To prolong the life of your winter coat, it's essential to clean and care for it properly before putting it away for the summer. When it's time to take your coat out again, it's often necessary to smooth wrinkles out of it to restore its original appearance. Follow our tips to find out how to remove the creases from your coats and keep them clean throughout the cold season.
How do you clean and care for your winter coat?
The way you clean and care for your coat largely depends on the material. Here are a few tips for different types of winter coat.
How do I clean a wool coat?
Before attempting any cleaning, carefully read the washing instructions on the label of your coat. Wool is a delicate material, often sensitive to water, and it is easy to damage it by washing it the wrong way. Machine washing can leave your woollen coat wrinkled or felted, a situation you’ll want to avoid. If your wool coat is spotless, then the best way to care for it is to use a steamer. Steamers, like those offered by SteamOne, are perfect for gentle wool care. Unlike ironing, steam doesn't damage the fibres, so you can preserve the quality of your coat.
How do I clean a down jacket?
Down jackets are easier to care for in the washing machine than wool coats. However, it's crucial to choose a delicate programme or a cold wash to avoid damaging the fibres. To dry a down jacket, putting it in the tumble dryer at a low temperature with a few tennis balls can help distribute the down evenly, preventing the feathers from clumping together.
See also: How can I prevent clothes from linting?
How do you remove wrinkles from your winter coat?
Smooth with an iron:
Depending on the material of your coat, you may be able to use an iron, however this should always be at a low temperature to avoid burning the fabric. Place a cotton cloth between the iron and the coat to protect its fibres.
Smooth without an iron:
Here are our tips to help you smooth creases out of your coat without an iron:
- Hang your coat outside on a coat hanger: ventilation can naturally relax creases.
- Hang your coat in the bathroom while you take a hot shower: the steam generated will help loosen the fibres. Once the bathroom is full of steam, remove the coat and gently pull the material to relax it.
The steamer: the ideal solution
The safest and most effective way to remove wrinkles from a winter coat, especially a woollen one, is to use a steamer. Unlike ironing, the steamer respects the fabric’s fibres. The steam penetrates the coat’s fibres without damaging them, preserving their original texture and colour. With a steamer, you can bring your coat back to life in just a few minutes, with no risk of damage.
If you're looking for a high-performance steamer, SteamOne models are perfect for the job. They are used by many ready-to-wear brands to smooth their clothes in-store and keep them looking impeccable.