Your Milwaukee heated hoodie is a smart buy. It keeps you warm on cold job sites and outdoor trips. But after a few hard days, it needs cleaning. Many owners ask: how do you wash clothes with wires in them? We work with over 1000 clothing brands around the world. We know how important proper care is for technical clothes. This guide shows you exactly how to wash your Milwaukee heated hoodie without damage.
Key Points
- Always Remove Power: Before washing, you must take out both the M12™ battery and the battery controller.
- Use Gentle Settings: Machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and mild liquid soap. Never use hot water.
- No Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach or fabric softeners. These can damage the heating parts and fabric.
- Do Not Wring: Never twist or wring the hoodie. This is the top cause of damaging the inside wiring.
- Dry on Low Heat: Tumble drying on low heat or air drying the hoodie flat or on a hanger is the safest way.
Can You Really Wash It?
Yes, you can and should wash your Milwaukee heated hoodie. The manufacturer designed it to be safe in washers and dryers. Washing keeps it clean and helps the fabric work its best.
The whole process focuses on one key rule: protect the electronics. The carbon fiber heating parts and their connections are strong but not unbreakable.
By following specific steps, you can safely clean your hoodie while protecting its heating system. The main goals are to remove the power source and use gentle methods. This avoids stress on the inside parts.
The Must-Do 4-Step Prep
Before your hoodie goes near water, you must complete these four steps. Skipping this prep is the surest way to damage your gear.
-
Take Out the Power Source. This is the most crucial part. First, unplug the M12™ battery pack from the controller. Then, remove the battery controller from its pocket. You must remove both parts. Never wash the hoodie with the battery or controller inside.
-
Secure the Power Cord. After removing the controller, find the power cord inside the pocket. Push this cord all the way back into the pocket. Zip the pocket closed tight. This prevents the cord from catching or getting wet during washing.
-
Zip Up All Zippers and Close Pockets. Close the main front zipper and any other pocket zippers. This helps the hoodie keep its shape. It protects the zipper teeth and stops it from getting caught on other things in the wash.
-
Treat Stains First (Optional but Smart). For tough stains like grease or dirt, treat them first. Apply a small amount of mild liquid soap directly on the stain. Gently rub it with a soft cloth or brush. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing. This helps lift the stain without needing a harsh wash cycle.
Step-by-Step Washing Guide
Once your hoodie is ready, you have two safe ways to wash it. Machine washing is most common. Hand washing is even gentler.
Method 1: Machine Washing (Best Choice)
This is the simplest method, and the manufacturer approves it. Our steps match those given in Milwaukee’s official operator’s manual.
- Cycle: Use a Gentle or Delicate cycle. The slow spin and low movement protect the inside wiring.
- Water Heat: Use cold or warm water only. Never use hot water. It can weaken the glues holding the heating parts to the fabric.
- Soap: Use mild liquid soap. Powder soaps can sometimes leave behind residue.
Method 2: Hand Washing (Gentlest Choice)
If you want to be extra careful or the hoodie is only lightly dirty, hand washing is great. While machine washing is fine, some experts suggest hand washing for properly caring for heated jackets as the safest approach.
- Fill a sink or bowl with cool water.
- Add a small amount of mild liquid soap and mix it in.
- Put the hoodie in and gently squeeze the water through it.
- Let it soak for about 20-30 minutes.
- Drain the soapy water and rinse the hoodie with clean, cool water until all suds are gone.
- Gently squeeze out extra water. Do not wring or twist it.
Here is a quick comparison of the two methods:
| Feature | Machine Washing | Hand Washing |
|---|---|---|
| Ease | High | Low |
| Gentleness | Good (on delicate cycle) | Excellent |
| Time Needed | Low | Medium |
| Key “Don’ts” | No Bleach, No Softener, No Wringing | No Bleach, No Softener, No Wringing |
Why These Rules Matter
Knowing why these rules exist helps you protect your buy. With over ten years of team experience making clothes, we know that technical clothing needs specific care.
Harsh chemicals like bleach will break down the protective cover around the carbon fiber heating parts. They can also damage the cotton and polyester blend fibers. Fabric softeners are also bad. They leave behind a waxy coating on the fibers. This can reduce breathability and may mess with the heating system over time.
A gentle cycle is key because the inside wiring bends but isn’t unbreakable. The low-speed movement prevents sharp bends and stress that could break a connection.
