How to Wash and Care for a Fleece Dog Coat
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A well-made fleece dog coat should last for years - but only with the right care. Follow this simple guide to keep your Hugo and Ted fleece looking and feeling its best, wash after wash.
Why Proper Care Matters
Fleece is a hardworking fabric - warm, lightweight, and quick-drying - but it can pill, lose its shape, or shed fibres if washed incorrectly. Taking a few extra minutes to care for your dog's coat properly will preserve the fabric, the fit, and the finish for much longer.
Before You Wash
Check the care label first: Every Hugo and Ted garment includes a care label with specific instructions for that fabric and construction. When in doubt, follow the label over any general guidance.
Remove loose debris: Give the coat a good shake outdoors to remove mud, hair, and loose dirt before it goes in the machine. A lint roller or soft brush can help with stubborn pet hair.
Turn it inside out: This protects the outer surface of the fleece and reduces pilling during the wash cycle.
Machine Washing
Fleece dog coats can generally be machine washed, but a few settings make a significant difference:
- Temperature: Use a cool or cold wash - 30°C is ideal. High temperatures can damage fleece fibres and cause shrinkage.
- Spin speed: Choose a low spin speed (800rpm or less). High spin speeds stress the fabric and can distort the shape.
- Cycle: A gentle or delicate cycle is best. Avoid heavy-duty cycles.
- Detergent: Avoid powder detergents, fabric softeners, and conditioners - these coat the fibres and reduce the fleece's natural breathability and warmth.
Tip: Wash your dog's coat separately from items with zips, Velcro, or rough textures that can snag the fleece.
Hand Washing
For particularly delicate pieces or embellishments, hand washing is the safest option.
- Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of mild liquid detergent.
- Submerge the coat and gently agitate - don't scrub or wring.
- Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Press out excess water gently - never twist or wring the fabric.
Drying
Always air dry: Lay the coat flat on a clean towel or a drying rack, reshaping it gently while damp. Avoid hanging fleece to dry as the weight of the wet fabric can stretch it out of shape.
Keep away from direct heat: Radiators, tumble dryers, and direct sunlight can all damage fleece fibres, cause shrinkage, and fade colours. If you need to speed up drying, a fan or well-ventilated room works well.
Tip: Never tumble dry a Hugo and Ted fleece unless the care label specifically says it's safe to do so.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains
For mud and outdoor stains, allow the mud to dry completely before brushing it off - trying to clean wet mud often pushes it deeper into the fibres. Then spot-treat with a small amount of mild detergent and cool water before washing as normal.
For grease or oil-based stains, apply a small amount of washing-up liquid directly to the stain, leave for five minutes, then rinse with cool water before machine washing.
Keeping Fleece Looking Its Best
Over time, fleece can develop small pills (bobbles) on the surface - this is normal and doesn't affect performance. A fabric shaver (also called a lint shaver or bobble remover) will restore the surface quickly and is well worth having if your dog wears fleece regularly.
Store clean, dry fleece coats folded rather than hung to maintain their shape between wears.
When to Replace
A well-cared-for Hugo and Ted fleece should last several years. Signs it may be time for a new one include: persistent odour that doesn't wash out, significant pilling across the whole surface, loss of shape that can't be restored, or worn-through areas at points of friction (chest, elbows).
Browse our Dog Fleeces and Jumpers collection for the full current range.
Hugo and Ted: handcrafted dog clothing, made in Britain.