Regular Fleece

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Pigglywink's Rachel

Hi everyone... I went and bought some fleece yesterday (for when I get the new guinea pigs on Saturday), and I've given it one wash already. But I noticed that when I dripped some water on it, the water just sat on the surface, rather than wicking through. It's regular fleece that's used for making baby blankets, etc., and just wondering what I could to improve the moisture flow through the material.
 
Pigglywink's Rachel said:
Hi everyone... I went and bought some fleece yesterday (for when I get the new guinea pigs on Saturday), and I've given it one wash already. But I noticed that when I dripped some water on it, the water just sat on the surface, rather than wicking through. It's regular fleece that's used for making baby blankets, etc., and just wondering what I could to improve the moisture flow through the material.
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Did you use fabric softener? If so this acts as a barrier, if not then i'd try washing it again & see if it works. I usually wash mine twice before first use :)
 
also,wash at the highest temperature possible, that will make it shrink, but it wont shrink again! then you'll know how big it will stay, plus it'll start the wicking process. i agree,deffo wash twice before use and never use conditioner x
 
stargrrlclaire said:
also,wash at the highest temperature possible, that will make it shrink, but it wont shrink again! then you'll know how big it will stay, plus it'll start the wicking process. i agree,deffo wash twice before use and never use conditioner x
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you shouldnt have to do this as washing at 40 is fine! never use conditioner as everyone else said though
 
Well, I live in an apartment, where I have to pay a fair amount per load of laundry, but I put it through once with Tide Free detergent. Just now asked one of my friends if she could take it home and put it through her machine a few times (without soap) to see if that helps. Knew not to use the conditioner, but thanks to everyone for the tips.
 
that sounds like a good plan, its just because its new - after that, it will be fine! x
 
Pigglywink's Rachel said:
It's regular fleece that's used for making baby blankets, etc., and just wondering what I could to improve the moisture flow through the material.
Click to expand...

Before you use your Fleece for the first time, you need to make sure it has been through at least 4 wash cycles. This will get rid of any residual dressing and carton staining left in the fabric which is a vital step before the Fleece is used and gets anywhere near the Piggies skin. And as said don't use Fabric Softener!

When you've finished washing the Fleece lay it over a towel, and try the water test again, hopefully this time you will be able to see the water disappear :)

Do you know what weight the Fleece is? If it's for piggy bedding it needs be at least 350gsm, this weight is usually referred to as Polar Fleece. The one to avoid using is Micro Fleece as this tends to be 250gsm+ which just isn't up to the job of keeping the Piggies dry, it's also much easier to nibble and destroy!

Hope this helps :)
 
I've no idea what particular type of fleece it is, except that it was the heaviest I could find in the fabric store (besides the upholstery fleece). It's a stop gap measure to be used until I can afford the Pro-Fleece, which I'm hoping to get sometime in the next two to three months. I've currently laid out the cage with a fairly thick layer of newspaper, covered by two big towels (they were on sale, so got four of them total), and then the fleece on top of that. Well, the fleece will be on top once I get it back from my friend after washing.
 
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