Once you find the perfect winter coat, you’ll want it to last a lifetime. Knowing how to properly care for your winter coat is key to saving money and preserving a piece of clothing with which you don’t want to part. The best winter jackets are expensive and hard to replace. Maintain yours when you follow these important steps.
Check for Damage
Before you put your coat away, make sure it’s still in good condition. Check that your buttons aren’t loose and that zippers work. One of the reasons zippers split is because fabric, dirt, or other items get stuck between the teeth. Further, you should inspect your coat for tears and other places you may need to make repairs.
Remove Stains ASAP
If you spill something on your coat that leaves a stain, try to remove it right away. You don’t want your winter coat to look old and tarnished. Keep it nice by dabbing out stains as soon as possible.
Follow Care Instructions
Some coats may go in the washer while you must spot-clean or dry-clean others. If you own a fur coat, you’ll need to get it dry-cleaned or use spot-cleaning methods. Have wool coats and other special fabrics professionally cleaned.
Hang Your Winter Coat
One of the best ways to ensure your winter coat looks its best is to hang it on a quality hanger. Use a wide wooden hanger that can support your jacket. This will help keep the shape in the shoulders and ensure your coat doesn’t fall on the floor and crumple. Further, you may want to use hangers with a velvet grip for extra assurance.
Empty the Pockets
Remove heavy items from your winter coat pockets when you get home. You want these items out of your pockets before you hang it up, so it doesn’t suffer any strain. Have a place for your wallet, phone, and other items, so you naturally remember to remove them.
In addition to heavy objects, take wrappers, tissues, lip balm, and other small items out of your pockets before storing your coat. Keep your coat clean when you remove trash and extras that may ruin the lining of your jacket.
Store in a Garment Bag
Once winter is officially finished, you may want to store your winter clothes. To store your coat, use a sealed garment bag. Give your coat a final cleansing to rid it of debris before storing it away for the year. You can use cedar balls or mothballs to keep it nice for the next season.
Pro Tip: You can help keep your coat clean by wearing layers beneath it. For instance, you can wear a scarf beneath the collar line to avoid getting sweat or makeup on your coat.
If you pull out your winter coat this season and don’t like what you find, remember these maintenance tips for your next jacket. Knowing how to properly care for your winter coat can save you money and help you preserve your favorite pieces of clothing. Never throw another coat away again.
