Basically its where water goes through the fleece and to an obsorbent layer. You'll need to wash the fleece about 3+ times. Make sure the fleece is 100 % polyester. Wash it with non scented detergent like all free and clear or tide free and clear. No fabric softener as that just puts a barrier back on the fleece. Which the whole purpose of washing it is to break down that barrier. Some people even put a bit of blue dawn dish soap (I use some with mine the first couple washes). After you wash it at least 3 times test a small portion. Place a small amount of water on top and if the water just puddles on top you need to keep washing it till it goes through. Also placing a towel underneath helps when you test it. Then once its ready you can dry it without fabric softener me personally I let my fleece air dry. Then for the obsorbent layer you can use uhaul pads or a couple layers of towels.