Key Points to Remember
It is recommended to wash sweatshirts in cold water with a suitable detergent on a delicate cycle and to dry them flat to preserve their shape and colors.
The French brand G-Heat® 🇫🇷 is famous for its high-end plaid sweaters, certified Oeko-Tex® Standard 100. It is entirely vegan, free from toxic substances and chemicals, and promotes a cruelty-free approach to animals. This collection of plaid sweatshirts, which have also been honored with the “Confiance Textile” Quality Label, stands out for its unparalleled softness and excellent value for money, providing unmatched comfort.
How to wash a sweatshirt in the washing machine?
The sweatshirt is the ultimate casual garment, ideal for staying warm while looking stylish. But to maintain its characteristic comfort and softness, it is essential to care for it properly. Here are our tips for washing your sweatshirt in the washing machine without risk.
Prepare the sweatshirt before washing
Before putting your sweatshirt in the machine, check the care labels to find out the fabric composition and recommended washing temperatures.
- Turn your garment inside out to avoid creasing the fabric.
- Close zippers and snaps to avoid damaging the fabric.
- Pre-treat stubborn stains with a suitable stain remover before washing.
- Sort your clothes by color to prevent discoloration.
These simple steps will help you get the most out of your machine wash and extend the life of your favorite sweatshirt.
Choose the right wash cycle
To wash your sweatshirt safely, select a delicate cycle at a low temperature:
- The wool/delicate cycle is ideal for wool sweatshirts.
- Choose the synthetic cycle for polyester or stretch sweatshirts.
- The cotton program is suitable for 100% cotton sweatshirts, such as fleece.
These gentle cycles preserve the fibers without altering the shape or feel of your garment.
We do not recommend the normal cycle: its strong rotations can deform a sweatshirt and damage prints or flocking.
— Edouard, Founder of G-Heat®
Set the right temperature
Impact of temperature on fabric
Water that is too hot can:
- Shrink or distort a sweatshirt, especially if it contains elastane.
- Run onto other clothes and alter colors.
- Damage delicate fibers such as wool or silk.
Conversely, a temperature that is too cold will not dilute the detergent properly and reduce the effectiveness of the wash.
Recommended temperature for cotton sweatshirts
For a cotton sweatshirt, we recommend washing at 30-40°C maximum. This temperature:
- Dissolves stains on cotton while protecting the fibers.
- Preserves bright colors by limiting discoloration.
- Prevents the fabric from shrinking.
Recommended temperature for wool sweatshirts
Wool sweatshirts must be washed in cold water, at a temperature below 30°C. Washing in hot water may:
- Felt the wool and harden the fibers.
- Shrink your garment irreversibly.
- Fade the colors.
Use a suitable detergent
Detergent for cotton sweatshirts
To wash a cotton sweatshirt, choose a mild detergent or one labeled “color-friendly.”
Conventional detergents with a high pH can damage cotton fibers and alter colors.
Detergent for wool sweatshirts
Be sure to use a special wool detergent without bleach. These detergents maintain the acidic pH necessary for this noble and delicate fabric.
Never use regular detergent, as it will irreparably damage your wool sweatshirt.
How to avoid damaging your sweatshirt with laundry detergent
- Follow the recommended dosages to avoid irritating your skin with excess detergent.
- Rinse your laundry thoroughly to remove any irritating residues.
- Avoid fabric softener, which can dull bright colors and make your sweatshirt rough.
Drying your sweatshirt properly
Air dry or machine dry?
We recommend drying your sweatshirt flat, in the open air if possible. Even at low temperatures, the dryer can:
- Shrink or distort your garment
- Wear out the fibers prematurely
- Create unsightly lint balls
It is therefore best to lay your sweatshirt flat and let it dry naturally.
How to keep your sweatshirt soft after drying
To keep your sweatshirt soft and fluffy, remember to:
- Iron it at a low temperature, with the steam turned off.
- Soften it slightly at the seams.
- Fold it rather than storing it on a hanger for long periods of time.
