How to clean winter coats

No need to replace your cold-weather coat; freshen it up and it’ll serve you well through the colder months

Is your winter coat looking a bit shabby, but you don’t want to splash out on having it professionally cleaned? With dry cleaning costing up to £30, it’s easy to understand why! The good news is that there are easy ways to clean your coat at home – for free!

“When it comes to washing, winter coats tend to be neglected, yet they’re often the most expensive part of our wardrobe and worn every single day! Caring for them will ensure they stay looking good for longer and will save you pennies in the long run,” says our fashion editor, Michelle Nightingale.

There are a few exceptions (see panel below) that need to be professionally cleaned but read on to start saving money.

Active coats

These often have their fair share of stains. Remove them with a damp, soft cloth or sponge or for tougher stains, apply soap or detergent directly to the surface, then rinse off. Soak the coat in warm water for 30 minutes then wash it in a mesh bag on a delicate, cool wash using a specialist sports coat detergent and lay it flat to dry.

Faux fur

Check the label – if it can be machine washed, run it on a 30° wash with a mild detergent. If not, hand wash it in cool water using a wool-friendly detergent. Work the lather into the coat and let it soak for 30 minutes. Once washed, roll it between two thick towels and reshape it before drying flat. Comb the fur with a wide-toothed comb and use a natural bristle brush to fluff up the pile once dry. If the fur has flattened, mix one tablespoon of hair conditioner with two cups of warm water in a spray bottle, spray on and brush with a natural brush.

Dryer balls can help prevent linings from crumpling

Wool and cashmere

Wash on a woollen, delicate or handwash cycle in a mesh laundry bag and use a detergent that is especially designed for wool or cashmere. Lay it out flat to dry, avoiding any heat sources or direct sunlight as this could cause it to shrink. Wool can often look very worn and bobbled after wearing so once it’s dry, use a razor or fine-toothed comb to remove piling and bobbles on a regular basis. If the coat looks a little crumpled, iron on a low heat using a tea towel for protection. Between wears, use a coat brush in a downward motion before and after wearing to keep it clean.

Puffer coats

Pop it in a laundry bag before putting it in your washing machine. Use a gentle, wool-friendly detergent and put on a delicate cycle using warm or cool water. Once clean, tumble dry your coat on a low-heat. Halfway through, take it out and shake to redistribute the filling inside. Pop it back in the washer with clean tennis balls to ensure the fluffy filling is distributed evenly around the coat.

Try to air your coat outdoors during the summer to keep the fabric crisp

Faux leather

The chemicals used to dry clean your faux leather jacket could ruin it, so make sure you wash it at home. Pop yours in a mesh washbag and set the washing machine to cold on a delicate cycle. Use a detergent specially made for delicate items. After washing, lay the coat out flat to dry away from any direct heat or sunlight.

Avoid using fabric conditioners or softeners as this can sometimes stain coats