One thing you should never do when washing your winter coat, experts warn
by Nicola Roy · BristolLiveAs the chillier weather sets in, it's time to dust off your winter coat and prepare for another season of keeping cosy.
Whether you're sporting a long wool coat, a puffer jacket or something else entirely, these garments are crucial for fending off the cold during the frosty months.
However, given their frequent use during this period, they can easily become covered in dirt, and cleaning them isn't always straightforward.
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This is largely due to their composition of complex materials, such as down, wool or fur, which can make the optimal washing method a bit of a mystery, reports the Express.
Nonetheless, experts from Which? have provided some clarity on this matter - including one thing that should be avoided at all costs.
Tossing it into the washing machine might seem like the logical solution, as this is where we typically clean our other clothes. But the guidelines may differ when it comes to winter coats.
Not every coat is suitable for machine washing, but a quick glance at the care label will reveal whether yours is.
If you spot the symbol featuring a bucket of water with a hand over it, this indicates that the item should be hand washed only. If there's a bucket of water with a line through it, then the garment is dry-clean only and exposing it to water could cause damage.
If the label confirms that machine washing is allowed, there's one rule that must never be broken - never wash it at a temperature exceeding 40 degrees.
Maintaining a cooler setting will help to protect any delicate fibres from harm.
Before you chuck your coat into the washing machine, ensure it's zipped up and all pockets are closed to prevent any potential damage to other garments. Also, remove any detachable items such as belts or hoods.
Ideally, each coat should be washed individually to avoid them tangling with each other, but if you have a couple of similar ones, they can be washed together.
Use the 'delicates' setting on your washing machine for coats, or if that's not available, choose 'gentle' or 'hand wash'.
In most instances, a regular detergent will do the job. However, if you're cleaning a wool coat, you might need to get a special detergent suitable for that fabric.
When it comes to drying, many coats can be tumble dried at a low heat. This is particularly beneficial for puffer jackets as it helps to distribute the filling evenly.
However, for woolen items, simply lay them flat to dry to prevent them from stretching out of shape.