to Maintain Your Hoodie
De-Pilling
Over time, hoodies can develop small fabric balls, or pills, on their surface.
You can remove these by gently running a fabric shaver or a pill comb over the affected areas.
Storage
To maintain your hoodie’s shape and minimize wrinkles, fold it neatly and store it in a cool, dry place.
Avoid hanging hoodies with heavy designs, as this can cause the fabric to stretch.
Resizing and Repairing
If your hoodie becomes too small or too large, you can resize it using various techniques. Check out our guide on resizing clothes, from shrinking to stretching.
Similarly, if your hoodie develops a hole or a seam comes undone, repair it promptly to prevent further damage. Learning basic sewing skills can come in handy for minor repairs.
Additional Hoodie Care Tips
Rotate your hoodies: To extend the life of your hoodies, try to rotate them regularly, giving each one a break from wear and tear.
Avoid overwashing: Washing your hoodies too often can cause them to wear out faster. Unless your hoodie is heavily soiled or stained, consider washing it after every few wears.
Prevent color fading: To keep your hoodies looking vibrant, wash them inside out and use a detergent specifically designed for color preservation.
For more advice, read our ultimate guide to washing jeans without shrinking them, which also contains useful tips for other garments.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best to wash your hoodie after every few wears, depending on how dirty or sweaty it gets. Overwashing can cause the fabric to wear out faster, so try to avoid washing it too frequently.
While bleach can be used on some white hoodies, it’s essential to check the care label first, as some fabrics and colors may not be bleach-safe. If you do use bleach, make sure to follow the instructions on the label and dilute it properly to avoid damage.
Pilling can be minimized by washing your hoodie inside out on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can contribute to pilling. Additionally, air drying your hoodie instead of machine drying can help prevent pilling.
To preserve your hoodie’s colors, wash it inside out with cold water and a detergent specifically designed for color preservation. Air dry your hoodie away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading caused by UV exposure.
Yes, you can iron your hoodie, but it’s essential to use the proper heat setting for the fabric type. Check the care label for ironing instructions and always iron your hoodie inside out to protect the design and color.
To maintain your hoodies’ shape and minimize wrinkles, fold them neatly and store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid hanging hoodies with heavy designs, as this can cause the fabric to stretch.
Final Thoughts
Proper hoodie care is essential for maintaining the comfort, style, and longevity of your favorite garments.
By following the tips and best practices outlined in this guide, you can keep your hoodies looking and feeling great for years to come.
So, go ahead and show your hoodies some love—they’ll thank you for it!