21 December 2023 , 11:46
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As blustering winds and snow is set to hit the UK, we're all reaching for lots of layers to wrap up warm outside - from big duvet coats to fluffy scarves.
Keeping your coat clean in the coming months is a must, especially as it will be your main fashion staple - and the showcase item that sits on top of all your other garms. But how often should we be washing them?
British retailer Joules has partnered with cleaning and laundry expert Sarah Dempsey at MyJobQuote.co.uk to share some advice on how to look after your coat. A study by Joules concluded that 1 in 5 Brits only wash their coats once a year.
The research also found that 17 per cent of Brits never wash their coats, but Sarah isn't surprised as it's not a simple job. Explaining how often we should be washing our coats and jackets, she said: "It will depend on several factors including the material, colour, fibre content, how frequently you wear it and how it’s been stored since it was last worn," reports BristolLive.
She added: "As we tend to wear layers in the winter and our coats are the outermost layer, they do not get as soiled by body odour and perspiration as our clothes. However, they will be affected by the weather, getting wet in the rain, and picking up pollutants and dirt through wear over the season."
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You need to tailor your cleaning method to the type of fabric you're working with, and part of the problem is half of Brits admit that they don't know where to start. However, Joules and Sarah have put together a guide to get you started.
Cleaning your coat
Wool coats – according to Sarah, wool coats need only one cleaning session per season and this can be done when you take your coat out for winter. Sarah said: "Wool is described as a self-cleaning material as it contains keratin, which kills odour-causing bacteria. If your wool coat gets wet, make sure to air dry it thoroughly before putting it away or it will end up smelling musty. If your wool or cashmere coat is mixed with silk, it may need more frequent cleaning to maintain its softness."
Leather coats – Depending on how much you are wearing your leather coat, it may need to be cleaned twice each season and will need a wipe-down between professional cleans. Leather can be damaged easily by a build-up of dirt and pollutants so needs to be cleaned more regularly.
The type of leather can also have an impact on how you clean your coat too, for best grade leather a simple wipe down with a cloth and some detergent will be enough according to Sarah.
Quilted jackets and parkas – these coats can usually be washed at home - do check the label - and should be washed twice in a season. Sarah said: "Quilted jackets or parkas will be either filled with feathers or with a synthetic filling. Down-filled jackets should always be professionally cleaned, but they can be spot-cleaned between professional cleanings.”
Maintenance tips
Cleaning your coat is just another thing to add to your long list of things to do, but to make your coat last longer maintenance is important. Sarah has shared tips to help keep your coat smelling fresh between cleans.
1. Air it out
Air your coat after wearing, particularly wool coats that have gotten damp.
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2. Hang
Don’t shove your coat onto a cramped hanger, try to give it some room and hang it up in a cold environment which will help kill bacteria and stop any musty odours from taking hold.
3. Steam
Steaming can work as a good spot cleaner between full cleans but it will also refresh the material too.
4. Spray
Use a fabric freshening spray as a quick fix if you’re in a hurry.