How to Wash a Winter Jacket

Your winter jacket will inevitably get dirty, especially after going through the changing seasons. Whether you rubbed against a dirty car or spilled coffee, learning how to clean your winter jacket properly is important. With this Expert guide, you’ll be able to keep your jacket in good condition and looking its best all winter long.

How Often Should I Wash My Jacket?

If you’re wearing your winter jacket every day, it would be best to wash it every 4-6 weeks of wear, and as needed in between. If you live somewhere you only wear your jacket here and there, you can wash it once or twice a year.

1. Check the Care Label

The first step in washing your winter coat is to read the care label thoroughly so that you avoid damaging your jacket. The care label will provide you with any cleaning or care steps recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Spot Clean

Next, check your jacket for spots that need additional attention. Spot clean your jacket by using a mild dish soap or laundry detergent, and a gentle nylon brush to work out any tough stains. For down jackets, it’s recommended to use mild dish soap, jackets with waterproof material should use a mild laundry detergent. Only a dime-sized amount of soap mixed with water is needed to spot clean.

3. Prepare Your Jacket

Before putting your jacket in the washing machine, remove any fur accessories like hoods, cuffs, or interiors. Next, empty all pockets before completely closing all zippers, buttons, and hook and loop closures to avoid coat damage in the washing machine.

4. Wash Your Jacket

Place your jacket in the washing machine by itself, all jackets should be washed on their own to avoid damage. Wash your jacket on a cold, gentle cycle using a gentle detergent. Top-loading washing machines should be avoided when washing delicate items as the agitator may lead to damaged materials.

Expert Tip #1: For down and wool jackets, wash cold on delicate for the shortest cycle.

Expert Tip #2: Using a cleanser made for jackets, like Nikwax, preserves loft and insulation and improves water repellency. Nikwax is a soap-based detergent that extends jacket life and reactivates jacket technologies.

5. Dry Your Jacket

After completing your wash cycle, place your jacket in the dryer on an ‘air-dry’ cycle to avoid heat. Following your jacket's care label instructions on how to dry your jacket is important to uphold its integrity. Wool dryer balls will reduce static while their shape fluffs the jackets during the cycle.

Once your jacket is finished drying, reattach any accessories that were removed, and enjoy your clean winter jacket.

Expert Tip #3: Do not place down and wool jackets in the dryer, air dry only.

Now that you know how to properly clean your winter jacket, not only will it look and feel good, but it will keep the quality and increase longevity, so you can wear it for many seasons to come. If you need additional information, head into your local SCHEELS to speak to an Expert.