If there’s one winter essential you’ll keep repeating all winter, it’s a cozy jacket, but how do you wash it?
If you use these coats every day during the cold season, dirt and grime will accumulate quickly, so regular maintenance is required. However, different coats require different washing methods, so it’s important to approach cleaning carefully.
Here, we spoke to cleaning and laundry experts for cleaning tips to keep your winter jacket warm and in great condition all season long.
How to care for your winter jacket
1. Spot cleaning
(Image credit: Burbidge Kitchen Makers)
As a daily touch-up, the easiest way to refresh your winter jacket is by spot cleaning it. Ken Doty, COO of The Maids, explains: “Spot cleaning is a simple process. Take a clean cloth and dampen it with a cleaning solution of cold water and a mild detergent.”
For this, we recommend using the popular Woolite Delicates liquid laundry detergent available at Walmart. It is suitable for both hand and machine washing and protects the fabric from damage, fading, shrinking and stretching.
Doty continues, “Gently blot the stained area, working from the outside in to avoid spreading the stain.” Using a clean cloth dampened with just water (HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning available on Amazon) Rinse the area with a cloth, etc.). ”
2. Hand washing
(Image credit: Little Green)
If you check the laundry label on your jacket and it says “hand wash only,” it’s best to do so to maintain the condition of your coat, and it’s also a relatively safe option.
Start by filling a basin with cold water and adding a small amount of eco-friendly detergent, such as ECOS Plus liquid laundry detergent with stain-fighting enzymes, available at Walmart. Next, thoroughly soak the coat and rinse lightly in water to remove any significant dirt. If your cat has a large coat, you can also do this in the bath.
Vanessa Terra Bossart, owner of Green Terra Clothing, says, “Concentrate on the soiled area by gently scrubbing with your fingers, then rinse thoroughly with cold water until the detergent is removed.”
To remove excess water, carefully press out the water without squeezing or twisting. Cleaning expert Doty explains, “Excessive vigorous movement can damage the material and cause the coat to look unbalanced.” Rather than wringing it out, Doty recommends wrapping the jacket in a dry towel and rolling it up to remove any excess trapped moisture.
3. Machine wash
(Image source: Miele)
There are some things you should never put in the washing machine, but you can wash your coat in the washing machine if you check the washing label first.
Miele’s Sophie Lane recommends using liquid detergents, saying: “Liquid detergents are generally gentler on fabrics and dissolve better in water, reducing the risk of residues that can damage delicate fabrics. ”.
We recommend using the best-selling ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Stain Fighter liquid laundry detergent available at Walmart. It is formulated to thoroughly clean fibers, provide long-lasting freshness, and make your laundry smell great. However, when washing down coats, be sure to use detergent or consider dry cleaning to avoid damaging the coat’s functionality.
Avoid fabric softeners as they can also affect the functionality of your winter coat.
Importantly, if you need some guidance on your washing machine settings or are wondering whether you should wash your clothes in cold water, winter coats should always be washed at low temperatures. This is because it’s kinder to the fabric and a great way to save money. Save energy and reduce your carbon footprint when washing. For similar reasons, overloading the machine should also be avoided. This is because overloading can cause excessive friction and reduce cleaning efficiency. explains Lane.
Lane also recommends choosing a slow spin setting. She says, “High rotation speeds create friction that can damage delicate fibers.” Slower rotation cycles are gentler on these materials.
“Miele washing machines offer customizable spin settings for different fabric types, ensuring a gentle and effective wash.” They also have programs tailored to specific fabrics and clothing types. I am.
To restore the water repellency of your outdoor coat and maintain its effectiveness even in wet conditions, Lane suggests re-waterproofing the jacket after washing. For example, you can add a product to your washing machine like the Nikwax Hardshell Cleaning & Waterproofing Duo-Pack available on Amazon. Lane points out that Miele washing machines are offered with a special calibration program designed to reapply the water repellent treatment to outdoor laundry. Ensures functionality and protection of clothing. So, if you are looking to invest in the best washing machine, you may want to consider this.
4.Drying
(Image source: Miele)
How you dry your coat after washing depends on the material and type. Cleaning expert Tera Bossert points out that proper drying is important, as it can prevent damage and residual odors.
It’s usually safest to take advantage of air-drying your laundry, explains cleaning expert Doty. “When drying, your best bet is to let it dry naturally.” Hang your coat on a hanger or drying rack (like the bamboo Home-it wooden clothes drying rack available on Amazon) in a well-ventilated area, or hang your coat in a well-ventilated area. Lay flat on a drying rack and shape while wet to keep the coat in shape. shape.
Terra Bossart adds, “Avoid direct sunlight or heat drying as this can damage the fibers.”
You can also use the best clothes dryers to dry your winter jackets. This is suitable for puffy jackets such as down jackets and puffer jackets. Terra Bossart says, “Using a clean tennis ball and placing it in the dryer on a non-heat setting will restore fluff without sacrificing insulation.”
You can also use dryer balls, such as the #1 best-selling wool dryer balls on Amazon. This reduces wrinkles, static electricity, and saves drying time. If you choose to air-dry your down jacket instead, Doty recommends fluffing and rotating it regularly to prevent clumps as it dries.
5. Store
(Image credit: Sherwin Williams)
When choosing the right way to store your winter clothing, choosing the right location and storage style will help keep your jacket looking great for years to come. “If you store your coat properly, it will only increase its chances of lasting longer,” says cleaning expert Doty, who advises that coats are one item of clothing that should always be hung. .
For example, use a hanger that’s sturdy enough to support your weight and structure, such as the durable Utopia Home clothes hangers available on Amazon, or for lighter jackets, use the Whitmor padded hangers, also available on Amazon Use wide padded hangers such as . .
Cleaning expert Tera Bossert says, “For long-term storage, choose a breathable garment that keeps out dust without trapping moisture, such as the best-selling MISSLO 10-inch Gusseted All-Clear Garment Bag available on Amazon. Consider bags,” he adds, adding cedar chips or lavender sachets to naturally repel moths. Especially when storing wool jackets.
We recommend Dr. Killigan’s cedar planks that hang on the rail next to your coat at Walmart, or the #1 best-selling MYARO lavender scented sachets on Amazon.
Finally, Doty recommends hanging your jacket out to dry regularly when you get the chance, especially if it’s an item you don’t wear regularly.
FAQ
Should I wash my winter coat inside out?
Should I wash my clothes inside out? When it comes to winter jackets, the answer is yes. This is to protect the outside from fading and damage.
For fleece coats, this keeps the outside fluffy and smooth and also helps prevent wool products from fuzzing.
Avoid the washing mistake of filling the washing machine with too much water, the detergent and water inside the washing machine will circulate properly, effectively removing dirt, stains and odors.
How often should I clean my winter jacket?
How often you need to clean your winter jacket depends on how much you wear it, but it could be one of those things you don’t wash enough.
Spot-clean regularly if you find dirt, and aim to actually wash your coat at least once a season, or twice if you wear it regularly.
“Finding the balance between cleanliness and caring for delicate fabrics can be difficult, but once you find a routine, you’ll be ready to have your winter jacket ready for cold weather for years to come,” says Doty. I say.
Once you’re clean, learn how to organize your coat so you can always find what you’re looking for, even when you’re in a hurry.
