Washing jackets at home is a task which often comes off as confusing for many because each material reacts differently to water, heat, and detergents. Many are worried about shrinking of wool coats, fading of denim, or damage to delicate linings. Whether you have a winter coat, a denim trucker, a puffer, or a shearling jacket you can wash most jacket types at home with the right techniques. This guide goes through each step by step so that you may clean your jackets without damaging the fabric, color or structure.
Why Jacket Washing Is Different From Regular Laundry?
Jackets are made of a mix of materials which include cotton shells, polyester filling, insulated linings, and protective coatings. Each layer has a different reaction to wash which is the reason that putting a jacket in the machine to wash without first reading the care labels may cause it to shrink, warp, or have its insulation flattened. Also normal detergents may strip away the water proofing or leave behind a residue which in turn will affect the jacket’s breathability.
Most which go into heavy wear do well with gentler cleaning methods. Out of which we put to use, sweat, oil, environmental dust and odor accumulate mostly in the fabric itself. To properly care for your jacket it is first to understand what your jacket’s fabric is like.
Check the Care Label First:
Before washing anything check the care label in the jacket. We are told by brands what methods of cleaning are safe for our clothes so those instructions are a good place to start. If the label says dry clean only that doesn’t always mean it can’t be washed at home but it does mean the material is very delicate. Wool, leather, suede, shearling and down filled jackets usually require special care. As for Denim, cotton, nylon and polyester blends your best bet is to do the wash at home.
If the label has worn off or is not present, check out other fabric care instructions or use the most general safe methods which are presented below.
How to Hand-Wash Jackets at Home?
Hand washing is also the best method for wool, cotton, fleece and synthetic blends. Into a tub put in cold or lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent. Gently submerge the jacket making sure the lining is even saturated. Squeeze the fabric in the hands in the areas which collect sweat and dirt like the collar, armpits and cuffs. Do not rub or twist the fabric vigorously which will only stretch out the fibers or weaken the stitches. Rinse out with cool water till no detergent comes out, then press out excess water from the garment without twisting the fabric.
Place your jacket on a towel and roll it up which will remove excess moisture. Also try to hang the jacket on a hanger in a dry shaded area. Stay away from direct sunlight which causes fading or stiffness of darker fabrics.
How to Machine-Wash Jackets Without Damage?
If you own a machine washable jacket use the gentle cycle which is cold. Before washing put in all zippers, buttons and snaps to prevent snagging. Turn the jacket inside out which in turn will protect the outer surface during spin. As for puffer jackets throw in two clean tennis balls or dryer balls which will help keep the insulation’s loft. Use a fragrance free non-bleach detergent to preserve the fabric’s color and structure.
Machine washable for denim, cotton and lightweight nylon windbreakers and man made winter jackets. Out of the question for hot water, strong detergents, fabric softeners and aggressive spin cycles which do in fact affect how the jacket fits as well as it’s durability.
How to care for wool, puffer, and delicate jackets?
Wool jackets do great in cold water with mild detergents and we do not advise agitation. As for stains and a like brand new look try out spot cleaning and steaming or a fabric brush. In terms of down jackets use a down safe detergent and dry on low heat with the use of dryer balls which will also preserve the feather fluff. Also for puffer jackets with synthetics fill let them dry on low heat and use the delicate wash cycles.
Suede and leather jackets should not be put in water. For cleaning use a soft cloth for a gentle clean and a leather safe cleaner which will do great. Also give them time to air dry. Water will cause leather to dry out, crack or change color.
How to Dry Jackets Without Causing Shrinkage?
Drying is just as important a process as washing. Of wool, cotton, denim and delicate fabrics which to air we should turn first. As you dry out that jacket do put it on a wide shoulder hanger which in turn will help it to retain its shape. For puffer jackets low heat in the dryer is fine but do use dryer balls. Also do not put your jackets by heaters, radiators or in direct sun light because that quick change in temperature can cause fiber warping or color fade.
If after drying your jacket comes out flat try to shake it out or run it through a steamer to bring it back to shape and softness. As for smell which improves with proper air circulation we find that drying by a window does best.
How to get rid of wrinkles without an iron?
Many jackets can’t go in the iron; in particular leather and down filled ones. For wrinkle removal use a hand steamer which you should hold at least 6 inches from the fabric. Also put your jacket in the bathroom during a hot shower, steam will slowly work out the wrinkles. As for denim and cotton jackets you may do some light ironing but do put a cloth in between the iron and the fabric.
Do not iron on fabric which has prints or coatings the heat may cause the design to shift or melt.
How Often Should You Wash a Jacket?
Jacket washing is a function of how often you put them on. In winter you may get by with washing your coats only once or twice per season, but denim and cotton jackets will require more regular care. After you’ve been to the gym or had a heavy sweat put out a little spray instead of throwing the whole jacket in the wash. Over washing does wear out materials faster which is true for wool, leather, and insulated jackets in particular.
For the most part we go to the wash for our denim every 8 to 10 wears, for puffer jackets we hit the laundry at the start of each season, we go monthly with our cotton jackets and for wool coats we only head to the dry cleaner when they require it.
Final Care Tips for Jacket Longevity:
Proper care of your jackets after they have been cleaned is what will maintain their shape. Use structured hangers and don’t over crowd your closet, also store winter jackets in cool dry areas. For long term storage use protective covers which are a must for wool or high end fabrics. To do this right also keep your jackets clean, aired out, and fully dried which in the end will give you better durability and comfort.
Jackets which look clean also do a better job, they retain insulation, breathability, and fabric strength. If you keep to a routine of cleanings your collection will stay fresh, free of odor, and ready for daily wear.
Many of our customers also go for light weight and classic pieces like the bomber jacket leather men which do require special care in terms of wash and dry to preserve the shape. To do a great job at home in cleaning your jackets we put into account the individual care requirements of each fabric.
Conclusion:
Washing jackets at home doesn’t have to be a complex task if you know how each fabric responds to water, heat, and detergent. We have wool, denim, synthetic puffers, cotton pieces, and specialty jackets in our wardrobes the proper care methods for each will see to it that fit, color, and durability are preserved. Through gentle cleaning and careful drying which is done with thoughtfulness you may see your jackets looking like new for years.
FAQS:
1. Can I wash winter jackets in a washing machine?
Sure, mostly what we put in the wash for synthetic winter jackets are on a cold gentle cycle. Use mild detergents and stay away from fabric softeners.
2. How do I stop my jacket from shrinking?
Always use cold water for washing and air dry. Heat is the primary cause of shrinkage.
3. Can leather or suede jackets be washed at home?
No, what you do is clean leather and suede in spots. Do not put them in water.
4. How often should I wash my jacket?
Denim and cotton items do better with more frequent cleaning, in the case of wool and winter coats we only see to their seasonal cleaning.
5. What’s the best way to remove odors from jackets?
Air out in the sun, steam it out, or use fabric safe odor neutralizers which work best.