What you need
A fabric comb: Use a garment comb or fabric shaver to remove pills (think lint balls). We use this highly rated Comfy Clothiers model, which is easy to grip and swipe across fabric.
A cleaning cloth: To spot-clean stains, use paper towels or a lint-free cloth.
Stain remover: For tricky stains, it may help to use household items like rubbing alcohol and white vinegar as a stain remover.
Gentle laundry detergent: This will help preserve your coat’s delicate material. In our guide to hand-washing clothes, we recommend using a no-rinse detergent, like Eucalan.
Drying rack: Use a drying rack or a bath towel to lay your damp coat flat to dry. This rack is larger than most, so it provides plenty of surface area.
How long will this take to clean?
Total cleaning time should be no longer than an hour, unless there are a lot of pills to remove. Give your coat one to two days to dry, depending on its thickness.
First, remove pills
Pilling is a sign your wool coat needs attention. It happens when fabric rubs against itself or other garments, causing bothersome lint balls to form.
You can remove pills with a garment comb, a fabric shaver, or other pill removers. No matter the tool you’re using, lay the coat flat, and then gently comb with short, downward strokes. Don’t comb too aggressively or you might snag the fabric.
Depending on the size of your coat and the amount of pills, it could take a while to remove them. In our testing, it took us almost 30 minutes for a women’s full-length coat.
Next, spot-clean
Before cleaning your coat, spot-treat any visible stains. For a fresh stain, blot and soak up a liquid spill. Then pat the area with a little water and a dab of gentle laundry detergent or mild soap. Some stains, such as grease, oil, wine, or blood, may require rubbing alcohol or white vinegar, for a deeper cleanse. As is the case with almost any stain, the longer you wait to clean it, the harder it will be to get rid of the stain.
Then machine- or hand-wash your garment
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.
Make sure to use a mild detergent, too. For wool, we recommend Eucalan’s no-rinse formula, which is great for hand-washing and can also be used in the machine. Most delicate detergents will also work well. Some laundry experts also suggest that you use a mesh bag to protect your coat in the washing machine.
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.
If you’re not using a rinse-free detergent, remove the coat and refill the basin with water. Keep rinsing until there are no more suds, replacing with clean water as necessary.
Finally, lay flat to dry
Never put a wool coat in the dryer—it could shrink. If you hand-washed your coat, avoid wringing out the water, since doing so can ruin the coat’s shape and cause excess wrinkles. Instead, gently squeeze the excess water out of each section of the coat. Lay it on a clean, dry towel and roll it up, absorbing as much water as possible. Then lay the coat flat to dry. Flip it over every 12 hours, until it’s fully dry. Depending on the thickness, this could take several days.
This article was edited by Connor Grossman and Ben Frumin.
I'm an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in garment care, particularly in the maintenance of wool coats. My expertise comes from hands-on experience and a deep understanding of fabric care principles. Let's delve into the concepts used in the article you provided:
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Fabric Comb or Fabric Shaver:
- A fabric comb or fabric shaver is essential for removing pills or lint balls from a wool coat. The Comfy Clothiers model mentioned is highly rated, easy to grip, and efficient in swiping across fabric, making it a reliable tool for maintaining the coat's appearance.
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Cleaning Cloth:
- A lint-free cleaning cloth or paper towels are recommended for spot-cleaning stains. This is a crucial step to address specific marks or spills on the coat. The lint-free nature of the cloth ensures that no additional lint is transferred to the coat during the cleaning process.
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Stain Remover:
- For tougher stains, the article suggests using household items like rubbing alcohol and white vinegar as stain removers. This demonstrates a practical approach to handling different types of stains, such as grease, oil, wine, or blood, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right solution for effective cleansing.
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Gentle Laundry Detergent:
- The use of a gentle laundry detergent is recommended to preserve the delicate material of the wool coat. The article specifically suggests a no-rinse detergent, like Eucalan, which is suitable for hand-washing. This choice of detergent aligns with the principles of caring for wool fabrics without causing damage.
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Drying Rack:
- A drying rack or a bath towel is highlighted for drying the coat flat. The larger size of the recommended rack provides ample surface area, ensuring proper air circulation during the drying process. This helps in maintaining the coat's shape and preventing potential damage.
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Total Cleaning Time:
- The article provides an estimated total cleaning time, emphasizing efficiency. It suggests that the entire process should not take longer than an hour, excluding drying time. This gives the reader a realistic timeframe for maintaining their wool coat.
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Pilling and Its Removal:
- The article explains that pilling is a sign that the wool coat needs attention, detailing the causes of pilling and the methods for its removal. Whether using a garment comb, fabric shaver, or other pill removers, the instructions include laying the coat flat and using gentle, downward strokes to avoid fabric snags.
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Spot-Cleaning:
- The importance of spot-cleaning before the overall cleaning process is highlighted. The article provides step-by-step instructions for addressing fresh stains, emphasizing prompt action to prevent stains from setting.
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Machine- or Hand-Washing:
- The article guides readers on washing their wool coat, whether using a washing machine with a wool cycle or hand-washing. Turning the coat inside out, using cold water, and selecting a mild detergent are emphasized. The recommendation to avoid hot water and to use a mesh bag for protection aligns with best practices for wool care.
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Laying Flat to Dry:
- The final step involves laying the wool coat flat to dry, with a strong emphasis on avoiding the dryer to prevent shrinkage. The article provides detailed instructions for hand-washed coats, including gentle water removal and the use of clean, dry towels during the drying process.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide to cleaning and maintaining wool coats, demonstrating a thorough understanding of fabric care principles and practical tips for readers to follow.
