How to Wash a Wool Coat That Isn't Dry Clean Only

How to Hand-Wash a Wool Coat

Generally, as with other wool garments, a wool coat is best suited to hand-washing rather than machine washing. Here's how to do it.

1. Remove Loose Soil

   Simply brushing a wool coat with a clothes brush will remove a great deal of dust, hair, and debris. Hang the coat on a sturdy hanger and, starting at the shoulders, carefully brush down each section to remove loose soil.

2. Pretreat Stains

   Mix a solution of 1/2 cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon of a gentle wool wash (Woolite, Castile soap, or a homemade wool wash). Dip a clean white cloth in the solution and gently rub any visible food or dirt stains or body soil at the collar, cuffs, and armpits. Wait at least 10 minutes before washing the coat to give the wool wash time to break apart stains.

3. Prepare a Solution to Hand-wash the Coat

   The coat can be washed in the bathtub, a very large sink, or in a plastic storage tub. If using a sink or tub, be sure that it is immaculately clean and free of any bleach or residue.

   Fill the vessel with lukewarm water and add the wool wash. For a bathtub, you will need approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup of detergent.

4. Soak the Coat

   Add the coat to the cleaning solution and make sure that it is thoroughly wet. Allow the coat to soak for around 30 minutes but no more than one hour.

5. Agitate the Coat

   Come back after the soaking period and gently agitate the fabric with your hands. Squeeze each section gently to help remove the soil. Do not twist or rub the coat excessively because this will cause the fibers to become misshapen or felt together.

6. Rinse With Fresh Water

   Lift the wet coat from the soapy water. Do not wring. Drain the soapy water and rinse out the sink or tub and refill with fresh lukewarm water. Place the coat in the clean water and swish to rinse. Repeat these steps until no more soapy residue appears in the water.

7. Remove Excess Moisture

   Once the coat is free of soap, lift it from the water and gently squeeze out the water starting at the top of the coat. Again, do not wring it out. Repeat the squeezing motion until the coat is no longer dripping wet.

   Lay several large, thick terry towels on a flat surface. Place the coat on the towels, shaping it so that it is as smooth as possible. Roll the towels up with the coat inside to help absorb the moisture. Repeat this step with fresh, dry towels if the coat is still excessively wet.

8. Lay Flat to Air-Dry

   Find a flat surface where you can place the coat on some dry towels. The coat will need to remain flat for up to 48 hours as it dries. Turning the coat and replacing wet towels after 24 hours will speed up the drying process.

   Do not hang the coat to dry because the weight of the wet wool can cause the coat to become misshapen. And under no circumstances should you place the coat in a clothes dryer. The high heat will cause it to shrink.

   Tip

   To prevent water damage to floors, tables, or bedding, place plastic sheeting or a vinyl tarp or tablecloth under the damp towels.

How to Machine-Wash a Wool Coat

If you simply don't have time for hand-washing, or if the coat is a sturdy, older garment that you are not especially worried about, it's acceptable to machine wash it. But be wary of this if the coat has a delicate lining or embellishments. If you decide to machine-wash, here's how to proceed.

1. Brush and Pretreat Stains

   Brush away loose soil and pretreat any stains as you would before hand-washing it (see above). Be sure to empty pockets and button up or zip the coat. Turn the coat inside out.

2. Set the Washer Cycle and Water Temperature

   Set the washer to the wool or gentle cycle and the water temperature to lukewarm or cold. If possible, select the slowest final spin cycle to reduce stretching.

3. Load the Washer

   Add the wool wash to the washer, following product instructions. Place the coat in a large mesh washing bag to prevent snags (remember to turn the coat inside out). If you don't have a mesh bag, use a white pillowcase and tie the top closed.

4. Air-Dry the Coat

   When the cycle is complete, remove the coat and turn it right side out. Follow the steps to air-dry the coat flat on a mesh drying rack or towels.

Treating Stains on Wool Coats

Fresh stains should be treated as soon as possible for the easiest removal. The best method is to mix a small amount of water with a small amount of wool wash, then use the solution to moisten and rub at the stain with a clean white cloth. Allow the solution to work on the stain for at least 10 minutes, but move on to whatever washing method you choose before the stained area dries.

Wool Coat Care and Repair

It's best to inspect your coat before washing and make any necessary repairs to loose seams or lining, so they are not further damaged in the wash. Hand-sewing is usually the best method for making these repairs. After washing and drying, inspect again, as buttons and other features may loosen during the washing process.

Ironing

Once your coat is dry, it will probably need a bit of ironing or steaming to remove wrinkles or sharpen labels and pocket trim. Be sure to use a sturdy ironing board, pressing cloth, and steam iron when pressing wool to prevent damage to the fibers.

When using a clothes steamer, hang the coat from a study hanger and follow the steamer's instructions. Allow both pressed and steamed coats to dry completely before wearing or storing, to prevent set-in wrinkles.

Storing Wool Coats

Wool coats are expensive items that are a favorite target of moths, which can chew on the wool fibers and ruin coats. When storing wool coats for long periods, hang them up in moth-proof plastic garment bags. Hang the coat on a wooden or padded hanger. A cedar ball or lavender-scented pouch placed in the garment bag can also help discourage moths.

How Often to Wash a Wool Coat

Since the coat is not usually worn in direct contact with the body, some coats may only require cleaning at the end of the season—or even less frequently. However, if the coat shows visible soil and has an odor, it should be cleaned as soon as possible.

It's best to clean the coat immediately before hanging it away for the season.

Tips for Washing Wool Coats

• Spot treat stains as quickly as possible.
• Wear a scarf around the inside collar to prevent body soil and make-up stains.
• Use a fabric refresher spray to eliminate strong odors.
• For garments that can't be washed, use a home dry cleaning kit, including the stain remover for a quick refresher.
• Use a clothes steamer or the steam from a hot shower to remove odors and wrinkles.