Ready or not, winter is here for most of the country. It’s time to unpack those winter coats, jackets and parkas to bundle up against the cold. This coat will be the first level of defense against harsh winter elements so knowing when and how to clean it will help get you through the season comfortably and in style.
Daily Care
Each day you wear the coat, hang it up where it can dry. If you pack a bunch a coats and scarves into a closet with little air circulation, they won’t dry out properly. This increases the chances of odors or mildew.
Hang all coats on a hanger rather than hook to protect the shape of the coat. For wool or suede jackets, use a strong wood hanger. If needed, use a link roller on wool or wool blend coats to remove dust and dirt. Shake off leaves, dirt or mud from the coat. Check for loose threads or tears that need mending.
When & how to wash
Wool/wool blends: Most wool coats only need to be cleaned at the beginning and the end of the season. However, if it gets stained or extremely dirty, a midseason cleaning is appropriate. Wool, unless specifically stated on the tag, is best when dry cleaned.
Down coats and parkas: Follow the directions on the tag carefully. For most down coats, you can wash at home with a front-loading washer. The agitator in a top-loading washer will likely ruin the down. Inspect the coat for tears and empty all pockets before loading in the washing machine.
To dry, set on low heat and add a tennis ball or two to break up the down. If it is not completely dry after the first cycle, put it in for another one. It’s important to get the coat completely dry. If the coat’s outer shell is thin or worn, or if you do not have access to a front-loading washer, take the coat to a professional cleaner.
Fleece: Wash fleece jackets and sweaters every seven to 10 wears. Before washing, turn the garment inside out to protect the soft finish. Don’t use fabric softener or dryer sheets for fleece. In fact, it’s best to air dry all fleece jackets and sweatshirts.
Leather or suede: For leather or suede, take it to the dry cleaners just once a season, but spot clean in between if needed. To reduce the amount of makeup, sweat or odors on the coat wear a scarf and hang on a wood hanger in a well-ventilated place.
If you’re looking for a local cleaner that will pick up and deliver your Chicago dry cleaning, visit DriveCleaning.com today.
