Quality thermal wear is an investment—and with the right care, it will reward you with years of cosy comfort. This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your thermals in peak condition, whether they're for adults or kids.
⚡ Quick Care Reference
Wash Cold
(30°C max)
Gentle
Cycle
Turn
Inside Out
Low Heat
Dry
🧺 Washing Your Thermals
Before You Wash
- Turn inside out — This protects the outer surface from friction and pilling
- Close any zips — Open zips can snag and damage fabric
- Check pockets — Especially for kids' thermals (you'd be surprised what ends up in there!)
- Separate colours — Wash darks with darks, lights with lights, especially for the first few washes
Machine Washing
Hot water can cause shrinkage and damage fibres
Reduces friction that causes pilling
Avoid powder detergents which can leave residue
❌ What NOT to Use
- Fabric softener — Coats fibres and reduces warmth retention
- Bleach — Damages fabric and can cause discolouration
- Harsh stain removers — Can break down thermal properties
- Dry cleaning chemicals — Too harsh for thermal fabrics
🌀 Drying Your Thermals
How you dry your thermals is just as important as how you wash them. Here are your options, ranked from best to acceptable:
🥇 Best: Lay Flat to Dry
Maintains shape perfectly. Lay on a clean towel away from direct sunlight. Flip halfway through.
🥈 Good: Line Dry (Shade)
Hang on a broad hanger or drying rack. Keep out of direct sunlight which can fade colours.
🥉 Acceptable: Tumble Dry LOW
If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting. Remove while slightly damp and lay flat to finish.
❌ Avoid: High Heat
High heat causes shrinkage, damages fibres, and reduces the thermal properties of the fabric.
🔥 Ironing (Usually Not Needed!)
Good news: Quality thermals rarely need ironing. If you do need to remove wrinkles:
- Use the lowest heat setting
- Always use a pressing cloth between the iron and fabric
- Steam is gentler than direct heat—try a steamer if available
- Hang in the bathroom during a hot shower—steam releases most wrinkles naturally
📦 Storing Your Thermals
During the Season
- Fold, don't hang — Hanging can stretch shoulder areas over time
- Store in a drawer or on a shelf
- Keep away from direct sunlight
Off-Season Storage
- Wash before storing — Body oils and dirt can attract moths and cause yellowing
- Store in a breathable cotton bag or container
- Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets (natural moth deterrents)
- Avoid plastic bags which trap moisture
👶 Special Care Tips for Kids' Thermals
Kids' thermals face extra challenges—food spills, playground adventures, and frequent washing. Here's how to keep them going strong:
🍫 Stain Removal
Treat stains immediately with cold water. For stubborn stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water, let sit for 30 minutes, then wash as normal.
🏃 High-Activity Odours
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. It neutralises odours naturally without leaving a smell.
📏 Maintaining Size
Kids' thermals need to fit well to work properly. Always follow cold wash/low dry guidelines to prevent shrinkage.
🔧 Troubleshooting Common Issues
My thermals have pilled—how do I fix it?
Use a fabric shaver or sweater stone to gently remove pills. To prevent future pilling: wash inside out, use a gentle cycle, and avoid overloading the machine.
My thermals shrunk—can I fix them?
Try soaking in lukewarm water with hair conditioner for 30 minutes, then gently stretch back to shape while damp. Lay flat to dry. Prevention is key—always wash cold!
My white/light thermals have yellowed
Soak in a mixture of cold water and oxygen-based bleach (not chlorine!) for a few hours. The yellowing is usually from body oils, so wash more frequently during heavy use.
My thermals don't seem as warm anymore
Fabric softener buildup can reduce insulating properties. Wash with white vinegar (no detergent) to strip the buildup, then wash normally. Avoid fabric softener going forward.
Time for New Thermals?
If your old thermals have seen better days, explore our collection of premium cotton-blend thermals for the whole family.
Written by the ComfyTherms Team • Last updated January 2026