How to Care for a Wool Coat or Jacket - Fashion Cleaners (2024)

FAQs

How to Care for a Wool Coat or Jacket - Fashion Cleaners? ›

Generally speaking, it will be best to hand-wash a wool coat. Even those that say "Dry Cleaning Recommended" are usually suitable for hand-washing. However, if the care label says "Dry Clean Only", it may have interfacings, shoulder padding, and linings that are not washable and can shrink or become misshapen.

Generally speaking, it will be best to hand-wash a wool coat. Even those that say "Dry Cleaning Recommended" are usually suitable for hand-washing. However, if the care label says "Dry Clean Only", it may have interfacings, shoulder padding, and linings that are not washable and can shrink or become misshapen.

Steam, lint roll, or spot clean your coat as needed to keep your wool coat looking fresh. Trips to the dry cleaners are important once a year and after big spills, but otherwise a bit of water on the tip of a wash cloth can clean up most small spills and lint rollers can pick off bits of fuzz or pet hair.

A: Wool does not absorb water, so unlike some fabrics, wool does not become full of water when drenched. Rather, it's almost like a wetsuit. Because water cannot reach the interior of the fiber, Wool can get take a soaking without any disastrous consequences.

Using a neutral, mild detergent, preferably one that is Woolmark recommended, should be your go-to when hand washing or machine washing wool clothing. Avoid using heavy-duty detergents, “bio” detergents containing enzymes, or any detergents containing bleaches.

To wash your coat, turn it inside out, to help prevent pilling and damage. If your washing machine has a wool cycle, use it. If not, use the gentle or delicate cycle on cold. Never wash wool on hot—it will weaken the fibers and shrink the fabric.

To hand-wash your coat, use lukewarm water with your mild detergent—slightly less than a tablespoon—in a tub or large basin. You don't need to rub or squeeze the fabric. Submerge the coat in water, and leave it to soak for about 30 minutes. Then gently agitate for a few minutes.

Gather necessary materials such as a basin, mild detergent, clean cloth, and lukewarm water before starting the cleaning process. Brush your wool coat before washing to remove dirt and debris from the surface. Pretreat stains using warm water and gentle detergent before hand-washing or machine-washing your wool coat.

Which woolite is for wool? ›

If you want to wash a wool jacket, read the label on the garment and follow the handwashing instructions above using Woolite® Delicates laundry detergent.

Wool garments should be washed on the wool setting (usually gentle action at 40°C). If your washing machine does not have a wool cycle, use the cold water wash or wash cycle for delicates. Use a neutral, mild detergent that is preferably Woolmark recommended (look for the Woolmark symbol on the packet).

Wool attracts moisture and becomes susceptive to mold. With light steaming, not only can you clean your wool rug effectively, the odors will be eliminated as well. Keep the steam cleaner about six inches away from the rug while steaming. Make sure not to spend more than five seconds on the same spot.

Hang wool coats on plastic or wood hangers between use.

In addition, hang wool coats in an area with good airflow. If packed too tightly with other items, wool coats may become crumpled. Also, wool hung next to dirty items may absorb dirt or odor.

Store your coats in a sealed garment bag at the end of the season. Avoid mothballs, which smell terrible and leave a dangerous chemical residue in the wool. Natural cedar balls are an excellent moth repellent.

Wool coats offer excellent performance in a variety of weather conditions. Wool is naturally water-resistant, meaning it can repel light rain and snow, keeping you dry. Even when wet, wool retains its insulating properties. The winner on the day has to be wool!

While some delicate wool items should be hand washed, many wool garments such as heavy sweaters, blankets, and even wool coats can be machine laundered using gentle methods and a wool-specific detergent. Wool, felt, and other wool-like fabrics need to be washed with cold water and low spin.

Some woolen items, like pea coats or blazers, are extremely delicate. For these items, contact with water may destroy the integrity of the garment, rending it unwearable. It's a good idea to take wool sweaters to the dry cleaners to remove stains, maintain their color, and retain the fabric's quality.

Check the care tag on the coat and follow any special instructions regarding water temperature, and cycle speed, and length. Also note any products, such as bleach or fabric softener, that should be avoided. In general, machine-washable winter coats can be washed using cold water and the washer's regular cycle.