Sometimes we invest a lot in a coat and we want to take care of it to keep it in good condition. Depending on the type of coat, special care must be taken when cleaning it. Indeed, a woolen coat, a down coat or a windbreaker coat cannot be treated in the same way, in order to preserve: softness, warmth, waterproofness… Here are some maintenance tips according to the type of coat to be cleaned.
Down Coat
The first thing to do is to check the label where you will find the cleaning recommendations. The use of a mild detergent and a separate wash at a very low temperature are strongly recommended. If the hood has removable fur then it is best to wash them separately. While the hood can be machine washed according to the label, the fur can be cleaned with a little bit of terre de sommiere and brushed with a soft, dry brush. Fur is a very delicate material to clean, so we strongly advise you to bring it to your cleaner whether it is removable or not. The drying stage is often the most crucial for the down coat. A quick run in the dryer on low heat with clean tennis balls to remove excess moisture and maintain the volume of the down is recommended. Two or three short cycles should be used rather than one long cycle, and each time you dry, check to see if the down has regained its shape and if it is completely dry. Tip: To distribute the down evenly throughout the coat, shake it well between each drying. If in doubt, or if stubborn stains are found, it is best to seek the advice of an expert cleaner.
Sports Coat
It keeps you warm when you’re enjoying winter, but to preserve its insulating and waterproof qualities, cleaning is necessary. Most sport coats need to be washed in cold water and dried flat, but it’s always best to check the label to avoid making any mistakes. For optimal washing without damaging the garment, it is important to close buttons and zippers and then loosen the cords and elastics of the coat before putting it in the machine. However, cleaning your sport coat at home can degrade its waterproof membrane, so to avoid any unpleasant surprises, choose an expert cleaner. It is important to choose the right cleaner. For example, classic dry cleaning with a solvent such as PERC should be avoided since this technique can damage your coat, affect its waterproofing or poorly clean up sweat or odors because dry cleaning does not disinfect. It is therefore important to entrust your coat to a cleaner who will treat it in an aquaperformance machine with a program and a mild detergent adapted to not alter its waterproofness. Find our expert cleaners here.
Wool Coat
Worn on special occasions or on a daily basis to ensure a stylish and professional look at the office, the wool coat represents a significant purchase that you want to preserve for as long as possible. It is, without a doubt, the most temperamental coat and the most delicate to clean. The first thing to do is to check the nature of the wool, because the cleaning methods vary from one kind to another: sheep, angora, cashmere, alpaca, etc. Each wool has its own characteristics, depending on the treatment done before or after its spinning. Depending on whether it is woven or knitted, the cleaning technique also varies to maintain the splendor of this natural fiber. We strongly recommend that you call in an expert for this type of item, which is a difficult material to maintain and which does not react like other garments.
In case of a stain, do not rub the stain to prevent it from becoming embedded, but gently tap it with a handkerchief to absorb the maximum amount of the stain. If the stain does not disappear completely, take the coat to your cleaner as soon as possible. Contrary to popular belief, wool is a fabric that likes water. It is therefore important to take it to an aquaperformant cleaner every year to keep it in perfect condition. Ideally, it is recommended to do it at the end of the season, before storing it in a dry place during the summer season.
To know everything about wool cleaning, please refer to our dedicated article here!
Whatever their use, coats are an important purchase. If you want to keep them for as long as possible, and take care of hard-to-care-for garments, refer to a competent cleaner and his expertise. Daoust Nettoyeurs Écoperformants offers specific care for your coats, meet us in the branch nearest you to enjoy the best of the winter season!