How to Clean and Care for Your Winter Coats and Jackets

When winter comes, one of the last things you want to do is clean. In the case of your winter coats, cleaning keeps the clothes in great condition and ensures that the fabric lasts well beyond the cold weather. The best method of cleaning depends on the fabric used in the coat.

Down Coats

For down clothing, including coats and vests, you should clean the pieces at least twice during the winter season. Do not wash the clothing too often, as the pressure breaks down the feathers inside, making the coat feel uncomfortable. Ordinary detergents and the soap you use on other fabrics is potentially dangerous to down coats because it dries out the feathers. When you wash a down coat or vest, use cold water and a gentle setting. Pick a detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics.

When the coat comes out of the washer, transfer it to the dryer. Turn the dryer on a low setting and gently tumble until the fabric feels warm, but not hot to the touch. The dryer gently works out any feather clumps and helps retain the original shape of the coat.

Fleece Jackets

Fleece jackets are a common sight during the winter months, especially towards the beginning and end of the season when the temperatures are slightly warmer. Washing your fleece is important because if you just toss it in the washer and dryer, you will notice that the fleece develops little pills and feels rough to the touch.

Pull the sleeves out and turn the jacket inside out. Wash the jacket by itself, as other materials can leave behind lint. If you wash the fleece jacket with anything else, use only other fleece items in similar colors. After the washer finishes, run the jacket through the rinse cycle, which removes any excess soap. Hang the jacket over a clothing rack, over a chair, or on a flat table and let dry overnight.

Leather and Suede

Leather and suede jackets have a rich and luxurious feel, but wash the jacket yourself and watch that feeling disappear. At the end of the season, take the jacket to a dry cleaner and have cleaned. Store the jacket uncovered during the off-season. When you first pull the jacket out for the winter season, examine the material for any stains or damage. The jacket might need cleaning again at the beginning of winter.

Keep a leather conditioner on hand for emergencies. A leather cleaner and conditioner removes minor stains without a trip to the expensive dry cleaner. The conditioner also retains the natural lushness of the leather without stripping any oils like other cleaners, which gives the leather a dried out feel.

Everything Else

Every time you wrap a scarf around your neck, slide on a pair of gloves, or grab a hat, you transfer makeup, hair products, lotion, perfume, and dozens of other things onto the fabric. Protect the fabrics by washing the accessories at least once a month and more often, if you wear the piece every day.

The best way of washing gloves, scarves, and hates it by hand washing the items in your sink. Fill the sink with warm water and add laundry soap for delicate fabrics. Dunk the item in the water several times. Drain the sink and dunk the items in fresh water, squeezing out the water until it runs clear and you see no signs of soap. Let the pieces air-dry overnight.

Do not forget to properly clean and maintain your winter coats this season. Proper maintenance is the key to making your favorite clothing last.