Wool is a warm and durable fabric, and a wool coat can last for years if you take good care of it. Just wash it a couple of times a season, but be careful to keep it from linting, shrinking and warping. While some coat designs can be machine washed, hand washing is usually safer. Another secret when cleaning this kind of clothes is not to use the dryer, as the heat risks shrinking them.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Pretreat the Wool Coat
Step 1. Read the label
You should always consult the washing instructions before washing a garment, as they will tell you exactly how to proceed. So, read the label to know:
- If you have to wash the coat by hand or in the washing machine.
- Which washing machine program to select (if it is allowed to use it).
- Which detergents to use.
- Other special instructions regarding washing and care.
- Instructions relating to the drying process.
- If the coat is to be dry cleaned only.
Step 2. Brush it
Using a garment brush, gently scrub the coat to remove dirt, dust, food debris, mud and other particles. To make the wool softer and prevent it from felting, brush it lengthwise, from the neck down.
You can use a damp cloth if you don't have a clothing brush
Step 3. Remove the stain
Look at the garment for spots soiled with dirt, food, and other debris. To remove stains, apply a small amount of detergent for delicate clothes, such as Woolite, to the affected area. Gently rub between your fingers until the dirt is removed.
- Even if your neck, cuffs, and armpits don't look dirty, clean them thoroughly.
- You can also use a soap or detergent suitable for wool and cashmere to remove stains from this garment.
Part 2 of 4: Hand Wash the Coat
Step 1. Wash the bathtub
Use a sponge to wipe with a little soap and water, then remove the foam with more water. This way you will have a clean area in which to work safely without the danger of the dirt from the tub transferring onto the coat.
If you don't have a bathtub, you can use a large sink or basin
Step 2. Fill the tub with water and detergent
Once it's clean, turn on the tap and fill it with warm water. While the water is running, add 30ml of liquid detergent for delicate clothes, such as Woolite, or baby shampoo. Make sure the tub contains enough water before soaking your coat.
It is important to use lukewarm water, as hot water can shrink the garment
Step 3. Soak it
Soak the coat in soapy water. Push it down until it is soaked in water that it stops floating. Let it soak for 30 minutes. Press the fabric with your hands to make sure the water gets deep into the fibers.
If you wet it properly it won't shrink
Step 4. Rub lightly to remove dirt
After an hour or two of soaking, gently scrub the dirtiest areas with your hands to remove stains and grime. Then, dip the coat back into the water to get rid of any residual dirt.
Do not scrub the wool vigorously otherwise it could become felted
Step 5. Proceed to rinse
Drain the tub water. Transfer the coat to a large bucket. Rinse the tub and fill it with more warm water. Return the coat to the tub. Gently rub it in the water to remove dirt and excess soap.
Repeat the rinse if you see a lot of foam in the water
Part 3 of 4: Washing the Coat in the Washing Machine
Step 1. Put it in a laundry net
If the washing instructions indicate that you can machine wash the garment, turn it inside out and place it in a laundry net before proceeding. It will prevent it from wrinkling and getting caught in the basket.
- In the absence of the linen net, you can use a large pillowcase. Put the coat inside and tie the opening.
- If the pillowcase isn't big enough, wrap your coat in a sheet and tie the bundle you got.
Step 2. Add the water and detergent
Choose a program with warm water. While the water is running, add 30ml of detergent for delicates or wool, such as Woolite. Let the basket fill with soapy water.]
It is important that the coat gets wet properly. If you have a front-loading washing machine and cannot immerse it directly in the machine, wash it by hand or wet it in the tub first and then transfer it to the drum
Step 3. Soak the coat
Place it in the soapy water inside the basket. Push it to the bottom so that the fibers get soaked and the coat sinks. Leave the lid open and hold the garment in the soapy water for 30 minutes.
Soaking helps prevent fiber shrinkage and helps loosen dirt
Step 4. Proceed to washing
After half an hour, close the lid of the washing machine. Choose the program for delicates, hand wash or woolen garments. Start the coat washing machine.
- It is important to use a program for wool or delicates because the friction and rubbing, on which the felting of the fibers depends, are minimal.
- Make sure the water is lukewarm or the coat may shrink.
- At the end of the program, remove the garment, take it out of the net and turn it to the right.
Part 4 of 4: Dry the Wool Coat
Step 1. Eliminate excess water
Put the coat on the sink or tub. Starting from the top to the bottom, gently press the fabric to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist the wool otherwise it could deform and stretch.
When you get to the end, go back to the top and press the coat from top to bottom
Step 2. Roll it up inside a towel
Spread a large towel on a table and place your coat on it, then roll the coat and towel together, as if you were making a crepe. When everything is wrapped, press the towel so that it absorbs the remaining water.
- Do not twist or wring the coat as you roll it up in the towel.
- Unroll the bundle and take off your coat.
Step 3. Lay the coat out to dry
Get another dry towel. Lay it out horizontally and lay your coat on it so that it dries. After a day, turn it over to dry the other side. It may take 2-3 days to dry completely.
- Never hang a wet wool garment as it could stretch and deform.
- Never put wool in the dryer as it may shrink.
