How to Wash a Winter Coat: An Essential Step-by-Step Guide
A winter coat is a long-sleeved piece of cloth worn over other clothes during cold seasons to keep a person warm. It is designed to be water resistant and has multiple layers that help insulate against low temperatures.
Winter coats should be washed and kept clean, especially after wearing them. This will help preserve their appearance, insulation, and texture, keeping you warm and comfortable during cold seasons.
Materials Needed for Washing a Winter Coat
You need suitable washing materials to prevent fabric damage and effectively clean the winter coat. This includes:
- A mild detergent to maintain the delicate fibers, especially for coats like wool or down-filled coats.
- A stain remover treats or removes stains from the coat, especially around the cuffs and collar.
- A soft brush to remove dried dirt or stains.
Steps on How To Wash Your Winter Coat
Check the Care Label
Winter coats have care labels that provide detailed instructions on the best washing practices based on the coat’s material. For instance, wollen coats require hand washing or dry cleaning, while synthetic fabrics can withstand machine washing.
The care labels also have symbols that guide you through the appropriate washing techniques, water temperature, and whether to tumble dry or air dry the coat.
Pre-treating Stains and Dirt
Winter coat stains often accumulate in areas like the sleeves, pockets, and collars. Before washing the coat, retreat these areas with stain removers like Vanish. Gently apply the stain remover to the stained areas, soak it for 10 minutes, and use a soft brush to work it into the fabric to loosen the dirt.
Preparing The Coat For Washing
To minimize wear and tear during washing, zip up all the zippers and loosen all the coat buttons. This will help maintain the coat’s shape during washing and prevent parts from snagging on other clothes.
Turn the coat inside out, especially wool coats, to protect the outer part from excessive agitation during washing. If your coat has detachable parts like fur lining and decorative buttons, remove and wash them separately.
Choosing the Right Wash Setting
The correct wash setting will help you wash your winter coat without damaging it. A gentle cycle is recommended if you use a machine to wash the coat. A gentle cycle reduces the mechanical stress on the coat, preventing wear and tear.
The washing water temperature should be as instructed on the care label. The ideal water temperature is 30 degrees Celsius. According to Liquid Lound Romats, washing clothes in cold water preserves the fabric quality for longer compared to using hot water.
This is because cold water is gentler on fibers and minimizes shrinkage, color fading, and overall damage to the fabric, making clothes last longer.
Drying The Winter Coat
Air drying is the safest method, especially for delicate coats like wool. It prevents the coat from shrinking or warping. Use a dryer with low heating for down-filled coats. You can use dryer balls or clean tennis balls to aid in fluffing the feathers and maintaining the coat’s insulation properties.
The dryer balls will also help prevent down clumping, a common problem with these coats whenever they are washed.ย
Post Wash Care
Post-washing care is important as it helps restore the winter coat’s original shape and texture. For down winter coats, you need to fluff the down to maintain its loft. You can achieve this by using your hands or gentle agitation in the dryer using dryer balls.
For wood coats, you can reshape the garment by laying it flat on a hanger. Steam iron the winter coat if there are any wrinkles.
Tips To Store Your Winter Coat
Proper storage is key to maintaining your winter coat’s quality. First, ensure the coat is completely dry before storing it. Storing the coat with moisture will trigger mold growth, which may damage the fabric.
Use a breathable fabric cover for storage to keep dust away while allowing air circulation to prevent any unpleasant odor. Ensure the storage place is cool and dry with low humidity to preserve the fabric’s quality. This will help maintain and keep the coat ready for use next winter.
