Fluffer pro-tips

April 23, 2024 3:07 AM

I bought this Uniqlo polyester fleece in November. It's already thoroughly squidged in pressure areas. Is there any way of re-fluffing it, or is it a goner? A clothes brush doesn't penetrate.
posted by Klipspringer to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (7 answers total)

After washing (inside out, cold water, gentle cycle, small load) does it look any better or does it look the same?
posted by mekily at 6:54 AM on April 23

Best answer: According to the manufacturer (how to maintain): Turn the garment inside out before washing to reduce pilling. Select a gentle cycle if possible. Use a mild detergent. Do not use fabric softener so that your garment will stay fluffy!

I've also seen someone recover their fleece with a light spay with a mild fabric softener solution followed by clothes brushing.

Your fabric softener mileage may vary!
posted by london explorer girl at 6:57 AM on April 23

Response by poster: The times I've washed it (cool gentle cycle, small load, no softener) it hasn't come out looking better unfortunately.
posted by Klipspringer at 7:07 AM on April 23

Best answer: I would try slicker brush. I haven’t tried it on polyester fleece but it works well for matted sheepskin.
posted by onebyone at 7:43 AM on April 23 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Some sections of that could probably be fixed by carefully trimming the tops off, because that's where the fibres are meshed to each other.

The most matted sections, though, look bad all the way down. I'm not sure what you mean be a clothes brush, as there are a few types of them, but what you might have some success with is a brush with thin wires. They're sometimes advertised as for sheepskin rugs. They're also sold as de-matting brushes for animals.
posted by jacquilynne at 7:48 AM on April 23 [1 favorite]

Try tips for reviving shag floor mats, like: put ice cubes on the dented parts and let it melt out completely. Next, gently blot out the water using some paper napkins or towels. Ensure that all the water is absorbed and remember to do it gently. Otherwise, if you push, the flattened area will not fluff up. Once done absorbing the water, run a spoon against the mat in the opposite direction from where the fur is laying.
posted by Iris Gambol at 11:04 AM on April 23 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks all
posted by Klipspringer at 12:52 PM on April 23