Wool coats are a winter staple that is luxurious and warm. Whether you like a classic wool peacoat or a luxurious cashmere trench coat, you will need to take special care of it. Even though cleaning wool coats may seem hard, you can actually do that at home using the correct tools and methods. The key to properly do that is knowing the correct method. That includes using a gentle wool cleaning solution, gentle agitation, and low water temperature.
Hand-washing a wool coat is often recommended. Even those that say ‘’dry cleaning recommended’’ on their care label, can be hand-washed. Do not confuse this label with the one that says ‘’dry cleaning only’’. Those should never be cleaned at home. Always bring them to a professional dry cleaner. Their interfacing, shoulder padding, and lining may be destroyed or deformed when washed so do not take the risk.
Here is how to properly wash your wool coat in a few simple steps
- Remove loose soil – Brushing a wool coat with a clothes brush will remove most of the dust, hairs, and grime from its surface. Hang the coat on a strong hanger and brush down each section to remove loose soil. Always start at the shoulders and work your way down.
- Mix a cleaning solution to spot treat the coat – Make a cleaning solution with ½ cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon of a gentle wool wash, Castile soap, or a homemade wool wash. Gently rub any obvious dirt stains or body soil at the collar, cuffs, or armpits. Use a clean white cloth dipped in the cleaning solution. Allow it to work for at least 10 minutes before washing the coat. This time will allow the wool wash to break down any grime.
- Prepare a hand-washing cleaning solution – The coat can be hand washed in the bathtub, a large sink, or a plastic storage tub. Whatever vessel you choose, make sure it is spotless and very clean, as well as free of bleach or residue. Fill the tub/sink with lukewarm water and add the wool wash. You will need ¼-½ cup of cleaning solution for a bathtub.
- Soak the wool coat – Place the coat in the cleaning solution. Make sure it is fully submerged and it has time to move around. Swish it around and let it soak for about 30 minutes. Do not leave it in the water for more than an hour.
- Squeeze the dirt away – After you are done soaking your coat, gently stir the fabric with your hands. Squeeze each section of the coat to help remove soil and grime. Excessive twisting or scrubbing of the coat will cause the wool fibres to become distorted or felt together so make sure you avoid it.
- Rinse well – Dispose of the soapy solution and fill the tub with fresh water. Squeeze out all suds before placing the coat back in the vessel. Squeeze the coat and repeat dipping and draining it until no more soap residue can be found on it. You may need to replace the water during this process.
- Get rid of moisture – Lift the coat from the water and gently squeeze out the excess moisture. Begin at the top of the coat. Do not wring it – this may damage the fibres. Continue squeezing the coat until it is no longer dripping. Place several thick towels on a flat surface and place the coat on top of them. Smooth it out as much as possible. To absorb the rest of the moisture, toll the towels with the coat inside. You may need to replace the towels if the coat is extremely damp.
Never place wool clothes in the dryer – the high temperature will cause shrinking. Let the coat lay flat on the towels for up to 48 hours. You can turn the coat or replace the towels if they get wet.
Treating stains on wool coats
Treat fresh stains as soon as possible. The best approach is to combine a tiny amount of water and a bit of wool wash, then moisten and gently rub the stain with a clean white cloth and the solution. Allow it to work on the stained area for at least 10 minutes, then proceed with the regular cleaning of the coat.
Ironing wool coats
Once your coat is dry, it will probably require some ironing or steaming to get rid of creases and sharpen trims and labels. Use a firm ironing board and a pressing cloth to avoid damage. Make sure you use a steam iron at a low temperature when ironing wool.
Hang the coat on a large hanger and follow the steamer’s instructions as you are using it. Allow pressed and steamed coats to completely dry before wearing or storing them. You will prevent wrinkles from reoccurring.