The most important rule is to never wring out the hoodie. Wringing creates powerful twisting force. This force hits the grid-like heating parts and is most likely to snap a wire. This creates a break in the heating circuit. As an expert hoodie manufacturer, we design for strength. But proper user care is key for long life. The rules for protecting built-in electronics are similar to those for keeping technical fabrics and complex designs safe.
Drying Your Hoodie Right
Drying is just as important as washing. Using the wrong method or heat setting can shrink the clothing or damage the electronics.
Method 1: Machine Drying (The Official Way)
You can use a machine dryer, but you must follow one critical rule: use the Tumble Dry on Low Heat setting.
High heat is bad. It can shrink the hoodie and sometimes damage the cover on the inside wires. Using only low heat prevents this.
For better results, add a few wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls. They help fluff the fabric and can speed up drying time. Take out the hoodie as soon as the cycle ends to prevent wrinkles.
Method 2: Air Drying (The Safest Way)
Air drying is the most risk-free method. It guarantees no heat damage.
First, gently squeeze out any extra water. Remember not to wring it. Lay the hoodie flat on a clean, dry towel or hang it on a strong, padded hanger. Using a padded hanger helps prevent the shoulders from stretching out.
Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat sources like radiators. From our experience making over 300,000 clothes a month, we know that air drying is the gold standard for clothing life. It may take 24-48 hours, but it’s the best way to ensure zero risk to the heating system. Placing a fan in the room will help move air and speed up the process.
After-Wash Check & Problem Solving
After your hoodie is completely dry, do a quick check before using it again.
The After-Wash Checkup
This simple check makes sure everything is okay. We suggest a process like our own ‘5-Step Quality Control Protocol™’: look it over, feel for problems, and test function before full use.
Run your hands over the chest and back areas where the heating panels are. Feel for any new lumps, sharp kinks, or stiff spots in the wiring. A quick visual check is also smart.
Problem Solving Guide
-
Problem: My hoodie won’t turn on after washing.
- Fix: First, make sure the M12™ battery is fully charged. Second, check that the power cord is plugged tight into the controller. Finally, if you’re not sure, let the hoodie air dry for another 24 hours. The most common problem is a small amount of water left in the connector. This prevents a good connection.
-
Problem: I think I hear a rattling sound.
- Fix: This is very unlikely. However, if you hear something loose inside the fabric, do not use the hoodie. Contact Milwaukee support for help.
-
Problem: I accidentally washed it with the battery in it!
- Fix: Immediately remove the battery. Do NOT try to use it or charge it. Place the battery in a dry, well-aired area for several days to let it dry out completely. However, the safest thing to do is assume the battery is damaged and replace it. The hoodie itself will likely be fine once it is fully dried.
Common Questions: How to Wash Milwaukee Heated Hoodie
Can you put a Milwaukee heated hoodie in the dryer?
Yes, you can. Always use the low heat setting. High heat can damage the heating parts and shrink the fabric. Remove it quickly once it is dry to prevent wrinkles.
What kind of soap is best for a heated hoodie?
A mild liquid soap is the best choice. Avoid using bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh stain removers. These chemicals can degrade the wiring cover, damage the fabric, and decrease the hoodie’s performance.
How often should I wash my heated hoodie?
Wash it as needed based on use. If you wear it daily on a job site and sweat in it, wash it regularly to stay clean. For occasional use, you can spot-clean stains and air it out between wears. This reduces the number of full wash cycles.
Can I use a mesh laundry bag?
Yes. Using a large mesh laundry bag is a great idea. As noted in expert guides on caring for heated clothing, a bag gives extra protection against catching during the wash cycle.
Will washing my hoodie void the Milwaukee warranty?
No, it will not void the warranty as long as you follow the care steps printed on the tag and in the official manual. Damage caused by not following the steps—such as using bleach, high heat, or forgetting to remove the battery—may not be covered.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Gear in Top Shape
Washing your Milwaukee heated hoodie is simple and safe. The key is to follow the right steps: prepare it by removing the electronics, wash it gently, and dry it on low heat.
Proper care is the best way to make sure your buy lasts for many seasons to come. It will keep giving reliable warmth and comfort when you need it most.
As a company with a multi-generation background in the clothing industry, we at Clothing Manufacturer Ltd. believe that a well-cared-for piece of clothing is a long-lasting one. Using these rules will protect your high-tech clothing and ensure you get the most out of your gear.
