How to clean and store winter jackets – and keep them looking their best all season long, according to cleaning pros

If there is one winter necessity that we wear on repeat all winter long, it's a cozy jacket – but how do you wash them?

With the daily use these coats see in colder weather, they can quickly collect dirt and grime and therefore need regular maintenance. But, different coats will have different washing instructions, so it's important to approach cleaning with care.

Here, we spoke to cleaning and laundry experts for their cleaning tips on keeping your winter jacket warm and wonderful, all season long.

How to clean winter jackets

1. Spot clean

For everyday touch ups, the easiest method to refresh your winter jacket is by spot cleaning. Ken Doty, COO of The Maids explains, 'Spot cleaning is a simple process. Take a clean cloth, and dampen with a cleaning solution of cold water and mild detergent.'

We recommend using the popular pick Woolite Delicates Liquid Laundry Detergent available at Walmart to do so, as it suitable for both hand and machine-washing, and it protects fabrics from damage, fading, shrinking and stretching.

Doty continues, 'Softly blot the stained area and work from the outside in to ensure it doesn't spread. Rinse the area out with a clean cloth (such as the HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Amazon) dampened with just water.'

2. Hand wash

If you check the laundry symbols on your jacket and it indicates 'Hand-wash only,' it is best to do so to maintain the condition of your coat, and it's a relatively safe option, too.

Begin by filling a basin with cold water, and add a small amount of eco-friendly detergent, such as the ECOS Plus Liquid Laundry Detergent with Stain-Fighting Enzymes available at Walmart. Then, completely submerge the coat, and swish it gently in the water to loosen any significant dirt. If the coat is large, you can do this in your bath.

Vanessa Terra Bossart, owner at Green Terra Clothing, says, 'Focus on soiled areas, lightly scrubbing them with your fingers, before rinsing thoroughly with cold water until there is no detergent left.'

To remove excess water, carefully press out water without aggressively wringing or twisting. Cleaning expert Doty explains, 'Overly-aggressive motions could damage the material and have the coat looking disproportional.' Doty recommends instead of wringing, wrap your jacket in a dry towel and roll up to remove any trapped and excess water.

3. Machine wash

While there are some things to never put in the washing machine, it is possible to machine wash coats, provided you check the care label before doing so.

Sophie Lane from Miele, recommends using liquid detergent, 'Liquid detergents are generally gentler on fabrics and dissolved better in water, reducing the risk of residue that can harm delicate fibers.'

We recommend using bestselling ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Stain Fighter Liquid Laundry Detergent available at Walmart, as it is formulated to deeply clean fabrics, and deliver a long-lasting freshness to make laundry smell better. However, if washing a down-filled coat, ensure you use a detergent for this, or consider getting it dry-cleaned, to avoid compromising your coat's functionality.

Avoid fabric softeners too, as that can impact the function of your winter coats.

Importantly, if you need a guide to washing machine settings, or are wondering if you should wash your clothes in cold water, winter coats should always be washed at low temperatures, as it is gentler on the fabric and is also a great way to save energy when doing laundry, lowering your carbon footprint. On this same basis, you should also avoid overloading your machine, as this can cause excessive friction and reduce cleaning efficency, explains Lane.

Lane also recommends opting for a slow spin setting. She says, 'High spin speeds can cause friction and damage delicate fibers. Slower spin cycles are gentler on these materials.

'Miele washing machines offer customisable spin settings to suit different fabric types, ensuring gentle yet effective cleaning,' and they have programs tailored to specific fabrics or clothing types too.

After washing, Lane suggests re-proofing your jacket, to restore the water-repellent properties of outdoor coats, maintaining their effectiveness in wet conditions. For example, products such as Nikwax Hardshell Cleaning & Waterproofing Duo-Pack available at Amazon can be added to your washing machine, and Lane points out that Miele washing machines offer a proofing program specificallt designed to re-apply water-repellent treatments to your outdoor garments, ensuring they stay functional and protective. This is, therefore, something you may want to consider if you're thinking of investing in one of the best washing machines.

4. Dry

After washing, there are a number of ways you can dry your coat, which will depend on the material and type. Proper drying prevents both damage and lingering odors, points out cleaning expert Terra Bossart, so it's important to get it right.

It is usually safest to harness the benefits of air-drying laundry, explains cleaning expert Doty, 'When it's time to dry, your best bet is to air-dry. Hang the coat on a hanger or drying rack (such as the bamboo Home-it Wooden Clothes Drying Rack available at Amazon) in a well-ventilated area,' or lay the coat flat on a drying rack and reshape while still damp to retain its form.

Terra Bossart adds, 'Avoid direct sunlight or heated drying, which can damage fibers.'

You can also use your best clothes dryer to dry your winter jacket, which works well for any puffy jackets, such as down-jackets and puffer jackets. Terra Bossart says, 'Place them in a dryer on a no-heat setting with clean tennis balls to restore fluffiness without compromising insulation.'

You can also use dryer balls, such as the number one bestselling Wool Dryer Balls available at Amazon, which reduce wrinkles and static, and save time on drying. If you opt to air-dry your down jacket instead, Doty recommends periodically fluffing and rotating it to prevent clumping as it dries.

5. Store

When choosing how to store winter clothes correctly, the correct spot and style of storing will keep your jackets looking good for years to come. Cleaning expert Doty says, 'Properly storing your coats will only increase the chances of their longevity,' and advises they are one of the clothing items you should always hang up.

For example, use a sturdy hanger strong enough to support their weight and structure, such as the durable Utopia Home Clothes Hangers available at Amazon, or use a wide hanger with padding, such as the Whitmor Padded Hangers also available at Amazon, for lighter jackets.

Cleaning expert Terra Bossart adds, 'For longer storage, consider a breathable garment bag that repels dust without trapping moisture,' such as bestselling MISSLO 10" Gusseted All Clear Garment Bags available at Amazon, and add cedar chips or lavender sachets to naturally repel moths, particularly when storing any wool jackets.

We recommend Dr. Killigan's Cedar Planks available at Walmart, which hang on the rail alongside your coats, or the number one bestselling MYARO Lavender Scented Sachets available at Amazon.

Finally, Doty recommends periodically airing the jackets out when you get the chance, especially if they are items you don't wear regularly.

FAQs

Should my winter coat be washed inside out?

Should you wash clothes inside out? When it comes to winter jackets, the answer is yes, as this will protect the outside from fading and damage.

For fleecy coats, this will also keep the outside fluffy and smooth, and will help prevent bobbling on any wool items.

Avoid the laundry mistake of over-filling your washer so the detergent and water in the machine can properly circulate and do their magic on dirt, stains and odors.

How often should I clean my winter jacket?

How often you need to clean your winter jacket will depend on how much you wear it, but they may well be one of the things you aren't washing enough.

Spot clean stains regularly as they appear, and aim to actually wash coats at least once a season, or twice if you wear them regularly.

'Finding the balance between cleanliness and taking care of sensitive fabrics can be a challenge, but once you find your routine, you'll set yourself up to have winter jackets ready for the cold for years to come,' says Doty.

Once they're clean, learn how to organize coats so you can always find what you're looking for, even in a hurry.