How to care for your wool coat?
When the temperatures drop, we all have our winter must-have hidden deep in our wardrobes…the classic wool coat. Wool is a natural fiber that is known for its great warmth, so it can be devastating if you don't take good care of your wool fibers and end up with a winter coat that is ruined. Proper care will ensure your coat looks as nice as your corporate dress shirts, keeping you stylish and warm all winter long. So grab your coat, dust it off, and follow these steps to learn how to clean and care for your wool coat.
Step 1 - Check the Care Label
The first step in caring for your wool coat is to check the care label. Here you will find all the key information to prevent damage to your coat. For example, some garments can only be dry cleaned, so you will have to take it to a professional for cleaning. Alternatively, you may find that your coat needs to be hand washed or machine washed at low temperatures. All garments are made from different yarns and fibers; therefore, it is important to check the instructions before you begin.
*Since Macghee manufactures garments, our coats do not include care labels. Care instructions will be provided on a separate sheet. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Step 2 - Brush the Coat
To remove surface dirt and lint, take a clothes brush and gently brush the coat, making sure to only brush in one direction, from the collar to the hem. If you don't have a clothes brush, a damp cloth will suffice.
Step 3 - Spot Clean the Coat
Before washing your coat, carefully inspect the garment for any marks, food stains, or spills that have landed on the coat. Use a small amount of mild detergent on your fingers and rub in circular motions to gently remove the dirt. It is recommended that you clean the collar, cuffs, and any other areas that are prone to dirt and stains even if there are no stains.
Decide whether to hand wash or machine wash
From step 1, you should have already decided whether your coat is hand washable, machine washable, or dry cleanable. If hand washable, go to step 4. If machine washable, go to step 5.
Step 4 - Hand Wash Your Wool Coat
To hand wash your coat, you will need to wash it in a bathtub, but if you don't have a bathtub, your kitchen sink is perfect. You will need to fill the bathtub with warm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, as this can actually shrink the wool. If you can't find the above, add about 29 ml of wool shampoo (a liquid detergent, we recommend Woolite) or baby shampoo.
Submerge the coat in the bathtub and then press it down until it no longer floats. Allow the coat to soak in the detergent for 30 minutes, then use your hands to squeeze the water into the coat, making sure every fiber is cleaned.
Allow the coat to soak again for 1 to 2 hours, then come back and rub any dirt and dirty areas with your fingers. While many people recommend using the wool itself to remove marks, this can actually cause felting, which is irreversible, so always use your hands.
Drain the bathtub and wipe off any residue in the bathtub before refilling it with fresh warm water. Gently move the coat around in the water until there is no soap residue left in the coat.
Step 5 - Wash your wool coat in the washing machine
If the care label allows you to wash your coat in the washing machine, don't just throw it in. Start by soaking the coat in warm water and detergent for 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage and loosen any dirt. Then, turn the coat inside out and place it in a laundry bag. This is to prevent the coat from rubbing against the washing machine or getting snagged. If you don't have a laundry bag, you can use a pillowcase or sheet and tie a loose knot at the top.
Set the machine to warm water at 30 or 40 degrees and make sure the setting is on gentle for about an hour.
Step 6 - Dry the coat
After washing your coat by hand or in the machine, gently squeeze out any excess water from the top to the bottom. Make sure not to wring the coat out, as this will stretch and distort the fibers and your coat won't fit as well as it should.
Take a towel and roll the coat inside it, gently squeezing the towel to help it absorb any excess water. Once you've completed this step, unfold the coat and lay it flat on a dry towel. Do not hang the coat up, as this will cause it to lose its shape, and putting it in a tumble dryer may shrink the coat.
The drying process may take 2-3 days, so make sure to flip the coat every day to ensure both sides are completely dry.
That's it! It sounds like a lot of work, however, wool is a very delicate fiber that stretches and snags easily. Since a wool coat is an investment piece, it's important to take the time to care for it so that it remains as perfect as when you first bought it. So, next time you think about washing your wool coat, remember the following points from this article:
- Always check the care label
- Hand wash or machine wash in warm water
- Never use a tumble dryer
- Lay the coat flat for a few days to dry
