Can Fleece Blankets Be Tumble Dried?

5 Jan

You’re not the only one who has stood in front of the dryer with a fleece blanket and questioned if it is going to be ruined forever. Fleece is and has always been the most comfortable, soft, and pleasant fabric, but it may still be regarded as such a laundry-day headache. One wrong step, and your beloved blanket would already be feeling stiff, flat, or strangely crunchy (this has happened to us all).

Let’s settle this issue definitely: is it possible to tumble-dry fleece blankets, and if yes, what is the method to avoid the blanket getting turned into a science experiment?

Tumble drying is allowed for fleece blankets, and this is wonderful! What is more, it is straightforward to do—just knowing the very few simple rules will suffice.

Why Fleece Blankets Need Special Care

Synthetic fibres are generally used to make fleece blankets since they have been designed to retain heat, making the blankets light. This is the reason why fleece blankets are favoured by people for couch naps and using them on winter nights. However, those same fibres are not very friendly to high temperatures.

Consider fleece to be a good-quality sweater instead of a large, thick towel made of cotton. It is strong and can resist, but it is still not up to the harsher treatment. The high temperature may also affect the fibres by pressing them together, and in some cases, even melting them a bit or causing them to ball up. This might be the reason some fleece blankets become less soft after only one round of bad drying.

So, Can Fleece Blankets Be Tumble Dried?

Yes, can fleece blankets be tumble-dried? Absolutely.

Should they be tumble-dried carelessly? Definitely not.

The dryer machine is not an enemy—it’s the heat. The fleece material has the potential to, during high temperatures, lose its plush quality that we all love, shrink or group together. The secret to this is to keep the process gentle.

If your dryer has a low heat, delicate, or air-fluff option, you’re already halfway to success.

The Right Way to Tumble Dry a Fleece Blanket

Properly drying fleece does not necessitate an advanced degree in ecology or appurtenant technology, just enough patience: when the total-drying line says, “Stand still!” the beauty of the fleece starts progressing: how do you like that?

Begin by choosing the heat setting with the least amount of heat or an air cycle with no heat. This process enables the moisture to disappear without harming the fibers. It may require a bit more time, but your blanket will appreciate it.

Prior to putting it into the dryer, shake the blanket properly. It may seem silly, but this very easy step helps avoid the fabric going into one big clump and getting dried at different rates. Imagine it as getting the blanket up from the sleep before its spa session.

Once dry, remove it promptly. Leaving fleece sitting in a warm dryer is like leaving toast in a toaster—it doesn’t end well.

A Small Trick That Makes a Big Difference

Here’s a small professional tip that feels almost too simple to work: dryer balls or clean tennis balls.

Putting a pair in the dryer aids in maintaining the fleece’s movement, thus avoiding dull areas and bringing back the softness. There was once a time that I did not adhere to this step for a newly bought blanket, and, as a result, I had something that seemed closer to a mat made of felt than a warm throw. I learned my lesson.

This trick also helps reduce static, which is always a bonus—especially if you’re tired of sparks flying every time you unfold your blanket.

Why Air Drying Is Still the Gold Standard

If you possess large time and space, air drying is the safest method of drying fleece blankets. The fabric will lose its moisture naturally by hanging it or putting it flat without applying heat.

Air drying is the method that helps to retain the qualities of softness, shape, and texture during the entire use period of blankets the best. However, it’s a must to ensure that the blanket is completely dry before storing it. Slightly damp fleece might turn odoriferous or even mouldy, and nobody wants their blanket to smell like a neglected gym bag.

That said, life isn’t always that patient. That’s why low-heat tumble drying remains a perfectly acceptable backup plan.

Washing Habits That Affect Drying Results

Drying problems often start before the blanket ever reaches the dryer. Washing fleece correctly makes drying much easier.

Always use a gentle cycle and mild detergent. Fleece doesn’t need strong cleaning agents to smell nice and fresh. And although fabric softener might be really tempting, it actually spreads a layer of coating on fleece fibres and consequently decreases the softness in the long run. Ironically, not using the softener most of the time results in fleece being softer and fluffier.

Bleach is another fleece villain. Even small amounts can weaken fibres and shorten the life of your blanket.

Common Mistakes People Make with Fleece Blankets

The most common mistake? Turning up the heat “just to speed things up.” We’ve all done it. We’ve all regretted it.

Some other errors are: over-drying, not spreading blankets out in the dryer and considering all fleece the same. You should always verify the care label—different weights and blends of fleece may have almost identical but slightly different requirements.

If your blanket feels stiff or looks fuzzy in odd places, it’s often a sign of too much heat rather than poor quality.

Fleece Care Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Maintaining fleece blankets is not a matter of achieving perfection, but rather it is a matter of being cautious. Once you get the heat and fleece interaction right, the other things will be easier to control for you. Of course, a tumble dryer can be used for fleece blankets, but it should be at low heat, a gentle process and the correct time.

Take care of your wool fleece, and it will return the favour with years of warmth and comfort. Fair exchange.

Our business specializes in high-end fleece products and offers fleece blanket wholesale that are aimed at companies, charities, and organizations with quality and uniformity as their main concern. We have spent years working exclusively with fleece, and our primary focus is on excellent materials, skilled workmanship, and dependable service. You have arrived at the right place if fleece is vital to you.

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