How to clean coats and jackets

With the arrival of winter, one of the most used garments are coats and jackets. Find out how to clean your coats so that they last for more seasons.

How to clean a coat in the washing machine

Coats are made of specific materials that can be difficult to wash. We often resort to dry-cleaning, but with these tips you will be able to wash most of your coats at home.

• Prepare your coat for washing. Check the pockets and empty them.

• Read the label on the garment and bear in mind the washing symbols. Make sure you can wash your coat in the washing machine.

• Brush the surface of the coat to remove any accumulated particles.

• Select the most suitable programme. In general, cloth coats and similar fabrics are washed at a maximum of 30 - 40 degrees.

• If your washing machine is very modern, you will find specific programmes for washing down (feather), wool, or synthetic coats.

• Choose the most suitable detergent according to the fabric of your coat.

• Avoid using fabric softeners for washing coats and jackets.

• If your coat is a puffer down coat, put tennis balls in the washing machine. They will hit the coat and the feathers will move, preventing the garment from matting.

• If your coat is made of wool fabric, wash it with other heavier garments to balance the weight inside the washing machine.

How to clean a coat by hand

If your coat cannot be washed in the washing machine, you can always do it by hand. Follow these steps:

• Check it for stains. If it is stained, you will have to clean it with a specific stain remover according to the type of fabric.

• You can clean your coat by filling a bowl with warm water and including the specific detergent for washing it. Soak the coat and gently rub it on the inside. Repeat the action of inserting and removing the coat from the bowl several times. Empty the water from the bowl and fill it again, this time without detergent to eliminate any remains. Gently wring it out.

• If you prefer to dry clean your coat, apply a mixture of water and ammonia, and rub with a brush. Clean it evenly by spreading out the coat on a flat surface. Repeat the action, especially in areas where the most dirt accumulates such as cuffs and neck.

Check the label and see if you can use the dryer with your garment, this will speed up the drying process.

Whatever your coat is made of, it will look perfect.