When the weather turns cold, you're going to reach for your cozy polyester fleece pajamas to tame the chill. Ever notice how these tend to pill or turn threadbare after you wash them? A number of factors can shorten the life of your favorite PJs, such as heat, storage method, and type of detergent.

One maker of microfleece thermal underwear suggests washing in cold water and avoiding liquid detergents, including fabric softeners as these may cause the polyester to deteriorate. High heat will also have such an effect. Line dry whenever possible or remove the garment from the dryer before it is completely dry and hang it over the bathtub or clothesline.

Turning the garment inside out when washing will also preserve the quality. Use warm water wash setting if the instructions suggest or to remove a stain.

The soles of the footed sleeper pajamas can be cleaned up by hand using "Simple Green." Simply dampen the area and spray on the product. Wait several minutes, then rinse under the tap and hang out to dry. It's that simple.

Store your polyester loungewear/sleepwear in a cool, dry area and away from high heat and direct sunlight.