Tips to Clean your Winter Coats: 6 Types

A winter coat can be expensive. So it's worth protecting your investment by taking proper care of it - which in some cases means taking it to the dry cleaners instead of putting it in the washing machine. But you can also keep it in good shape at home if you know the right techniques. Whether it's fur, wool, fleece or leather, winter coats come in a variety of styles and fabrics, and it's often a challenge to know exactly how to care for them. Check out these tips for caring for your winter coats to keep them looking great for many years to come! Clean everyday coats at least twice a season. If you wear a coat for special occasions, clean it once before putting it away for the off-season.

1. Down Feather Coats
Down coats and vests are lightweight and popular during the cold months. To clean a down coat, first treat any heavily soiled areas with a stain remover. Next, throw the coat in the washing machine and wash it on the cold delicate cycle. Then, dry it on low temperature and low dryer speed. Put a few tennis balls in the dryer to make your coat fluffy again.

2. Wool coats
Although wool coats tend to be more delicate than other jackets, they are almost as easy to clean if you follow the right steps. First, treat any dirty areas with a stain remover. Wash the coat with a wool-friendly detergent like Woolite on the gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Do not dry your wool coat in the dryer as it may shrink. Hang it to dry and use a steam blaster to remove wrinkles.
Sometimes, especially with high-end wool coats, the lining and padding cannot be washed in a regular washing machine and must be taken to the dry cleaners. Always read the care label on the garment to ensure proper cleaning.

3. Fleece coats
Fleece coats are warm and cozy, but there's no denying that they tend to attract and collect dirt and grime more than other jackets. Before washing your fleece coat, remember to turn the jacket inside out. Since fleece is a synthetic fiber, you should only wash it in cold water with a liquid detergent and avoid washing your fleece items with other clothing that could create lint. If you need to dry your fleece items, it's best to let them air dry by placing them on a apartment surface or drying them at a low temperature.

4. Faux fur coats
Faux fur coats are also made of synthetic fibers, so hand washing is simply the best way to get them clean. Coats can be cleaned in a large plastic container or in your bathtub. First, fill the tub with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Swish the coat through the water for 5-10 minutes, avoiding shaking and wrinkling the fabric too much. Rinse the coat completely and allow it to air dry (this can take 24-48 hours) before wearing.
Some faux fur coats can be washed in the washing machine, but the more agitation the machine causes, the more likely the faux fur is to become matted. When a faux fur coat is dried, the high heat of the dryer can melt the faux fur fibers and cause them to fuse.

5. Leather Coats
Keeping a leather coat soft and supple requires a little care, but with proper care it can last for many, many years. Yes, leather can be cleaned at home. However, you should take expensive pieces to a professional dry cleaner that specializes in cleaning leather. Most stains can be removed from your leather coat by wiping them off with a clean, damp cloth. The key to keeping your leather coat looking as good as possible, however, is to take regular care of the leather.

6. Waterproof coats
The key to maintaining a waterproof coat is to clean it properly to preserve the waterproof coating. Always wash these types of coats in cold water with a gentle detergent that will not attack the finish. Never put such a coat in a dryer and keep it away from high heat.

• Before washing, cleaning or taking a coat to the dry cleaners, close all buttons and zippers so that no protruding parts can get caught in them.
• Use durable wooden hangers for all coats to keep their shape.
• Mend any loose or torn seams before cleaning so the coat keeps its shape and the stuffing does not leak.
• Take this opportunity to also clean your winter accessories such as wool or fur gloves, hats and scarves.