Hoodie Care Ireland: How to Wash, Dry, and Keep Your Hoodie Lasting

When you live in Ireland, a hoodie, a practical, everyday layer built for rain, wind, and chilly mornings. Also known as a sweatshirt with a hood, it’s not just casual wear—it’s essential gear for walking the dog, commuting to work, or waiting for the bus in Galway. A good hoodie lasts years if you treat it right, but wash it wrong, and it shrinks, fades, or loses its softness in just a few cycles.

Most people in Ireland treat their hoodies like regular clothes, tossing them in with towels or using hot water because it feels like it cleans better. But that’s exactly what ruins them. The fabric—usually cotton-polyester blend or fleece—doesn’t handle heat well. Hot water makes the fibers shrink and the drawstrings tighten until they snap. Drying it on high heat? That’s how your favorite hoodie turns into a child’s size. Instead, cold water and a gentle cycle are all you need. Skip the fabric softener—it clogs the fibers and traps moisture, which is the last thing you want in Ireland’s damp weather.

And drying? Never put it in the tumble dryer unless you want to say goodbye. Lay it flat on a towel, reshape the hood, and let it air dry in a room with good airflow. If you hang it, use a wide hanger so the shoulders don’t stretch. A radiator? Avoid it. The heat dries the outside fast but leaves the inside damp, which invites mildew. And mildew in a hoodie? That smell won’t wash out. If you’re in a hurry, use a fan to speed things up. It’s slower than the dryer, but your hoodie will thank you.

What about stains? A coffee spill or mud splatter doesn’t mean tossing it. Dab it with cold water and a drop of mild detergent. Let it sit for ten minutes, then rinse. Don’t scrub hard—that frays the fabric. For odors, sprinkle baking soda inside, leave it overnight, then shake it out. No need to wash every time you wear it. In Ireland, where you’re often wearing your hoodie indoors and out, airing it between uses keeps it fresher and cuts down on laundry.

Storage matters too. Don’t cram it into a tight drawer. Fold it neatly or hang it loosely. If you’re storing it for summer, put it in a cotton bag—not plastic. Plastic traps moisture, and Ireland’s humidity doesn’t care if it’s June. A mothball? Not needed. Hoodies aren’t wool. Just keep them dry and clean.

You’ll notice most of the posts here focus on how Irish people actually wear their gear—not just what it’s called, but how it survives the weather. The hoodie isn’t just sportswear here; it’s part of daily life. That’s why knowing how to care for it isn’t about fashion—it’s about function. You don’t need expensive products or special tools. Just the right habits.

Below, you’ll find real advice from Irish runners, walkers, and everyday people who’ve learned the hard way what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to keeping their hoodies in one piece. From washing tips that beat the damp to brands that hold up after years of Irish winters, this collection is built for people who want their gear to last, not just look good for a week.