Do Fleece Blankets Shrink?

7 Jan

Fleece blankets are fabric-based comforters one reaches for on cold days, lazy Sundays, or for those times when, rather than anything else, one wants to feel even more comfortable. It is only natural that we would be concerned about that particular usage-it happens so many times. The most frequently asked question is almost always the usual here: Do fleece blankets shrink?

Almost everyone who has experienced the horror of this event will recognise the sight: Instead of the cosy blanket you once had, you now hold what definitely resembles a baby blanket. Of course, the first thought that comes to your mind is, “This thing has shrunk in the washing!”

Let’s walk through it gently, without panic or complicated laundry rules.

Do Fleece Blankets Shrink?

The simple answer is that fleece blankets can shrink, but they are more resistant to shrinkage when compared with other fabrics.

All fleece blankets are made of polyester, which does not naturally shrink as cotton or wool does. However, due to undue exposure to high heat, for instance, washing or drying, fleece can admittedly change its size/shape. This is usually where most problems begin.

So if someone asks, do fleece blankets shrink easily? The answer is no, but heat can push them in that direction.

Why Do Fleece Blankets Shrink in the First Place?

Heat Is the Biggest Reason

Fleece is made from synthetic fibres, and these fibres do not fare well when exposed to high temperatures–hot water or the high heat from a dryer can cause the fibres to shrink, tighten, or melt a little together. This makes the fleece blanket contract and feel too small or stiff.

This is why many people notice shrinkage after just one hot wash or a high-heat drying cycle.

Fabric Blends Matter More Than You Think

Fleece is essentially fleece. In some fleece blankets, mixed fibres of cotton and wool are employed to improve insulation and texture. However, these mixed fibres cause the fabric to suffer shrinkage more often, as natural fibres have a higher tendency to shrink when exposed to high levels of heat and moisture.

If a fleece blanket seems heavy or very soft, there is a chance that it is a blend, and additional care will be necessary.

Does Every Type of Fleece Shrink the Same Way?

Not really. Different types of fleece behave a little differently.

The very fact that polyester fleece is lightweight means that it is less likely to shrink or felt. The thinner microfleece is a bit more stable and less temperamental to wash. Thicker fleece or double-layering means you will keep better body temperature, but this situation will appear much sooner when heated in any way.

Polar fleece, which is designed for cold climates, is usually durable, but it can shrink or stiffen if washed in hot water repeatedly.

The common thread across all types is this: heat is the trigger, not the washing machine itself.

How to Prevent Fleece Blankets From Shrinking

Preventing shrinkage is much easier than fixing it, and thankfully, it doesn’t require anything complicated.

Start With the Care Label

One easy way to determine resources is to rely on the guidance label of a product. Manufacturers test articles under laboratory conditions so as to determine their strength exactly, and this information is comforting to me. If it says cold wash only, it is really bad to say, “Things must be cold-washed.”

Use Cold or Lukewarm Water

For the gentlest cleaning possible and no cutting of the fabric, washing fleece using cold water is a wonderful alternative. If power is going to be increased a little bit, lukewarm water would be all right, but hot water is not an option.

Hot water is the most common reason people later ask, do fleece blankets shrink?

Choose a Gentle Cycle

It is advised to avoid vigorous shaking of the wool during the cleaning process. Wool can be washed in a gentle or mild detergent to get rid of the residue. This practice will increase the life of the wool bedcovers.

Be Careful with the Dryer

Spread your wool fabric out to dry in the patio or hang it while damp to reduce the possibility of shrinking. When people are accustomed to kneading wool, it means going through the wrong way about it from the beginning, with a lot of working in the meantime!

Can You Fix a Fleece Blanket That Already Shrunk?

If the shrinkage issue is minor, then maybe by soaking your blanket or sweater in warm water and stretching it gently while wet, you would obtain something of the earlier state back; however, if it is badly shrunk, it’s gone now permanently.

That’s why prevention matters more than repair. Once fleece fibres tighten due to heat, they don’t fully relax again.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Shrinkage

One of the biggest mistakes is thinking, “One hot wash won’t hurt.” Unfortunately, even one exposure to high heat can start the shrinking process.

Another misconception is that shrinkage is a sign of low quality; high-quality fleece can sometimes shrink due to less-than-optimal washing or drying.

Fleece doesn’t need tough treatment—it needs thoughtful care.

Fleece Shrinkage Is Preventable

Can a fleece blanket shrink? Certainly, it can, but the conditions are another story. Yet with proper care, a good wash in cold water and drying tends to keep the thing outright in shape, just keeping the softness and comfort solidly enough with years.

Fleece is forgiving, cushy, and made for everyday; once you know what it needs, containing it is easy—and stress-free.

The PeachFur Fleece is exclusively committed to top-notch and durable wholesale fleece blankets for extreme comfort and everyday practicality. Very proud of the quality of our fleece blankets and clothing, we can offer products to wholesalers that are suitable for entities with a very high regard for reliability and longevity of wear. More than simply selling it, we love fleece.

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