Can I put a hoodie in the dryer?

Yes, if the care label allows it, but use low heat. High heat can shrink the hoodie and damage prints.

Why is my hoodie getting fuzzy?

Fuzzing happens from friction, especially in areas that rub during wear and washing. It is normal and can usually be managed with a depilling comb or shaver.

Will washing a hoodie inside out really help?

Yes. It reduces surface abrasion, which helps preserve color, graphics, and the outer finish.

Can I use regular detergent on a hoodie?

Usually yes for cotton or cotton-blend hoodies, but keep it mild. For cashmere or other protein fibers, use a detergent without enzymes.

How to Wash a Hoodie

By Zach Pozniak, VP of Operations at Jeeves of Belgravia New York and fourth-generation dry cleaner · @jeeves_ny

Quick answer: Wash a hoodie inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, then air dry flat or use low heat. This helps prevent fading, cracking, shrinkage, and pilling.

How do I wash a hoodie without ruining it?

The safest way to wash a hoodie is to turn it inside out, use cold water, choose a gentle cycle, and dry it flat or on low heat. That helps protect the fabric, keep the shape, and reduce fading, cracking, and pilling.

Should I wash a hoodie inside out?

Yes. Turning a hoodie inside out protects the outer surface, especially if it has a graphic print, embroidery, or a brushed fleece finish. It also reduces friction, which helps prevent fuzz balls and premature wear.

What detergent should I use for a hoodie?

Use a mild detergent and avoid anything overly harsh if your hoodie is printed or made from a delicate knit blend. For specialty fibers like cashmere hoodies, use a detergent made for animal fibers with no enzymes.

How do I wash a hoodie step by step?

Turn it inside out. Zip it up if it has a zipper and check the care label.
Use cold water. Cold water is gentler on color and helps reduce shrinkage.
Select a gentle cycle. Keep the wash short and low-agitation.
Use mild detergent. Don’t overload the washer with extra soap.
Dry carefully. Air dry flat when possible, or tumble dry on low if the label allows it.

How do I keep a hoodie from fading and cracking?

Wash it less often when it is not visibly dirty, use cold water, and avoid high heat in the dryer. High heat and heavy agitation are the biggest reasons graphics fade, crack, and look worn out early.

How do I keep a hoodie from getting fuzzy?

Fuzz and pills are common on hoodies, especially on the inside and along high-friction areas. If pills appear, remove them with a depilling comb, fabric shaver, or gentle razor technique rather than pulling them off by hand.

When should I get a hoodie professionally cleaned?

If the hoodie is expensive, heavily printed, embellished, or made from a delicate fiber blend, professional cleaning can be the safer choice. It is also smart if the care label says dry clean only or if the garment has already shrunk or distorted.

What mistakes should I avoid when washing a hoodie?

Do not use hot water, do not use high dryer heat, and do not scrub the fabric aggressively. Rubbing and heat are what cause the most damage: pilling, shrinkage, and cracked graphics.

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About the author

Zach Pozniak is VP of Operations and co-owner of Jeeves of Belgravia New York, the Madison Avenue dry cleaner serving New York since 1979, and the fourth generation of his family in the trade. Zach posts garment care techniques as @jeeves_ny on TikTok to over 620,000 followers, and his book The Laundry Book, co-written with his father Jerry Pozniak, was featured on Good Morning America in October 2024. Jeeves NY's clients include the Metropolitan Opera, the Met Museum, and FIT, and the business has been profiled by The Wall Street Journal and New York Magazine.