You should never iron or steam fleece using heat as it can permanently damage the fabric. Instead, the correct way to handle wrinkles or freshen up fleece is by using alternative methods that avoid heat damage.
The Golden Rule: No Heat Ironing on Fleece
Caring for fabrics like polar fleece requires special attention, particularly when it comes to heat. According to care guidelines, you should never iron or steam the fabric with high temperatures. The high heat from these processes can easily melt the synthetic fibers that make up fleece, leading to irreparable damage to your garments. This damage often appears as flattened, shiny patches or even holes where the fabric has fused together.
Alternative Methods for Wrinkle Removal and Freshening
While traditional ironing is a strict no-go, you aren't left entirely without options for dealing with wrinkles or refreshing your fleece items. The key is to use minimal or no heat.
As the reference states, "Instead, you can use a cool iron or hand-steam the garment if it needs freshening up."
Here's how you can apply these methods safely:
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Using a Cool Iron:
- Ensure your iron is set to the lowest possible temperature setting, often labeled "cool," "synthetics," or "low."
- Always place a pressing cloth (a thin cotton towel or cloth) between the iron and the fleece fabric. This provides an extra layer of protection.
- Work quickly, pressing gently rather than ironing back and forth. Lift and press the iron instead of gliding it across the fabric.
- Test on an inconspicuous area first to see how the fabric reacts.
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Hand-Steaming:
- This is often the safest method. You can use a dedicated garment steamer or the steam function from an iron held away from the fabric.
- Hang the fleece item up.
- Direct the steam towards the wrinkled area without letting the steamer head touch the fabric. The steam will help relax the fibers and release wrinkles.
- For minor wrinkles, simply hanging the item in a steamy bathroom can also work wonders.
These gentle methods help protect the texture, loft, and integrity of the fleece fabric, ensuring your garment stays soft and durable.
Quick Guide: Fleece Care & Wrinkles
Here's a summary of how to handle ironing and wrinkle removal for fleece:
| Action | Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Ironing | Do Not Use High Heat | Will melt fibers and cause permanent damage. |
| Steaming (Direct) | Do Not Use High Heat | Similar risk to ironing. |
| Cool Ironing | Use Cool Setting with a pressing cloth. | Gentle pressing, test first. |
| Hand-Steaming | Use a garment steamer away from the fabric. | Safest method; steam releases wrinkles. |
| Simple Wrinkles | Hang in steamy bathroom or hang overnight. | Gravity and humidity can often remove minor creases naturally. |
By following these guidelines, you can keep your fleece garments looking their best without risking damage.
