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Follow these expert tips to restore your winter coats.
At this point of winter, you likely have a coat rotation locked. Even for those who live in warmer cities, winter nights require cozy outerwear to combat the inevitable chill in the air. With such frequent use, your winter coats will need a thorough cleaning by the end of the season, if not sooner.
Most care labels will give you some general instructions on how to wash your coat. However, having a little more guidance doesn’t hurt, especially if you plan to preserve your coat for multiple seasons. Whether you’re hand washing your coat or tossing it in the washing machine, proper steps are still needed to make sure it stays looking brand new. Do you wash a winter coat in hot or cold water? Does the type of detergent you use matter? Is it safe to put a coat in the dryer?
We tapped Rechelle Balanzat, the founder and CEO of the New York-based laundry service Juliette, and Wendy Saladyga, fabric care expert and manager of technical performance at Henkel for Persil, to share their tips on how to properly wash winter coats. Ahead, find a full breakdown of how to clean a winter coat before putting it away for the year.
How Often to Wash a Winter Coat
Balanzat and Saladyga recommend washing your winter coat at least once every season. This will help remove any dirt or odors from the coat and prolong its longevity. “Regular cleaning prevents material breakdown and keeps the coat looking fresh,” says Balanzat.
For coats that are made of fleece or durable fabric, Saladyga suggests “washing it more often to manage odors and stains.” Balanzat says you’ll also want to wash coats that are worn daily roughly every two to three months to maintain their freshness.
What Is the Safest Way to Wash a Winter Coat?
Before deciding on a wash method, you should always consult the care label for how to properly clean your coat. It will let you know whether it’s possible to machine wash the garment or if it requires a more delicate cleaning method. Balanzat says that in most cases hand washing or professional dry cleaning are the safest ways to clean a winter coat.
“These methods are gentle and reduce the risk of damage to the coat’s structure, fabric, or insulation,” she explains. “However, understanding your coat’s material is crucial, as different fabrics require specific care."
How to Care for Wool Coats
Saladyga says that when it comes to wool coats “it’s important to determine if it’s washable or dry-clean only, as washing non-washable wool can lead to irreversible shrinkage.” To protect the wool, Balanzat recommends dry cleaning your coat or hand washing it in cold water with wool-specific detergent.
How to Care for Synthetic Fabric Coats
Synthetic coats made of fabrics like polyester or Nylon can be placed in the washing machine. However, Balanzat still recommends using a gentle cycle and mild detergent because while synthetic fabrics are more durable they “can lose waterproofing if washed too harshly.”
How to Care for Leather Coats
Saladyga and Balanzat both say that leather coats require specialty treatment to avoid any damage. Rather than trying to clean a leather coat yourself, Balanzat suggests spot-cleaning the garment or taking it to a leather specialist as “water can cause discoloration or cracking.”
How to Hand Wash a Winter Coat
If your winter coat requires hand washing, there are a few steps you should follow to thoroughly clean your garment without causing any damage.
Balanzat suggests starting by inspecting your coat for any stains and spot-treating them with a mixture of detergent and water by gently dabbing the solution into the area with a soft sponge or cloth. Fill a basin with lukewarm water, unless otherwise specified on the care label, and add in detergent. As the container fills, fasten the zippers and buttons on your coat to prevent snags or stretching.
Once the detergent dissolves, fully submerge your coat in the water and gently swish it around. “Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can harm the fabric or padding,” Balanzat advises. Drain the basin and refill it with lukewarm water. Swish the coat around in the water for a second time to rinse out any detergent residue. Repeat the last two steps until the water is clear.
Then, Balanzat says to carefully lift the coat out of the water by “supporting its weight to avoid any stretching.” Lay it flat on a towel and roll the towel tightly to absorb any excess water.
How to Machine Wash a Winter Coat
Once you’ve double-checked the care label on your coat to confirm it’s machine washable, Saladyga and Balanzat recommend pre-treating any stains with a gentle detergent or a stain remover. Let the treatment sit for 10 to 15 minutes before washing. Then, empty coat pockets, close zippers, fasten buttons, secure any Velcro, and turn the garment inside out.
