24 Feb How to Wash a Hoodie Without Shrinking or Damaging It

Hoodies are a wardrobe essential, offering both comfort and style. However, they can shrink, fade, or lose their softness if you don’t wash them correctly. To keep your favourite hoodie looking and feeling great, you need to use the proper washing techniques. In this guide, you’ll learn how to wash a hoodie without damaging the fabric, shrinking it, or ruining its shape. Follow these steps to keep your hoodie fresh, cosy, and long-lasting.

How to Wash a Hoodie the Right Way

Taking proper care of your hoodie ensures it stays soft, holds its shape, and lasts for years. Whether it’s your go-to cosy layer or a stylish statement piece, washing it the wrong way can cause shrinkage, fading, or pilling. Follow these steps to keep your hoodie in top condition.

1. Check the Care Label First

Before washing your hoodie, always read the care label. Different hoodies are made from materials such as cotton, polyester, fleece, or a fabric blend. Some may even contain delicate elements like embroidery, prints, or zippers that require special care.

The care label will tell you:

• The recommended water temperature (cold, warm, or hot).
• Whether to hand wash or machine wash.
• If tumble drying is safe or if you should air dry.
• Whether you can iron the hoodie without damaging it.

Ignoring these instructions increases the risk of shrinkage, fading, or damage. If your hoodie has no care label, play it safe by washing in cold water with a gentle cycle and air drying.

2. Turn Your Hoodie Inside Out

Turning your hoodie inside out before washing protects the outer fabric from friction, which can cause pilling, fading, or premature wear. If your hoodie has prints or embroidery, this step is especially important to prevent cracking or peeling.

Additionally, flipping the hoodie inside out:

• Reduces lint buildup on the surface.
• Prevents zippers or drawstrings from snagging on other clothes.
• Helps remove sweat and body oils more effectively from the inner fabric.

3. Use Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle

Hot water may be great for removing tough stains, but it’s not ideal for hoodies. Heat causes the fabric fibres to shrink, making your hoodie smaller and misshapen. To avoid this, always use cold water when washing.

Also, choose a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. This prevents excessive agitation, which can stretch the fabric or cause pilling. If your hoodie is particularly delicate or made of fleece, consider placing it inside a mesh laundry bag for added protection.

Read More:

The Impact of Water Temperature: How Hot or Cold Water Affects Colour Bleeding

4. Choose a Mild Detergent

Not all laundry detergents are created equal. Harsh detergents contain strong chemicals that break down fabric fibres over time, leading to roughness and fading. Instead, use a mild or gentle detergent designed for delicate fabrics.

If your hoodie has stains, pre-treat them before washing:

• Dab a small amount of mild detergent or stain remover on the stain.
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
• Gently rub the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush before washing.

Avoid using bleach or fabric softener. Bleach can weaken the fibres and cause discolouration, while fabric softeners leave residue that reduces the fabric’s breathability and softness.

Read More:

Different Types of Detergents for Washing Clothes

5. Avoid Overloading the Washer

Washing too many clothes simultaneously creates excessive friction, which can stretch, pill, or damage your hoodie. To prevent this, wash your hoodie with similar fabrics and colours, giving it enough room to move freely inside the drum.

Best practices for washing hoodies include:

• Wash with similar colours – Avoid mixing light and dark fabrics to prevent colour bleeding.
• Wash with soft fabrics – Avoid washing hoodies with rough fabrics like denim, as they can cause abrasion.
• Zip up zippers and tie drawstrings – This prevents them from snagging on other clothes or getting tangled.

How to Dry a Hoodie Without Shrinking It

After understanding how to wash a hoodie, it’s time for drying. Drying your hoodie correctly is just as important as cleaning it. Heat is the biggest enemy of hoodie fabrics, so take extra care when drying.

• Air Dry Whenever Possible: The best way to prevent shrinkage is to let your hoodie air dry. Lay it flat on a clean towel or drying rack to maintain its shape. Hanging it on a hanger may stretch the shoulders, so avoid that unless necessary.
• If Using a Dryer, Choose Low Heat: If air drying isn’t an option, use the dryer on a low-heat setting. Remove the hoodie while it’s still slightly damp to prevent overheating. Finish drying it by laying it flat on a towel.
• Never Wring Out Excess Water: Twisting or wringing your hoodie can stretch and damage the fabric. Instead, gently press out excess water by rolling it in a towel. Then, reshape it before drying to maintain its original fit.

Extra Tips to Keep Your Hoodie Looking New

Following proper washing and drying steps helps, but a few extra precautions will extend your hoodie’s lifespan even more.

• Wash Less Frequently – Washing too often wears out the fabric. Unless it’s stained or smelly, wear your hoodie multiple times before washing.
• Store It Properly – Fold your hoodie neatly instead of hanging it to avoid stretching.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals—Bleach and fabric softeners weaken fibres and fade colours. Stick to mild detergents for long-lasting softness.

How Can NeatEx Laundrette & Dry Cleaning Help?

Keeping your hoodie in top condition requires the right washing and drying techniques, but not everyone has the time or the right equipment to do it properly. That’s where NeatEx Laundrette & Dry Cleaning can help.

At NeatEx, professional cleaning services ensure your hoodie is washed with gentle detergents, cold water, and the best care methods to prevent shrinkage, fading, or damage. Whether your hoodie is made of cotton, fleece, or a delicate fabric blend, their team knows how to clean it safely and effectively.

Why Choose NeatEx for Your Hoodie Care?

• Expert Fabric Care – NeatEx professionals handle all types of fabrics with specialised cleaning techniques.
• Advanced Cleaning Equipment – Their laundrette uses high-quality machines that maintain fabric softness and colour vibrancy.
• Gentle Drying Methods – They air dry or use low-heat drying to prevent shrinkage and stretching.
• Convenient & Time-Saving – Drop off your hoodie and let the experts take care of it while you focus on your day.

By trusting NeatEx Laundrette & Dry Cleaning, you can ensure your hoodie stays soft, fresh, and long-lasting without the hassle of washing it yourself.