Care guide
Washing and Storing a Bodywarmer: The Complete Guide
A bodywarmer lasts for years if you wash and store it properly. This applies to every type: fleece, softshell or quilted. If you own the heated version, a few extra steps apply, further down this page.
Washing instructions by material
Always check the care label in your bodywarmer first: it takes priority. The advice below is general guidance per material type.
| Material | Washing advice |
|---|---|
| Fleece | Wash cold to 30°C, mild detergent, no fabric softener (it reduces moisture-wicking), do not bleach. |
| Softshell | Wash inside out with zips closed, cold to 30°C, no fabric softener, do not bleach. |
| Quilted | Wash in a laundry bag to protect the filling, cold to 30°C, do not bleach, use a gentle cycle. |
For all materials: never tumble dry. Heat can clump the filling or damage the outer layer. Let your bodywarmer air dry, out of direct sunlight and away from a hot radiator.
Removing stains
Treat a stain as soon as possible. Dab rather than rub, so it doesn't spread further into the fabric. Use a mild detergent or a stain remover suited to the material, and test it on an inconspicuous spot first.
Then wash the bodywarmer as usual, following the material's washing instructions. Let it dry fully before wearing or storing it again: leftover moisture can start to smell or cause mould.
Seasonal storage
Always wash your bodywarmer before storing it for a longer period. Invisible sweat or dirt attracts moths, even if the bodywarmer looks clean.
Use lavender sachets or mothballs in your storage space, especially for quilted styles. Store your bodywarmer in a breathable fabric bag rather than an airtight vacuum bag: prolonged compression can flatten the filling, reducing its insulation.
Light fleece or softshell styles can be stored on a wide hanger to keep their shape. Quilted bodywarmers are better stored loosely folded, so the filling isn't permanently compressed along a hanger's fold line. In all cases, store dry and out of direct sunlight.
Have a heated Gløde bodywarmer?
A heated bodywarmer involves a few extra steps, such as removing the power bank before washing. See the separate care guide washing and maintaining a heated bodywarmer for the full explanation.
