How to Keep Sweatshirts Soft: The Ultimate Care Guide for Long-Lasting Coziness
There’s nothing worse than pulling on your favorite sweatshirt only to find it’s stiff, scratchy, or has lost its cozy feel. Whether it’s your go-to loungewear, a vintage gem, or that perfectly broken-in hoodie you’ve had for years, keeping sweatshirts soft doesn’t have to be a mystery. The secret? Gentle washing, smart drying, and avoiding common laundry mistakes that secretly ruin your fabrics.
Here’s the thing—most people don’t realize that their washing habits are actually making their sweatshirts worse over time. But with a few simple tweaks, you can keep your sweatshirts buttery-soft wash after wash. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
• Wash less, spot clean more
• Always use cold water
• Skip fabric softener
• Air dry or use low heat
• Wash inside out
• Don’t overload the machine
• Hand wash delicate sweatshirts
1. Wash Less, Spot Clean More (Yes, Really!)
Sweatshirts don’t need a full wash after every wear (unless you spilled coffee or had a serious sweat session). Overwashing is one of the biggest reasons sweatshirts lose their softness—it breaks down the fibers and causes pilling.
What to Do Instead:
- Spot clean small stains with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
- Air out your sweatshirt between wears by hanging it in a breezy spot.
- Use a fabric refresher spray if it just needs a light freshening up.
Pro Tip: If your sweatshirt smells but isn’t dirty, toss it in the freezer overnight! The cold kills odor-causing bacteria.
2. Use Cold Water & a Gentle Detergent
Hot water might seem like it cleans better, but it’s actually terrible for sweatshirts. It:
- Weakens fibers → makes them rough
- Causes fading → goodbye, vibrant colors
- Increases pilling → those annoying little fabric balls
The Right Way to Wash:
- Cold water only (even if the care label says warm).
- Mild, liquid detergent (powder doesn’t always dissolve fully, leaving residue).
- Gentle cycle (less agitation = less wear and tear).
Avoid: Harsh detergents with bleach or enzymes—they strip softness over time.
3. Skip Fabric Softener (Try This Genius Hack Instead!)
Fabric softener seems like a good idea, but it actually coats fabrics in a waxy film that builds up over time, making them stiff and less breathable.
Better Alternatives:
- ½ cup white vinegar in the rinse cycle – Softens fabrics naturally, removes detergent buildup, and eliminates odors. (No, your sweatshirt won’t smell like vinegar!)
- Wool dryer balls – Helps fluff fabric without chemicals (and reduces drying time!).
- Baking soda soak – For extra-soft results, soak your sweatshirt in cold water with ½ cup baking soda before washing.
4. Air Dry or Use Low Heat (Never High Heat!)
The dryer is the #1 enemy of soft sweatshirts. High heat:
- Shrinks fabric (RIP, favorite hoodie)
- Makes fibers stiff and rough
- Causes pilling and fading
Drying the Right Way:
- Air dry flat or on a drying rack (best option!).
- If using a dryer:
Cool or low-heat setting only
Remove while slightly damp to prevent over-drying
Tumble with dryer balls for extra softness
Pro Tip: Never hang a wet sweatshirt—it can stretch out the neckline and shoulders.
5. Wash Inside Out (Game-Changer!)
Turning your sweatshirt inside out before washing protects the outer fabric from:
- Friction (which causes pilling)
- Fading from detergent
- Snags from zippers/buttons in the wash
- This one simple trick keeps the outside looking newer and softer for longer.
6. Don’t Overload the Washing Machine
Stuffing too many clothes in means:
- Less water circulation → uneven cleaning
- More friction → more pilling
- Extra stress on seams → faster wear and tear
Ideal Load Size:
- Leave enough space for your sweatshirt to move freely.
- If in doubt, wash similar fabrics together (e.g., sweatshirts with towels = bad idea).
7. Hand Wash Delicate or Vintage Sweatshirts
If your sweatshirt is:
- Vintage (older fabrics are more fragile)
- High-end or designer (better safe than sorry)
- Embellished with prints, embroidery, or delicate details
How to Hand Wash:
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water + a small amount of mild detergent.
- Soak for 10-15 minutes, gently swishing.
- Rinse with cold water.
- Press out water (no wringing!).
- Lay flat to dry on a towel.
Bonus: How to Revive an Already-Stiff Sweatshirt
If your sweatshirt has already lost its softness, try this:
- Soak in cold water + 1 cup white vinegar for 30 mins.
- Wash as usual (cold water, gentle cycle).
- Air dry with a few dryer balls to fluff it up.
Final Thoughts:
By following these simple steps, your sweatshirts will stay just as cozy as the day you got them. Ditch the dryer, switch to vinegar, and wash with care—your favorite hoodie will thank you!
Got a favorite sweatshirt-saving hack? Share it in the comments! 👇💙