Avoiding shrinkage during drying
To avoid shrinkage, be sure to:
- Stretch your garment well in the direction of the knit during drying.
- Iron it with a cool iron.
- Store it away from heat and humidity.
Cleaning a new garment: special precautions
It is recommended that you wash your clothes before wearing them for the first time, in order to:
- Remove any manufacturing residues.
- Rinse out any excess dye that could run.
- Shrink the garment slightly so that it retains its shape after a few washes.
For a new sweatshirt, wash it carefully in the washing machine for the first time:
- Delicate cycle at cold temperature.
- Turn the garment inside out to protect the prints.
- Wash separately to prevent discoloration.
Washing a sweater by hand: steps and tips
If you want to wash your sweatshirt by hand, here are the steps to follow:
- Fill a basin with cold water and add a suitable detergent.
- Immerse the garment and let it soak for about 30 minutes.
- Gently rub the dirty areas without twisting the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Stretch your sweatshirt in the direction of the knit and dry it flat.
- Once dry, iron it if necessary with a warm iron.
This gentle method will preserve the colors and characteristic softness of your sweatshirt.
Hand washing wool
To hand wash a wool sweatshirt, follow these steps:
- Prepare a mixture of cold water and special wool detergent.
- Immerse the garment and let it soak for 30 minutes, stirring gently.
- Gently squeeze the sweatshirt to remove dirt, without rubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
- Stretch the wet garment to prevent shrinkage.
- Dry flat away from direct heat sources.
This manual method preserves the fragile nature of wool and its characteristic softness.
Regularly care for your sweatshirt to extend its life
To ensure your sweatshirt lasts for many years, remember to:
- Air it frequently to eliminate odors.
- Wash it regularly before it gets too dirty.
- Refresh the inside with a teaspoon of white vinegar.
- Iron it at a low temperature to keep its shape.
By taking good care of your sweatshirt, it will be a long-lasting part of your everyday wardrobe!
Children's Plaid SweatshirtConclusion
To sum up, wash your sweatshirt with care, preferably in cold water, and dry it naturally on a flat surface. With this appropriate care routine, your garment will remain soft, supple, and bright, for your utmost comfort!
| Type of Sweatshirt | Preparation Before Washing | Washing Program | Water Temperature | Drying |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton Sweatshirt | Turn inside out, close zippers, pre-treat stains, sort by color | Delicate or cotton cycle | 30–40°C maximum | Lay flat to dry |
| Wool Sweatshirt | Turn inside out, close zippers, pre-treat stains, sort by color | Wool/delicate cycle | Cold (under 30°C) | Lay flat to dry |
| Polyester Sweatshirt | Turn inside out, close zippers, pre-treat stains, sort by color | Synthetic cycle | Cold (under 30°C) | Lay flat to dry |
FAQ
How can I wash a sweater so that it stays soft?
Wash it in cold water and avoid fabric softeners, which alter the natural softness of the fabric. Stretch the garment well after washing and dry it flat to keep it supple.
How can I wash a sweatshirt without damaging it?
Wash your sweatshirt inside out at a temperature below 30°C, on a delicate cycle, with a suitable detergent. Avoid high spin speeds, which can damage the fibers.
What cycle should I use to wash a sweatshirt?
For the program for your sweatshirt, choose the delicate, wool, or synthetic cycle depending on its composition. The quick or normal program is too aggressive.
What temperature should I wash a sweatshirt at?
Ideally, wash it cold, i.e., at a temperature below 30°C to preserve the fabric. For a cotton sweatshirt, maximum 30-40°C.
How should I wash a wool sweater?
Wash it by hand or in the washing machine on a cold cycle (max 30°C), using a special wool detergent. Stretch it out well during drying and iron it with a warm iron to keep its shape.
Should I wash new clothes?
Yes, it is recommended to wash new clothes before wearing them to remove manufacturing residues and excess dye.
How do you wash a wool sweater by hand?
Soak it in a mixture of cold water and wool detergent. Press gently without rubbing. Rinse thoroughly. Stretch and dry flat away from heat.
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