Okay, I don’t know about you but I have no idea how to take care of anything I own lol. I feel like I missed a whole section of school on how to cook, clean and do your laundry, or maybe they just don’t teach home ec anymore and we’re all supposed to be learning from Google? I know my mom probably tried to teach me key life skills, but I obviously did not pay attention. I was too busy impertinently telling her how I was going to be so rich and succesful that I would hire a chef, made, etc. to deal with all the mundane tasks of life. But my point, other than that I was an obnoxious child, is that while I’ve figured out laundry (for the most part), I don’t know how to clean certain items in my closet still —namely how to clean your coats.
Coats are hard because they do get dirty but they are made of special materials or have fur or leather attachments and it’s hard to know the best way to clean them and how often. Truth be told, I don’t wash my coats that often and I mostly dry clean them and leave it to the pros, but even then, some may not be suitable for dry cleaning. Bottom line: I’m realizing some of my coats could use a cleaning and I have no idea how often I should be cleaning my coats or the best way to do so. I know I’m probably not alone in this confusion, so I did a lot of research on how to clean your coats, and I’ve got expert tips and information below.
First and foremost, you need to read the label on the coat that will tell you what you can and cannot do. Different fabrics require different care, but coats aren’t cheap and you want to listen to what the manufacturer is telling you on this one, or chances are your coat will get ruined.
According to The Laundress, “If there are non-removable leather or fur attachments, heavy structuring or paneling, or if the item contains real fur or hide, it’s best to gently spot-treat or steam clean.”
On the other hand, if they don’t contain the above, the Laundress says the following types of coats can be hand washed:
- Down, fiberfill, and synthetic puffer coats & vests
- “Shackets”
- Fleeces
- Teddy coats
- Trench coats
- Denim jackets
- Wool coats and jackets
- Faux fur coats and vests
From there, here are the best tips for how to wash your coats:
Read Care Labels: As I mentioned, but I’m going to say it again, because this is one of those instances where the instructions aren’t guidelines or suggestions. Check the care labels on your coat for specific instructions. Different materials require different cleaning methods.
Spot Clean: For small stains, use a damp cloth or sponge with mild soap to spot clean the affected area. Gently rub the stain in a circular motion and then wipe away any soap residue. Personally, I always start with a baby wipe. In fact, the answer to how to clean your coats could just be to use a Water Wipe. But for more stubborn stains, I’ll use a little Dawn soap and water on a sponge or wash cloth (PS: Dawn Soap gets anything out).
Dry Clean: The majority of coats, especially ones made of wool, cashmere, or other delicate fabrics, are often labeled as “dry clean only.” Take them to a professional dry cleaner to maintain their quality. This is one of those cases, where you don’t want to mess around.
Machine Wash: Some coats, especially those made of durable fabrics like denim or certain synthetic materials, may be machine washable. Make sure to check the care label and follow the recommended washing instructions. If you’re washing a puffer coat, make sure to toss a tennis ball in the dryer with it to help it regain its fluffy shape.
Hand Wash: If the instructions recommend hand-washing, fill your tub (or sink if it’s large enough) with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Soak the coat for a short time. Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess water. Make sure to use a super mild detergent. Avoid wringing out the coat to dry it, as this can distort its shape. Instead, gently press out excess water and reshape the coat. Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel to air dry. Avoid hanging heavy coats, as this can cause them to lose their shape.
Brush: This is a tip I had never heard for how to clean your coats but totally makes sense. For wool or fur coats, use a soft brush to remove lint, dust, and surface dirt. Brush in the direction of the fabric’s nap to avoid damaging the fibers.
Steam: For furs and vintage coats that you don’t want to ruin or ones with heavy embellishments, a good steam can do wonders and is a great route although I would definitely recommend taking to a professional for a good cleaning after a lot of wears.
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