When the coat is ready for the machine, Saladyga and Balanzat recommend selecting a gentle or delicate cycle on the machine with cold water to prevent any shrinking or damage to the fabric. Don’t forget to also use a low spin speed to reduce wear and tear on the fabric before adding a mild detergent made for the coat’s material.
While you can wash your coat by itself, Balanzat says you can also add in a few lightweight items if you want to balance the load. She also suggests avoiding fabric softeners as “they can coat synthetic fibers and reduce breathability or waterproofing.” After the wash cycle is complete, inspect your coat for detergent residue. If there is any soap left on the garment, run an extra rinse cycle to remove it.
How to Dry a Winter Coat
No matter what washing method you use, Saladyga and Balanzat recommend laying your coat flat to dry in a well-ventilated area. “Air drying minimizes the risk of shrinking, fabric damage, or loss of waterproofing,” says Balanzat. Then, smooth out any wrinkles to help protect the garment’s shape. Make sure to also place the coat away from any direct sunlight to prevent fading. Once the coat is fully dry, Saladyga suggests hanging it up “to help preserve the coat’s shape.”
In some cases, tumble drying is a safe option. If the label on your coat suggests this drying method, Balanzat says to set the dryer to low heat or none at all to avoid overheating. She also suggests adding clean tennis balls or dryer balls for any insulated coats to help redistribute and fluff the insulation. Check the coat periodically to ensure even drying.
How to Store a Winter Coat
When putting winter coats away for the year, there are some important steps to follow to preserve their freshness. Saladyga and Balanzat recommend double-checking your coat to ensure there are no missed stains or wet spots before putting it away. “Dirt and oils can attract pests and cause discoloration during storage,” says Balanzat while moisture can lead to mildew or odors.
After your coat is completely dry, place it in a cotton or canvas garment bag on a padded hanger. Balanzat says these precautions will help maintain the shape of your coat while protecting it from dust and pests. In the case of puffer coats, fold them loosely before placing them in a storage box to avoid compressing the insulation.
Store your coats in a cool, dry, and dark place with moth repellants to further protect your garments, occasionally inspecting the area for damage. Balanzat recommends taking your coat out a few weeks before winter starts again to air it out and assess for any repairs.
How to Spot Clean a Winter Coat
Since most winter coats will only be washed once a season, there will be moments when spot cleaning is necessary. Balanzat says you should clean stains as soon they appear as they will be easier to remove and are less likely to set into the fabric.
For most stains, Balanzat recommends using a mild detergent mixed with water. However, peskier stains will require slightly different cleaning solutions. She suggests dish soap for oil or grease stains, rubbing alcohol for ink or makeup stains, and a water and white vinegar mixture for salt stains. Once you’ve identified the right cleaning solution, Balanzat suggests testing it on a hidden area of your coat “to check for colorfastness and fabric reaction.”
If the solution is safe, blot the stain with a cloth or sponge to help lift the stain without spreading it. “Avoid rubbing, which can damage the fabric or embed the stain further,” Balanzat advises. Use a damp cloth to remove any cleaning solution residue. Allow the freshly cleaned spot to air dry completely.
When Should You Dry Clean a Winter Coat?
If the care label on your winter coat says “dry clean only,” Saladyga and Balanzat advise you to adhere to the instructions to prevent damaging the garment. Most coats made of luxe materials, such as velvet or cashmere, or feature intricate detailing will likely require a trip to the dry cleaners.
Balanzat also recommends dry cleaning a coat if it “has significant stains, odors, or soiling that cannot be treated with spot cleaning or machine washing.” Dry cleaners will have the proper equipment and cleaning solutions to remove deep stains without damaging the coat fabric.
However, Balanzat says you should “save dry cleaning for when it’s truly necessary” as frequently dry cleaning a coat “can weaken certain fabrics over time due to the solvents used.”