When it comes time to wash your Burrow Hoodie, firstly make sure it’s actually dirty! Frequent washing will shorten the lifespan of your hoodie over time and increase the shed of microplastics, meaning it’s best to only wash it if it’s visibly dirty or smells like it may be ready for a bath. When washing, it is best to use the coldest water available and a mild detergent. Hot water washing deteriorates fleece and will make it more prone to pilling. When it comes time to dry, electing for the clothes rack over the dryer will greatly reduce the likelihood of pilling, and save energy! Going for the clothes line is a good choice as well, but be aware that it may stretch the fleece without enough hanging support. Using a low tumble dry setting is okay, but any amount of time in the dryer does increase the chance of pilling.  

Since fleece is a form of plastic, we think it is important to be aware of the fact that it does shed plastic microfibers. The friction from washing fleece is one of the main ways that fibers shed and in turn enter our water and ecosystems. Other than washing only when necessary, there are a variety of other steps that may be taken to help reduce the release of microfibers such as running full loads of wash to limit friction, only using cold water, installing a filter in the washer’s drain line and using a laundry ball.