It’s that time of the year again when coats become a staple in our everyday outfits. But what do you do when your winter coat starts to smell a little funky? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your coat and keep it looking great all season long.
Check the Care Tag For Manufacturer’s Instructions
The first step is to check the label. Most coats are made from natural materials like wool or down and require special care to avoid damage. Once you know what your coat is made of, you can select the appropriate cleaning method. For example, wool coats can be dry cleaned or hand-washed in cool water, while down coats should be dry cleaned only. In addition, it’s important to pay attention to any cycle, water temperature, or detergent type instructions on your coat.
Remove Any Dirt or Debris From the Coat Before Washing It
Before you wash your winter coat, it’s important to remove any dirt or debris that may be caught in the fabric. This will help prevent the coat from becoming stained or discoloured during the washing process. The best way to do this is to use a lint brush or a soft brush. Gently brush the surface of the coat, being careful not to damage the fabric. Once you’ve removed all of the dirt and debris, you’re ready to wash your coat.
If Your Coat Is Dry Clean Only, Take It to a Professional Cleaner
If your coat is labelled “dry clean only,” it’s best to take it to a professional dry cleaners. The reason for this is that dry-clean only coats are made from delicate materials that can be easily damaged by water or detergent. Additionally, professional cleaners have access to special solvents and equipment that can safely clean these types of coats without damaging them. Trying to wash a dry-clean only coat at home will likely result in shrinkage, colour bleeding, or other irreversible damage.
If Machine-Washing or Hand-Washing:
- Use a Mild Detergent
If you’re machine-washing your coat, be sure to use a mild detergent and set the machine to a gentle cycle. Harsh detergents can break down the fibres in the fabric, making it susceptible to rips and tears. They can also cause the filling to clump and lose its insulation properties. Likewise, if you’re hand-washing your coat, use a Woolite-type detergent and be careful not to agitate the fabric too much.
- Avoid Hot Water
There are people and online articles that will advise you to machine-wash or hand-wash your winter coat in hot water. However, this is actually not the best idea. Hot water can cause damage to the fabric of your coat, making it more likely to tear or break down over time. In addition, hot water can also cause the colour of your coat to fade.
- Let the Coat Air Dry
After washing, allow the coat plenty of time to air-dry. If you must use a dryer, set it to the lowest heat setting and remove the coat as soon as it is dry to avoid wrinkling. When storing the coat, hang it or fold it so it doesn’t lose its shape.
And that’s it! By following these simple steps, you can keep your winter coat looking and smelling fresh all season long.
My Butler Service
Are you tired of spending hours hand-washing or machine-washing your coat every time it gets dirty? Bring it to My Butler Service, and we’ll have it looking good as new in no time! We’re experts at cleaning all types of winter coats, from wool to down. Contact us today!