Do you have to wash fleece before you use it?

[conwc002]

My fleece has just been delivered so i am now ready to put my 2 girls into their new c&c cage but do i have to wash it first?
I'm just so eager to see what they think of it

 

[i-love-pigs]

You need to wash it first or it will not be absorbant - I know cos I didn't wash it first and had a soggy sheltie to show for it rolleyes

 

[Wiebke]

You have to wash it at least 2-3 times before use, or your girl will sit in their own pee!

You need to always wash fleece withour softeners to make sure that it wicks away any surface fluids. It is advisable to shake out your fleece very well before and after putting it into a washing machine and remove any big bits of hay that are sticking to the fleece. If it's not your own washing machine, you'd best put your fleeces in an old duvet cover, so hay and hair cannot clog up the filters and mess up the drum for the next user.

 

[conwc002]

oohh i guess I'm goin to have to wait before i introduce them to their new cage then
What about the incontinence pads do they need to be washed before?

 

[conwc002]

what type of wash should i put it on if its the first time?

 

[chocco slave]

you need to wash it a few times but make sure you dont use fabric conditioner as it makes the fleece less absorbant. I just wash it a few times on eco 30.
I didnt wash my inco pads and they were fine.

 

[Wiebke]

I wash fleece usually on 40 C unless it is very soiled. You can wash it on 60 C without problems if necessary.