It’s time to start getting excited about embracing winter chills by making sure your favorite jacket or coat is clean and ready to dazzle onlookers. But, that means knowing how to wash winter jackets and how to clean winter jackets.
With so many different fabrics and materials that winter coats and jackets are made from, we’ve decided to create a guide to winter jacket care for all sorts of different materials. That includes wool jackets, down jackets, faux fur jackets, natural fur jackets, leather jackets, fleeces, suede jackets, puffer jackets, waterproof jackets and vinyl jackets.
Take a look at easy to follow step by step tips below on how to keep your winter outerwear in pristine condition.
How to Wash Wool Coats and Jackets
If you have a warm winter coat or jacket, chances are it’s made from wool. Wool is known for being a great insulator and for keeping you warm from the cold. However, caring for wool coats and jackets requires some special cleaning care to make sure it lasts long.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wash your woolen coat or jacket (and specifically how to wash winter jackets in washing machine):
Step 1: Read the Care Label. Always check whether the garment requires dry cleaning only, or if you’re able to hand wash or machine wash your woolen jacket or coat.
Step 2: Wash with care. If your jacket or coat can be hand washed or machine washed, remember to use cold water as warm water could make wool shrink. Use a delicate laundry detergent like Kind Laundry’s detergent sheets, along with our Vegan Stain Remover Bar if you need to spot treat any stains. And, if you want to lock in an amazing scent for longer, you can try using Kind Laundry’s Ocean-Breeze Scent Boosters!
Step 3: Soak and rinse. Soak for about 10 - 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly, but never twist or scrub the coat as that may make it lose its shape.
Step 4: Dry with care. You’ll need to dry your coat on a flat and clean surface so that it maintains its shape. Placing it on a towel to soak up excess water is a good trick to try before drying. Air dry in the shade and do not use any heat, as that could shrink your coat.
Step 5: Store with care. Once your woolen coat is totally dry, you can store it in a well aired cupboard. Use a strong hanger and be sure to avoid anywhere that will get too much heat, moisture, or mildew. 
How to Wash Down Coats
Hello, coat lovers! Before the start of winter you’ll want to give your down coat some extra love and care. Follow the guidelines below for an easy way to have your cozy winter companion looking new and clean and how to wash winter jacket at home.
Step 1: Read the care instructions. Beware that some coats can only be dry cleaned so it’s vital that you check the label first before washing.
Step 2: Prepare your coat for washing. That means you’ll need to give it a good shake to make sure there’s no debris or dirt on the coat. Also remember to empty all the pockets. Also, zip closed any pockets and turn the coat inside out - this is particularly important if your coat will be machine washed.
Step 3: Pretreat stains. If you’re wondering how to remove stains from a winter jacket, start by choosing a mild laundry stain remover bar so that it won’t ruin your down coat. Spot treat any stains with the pretreatment soap bar before washing.
Step 4: Hand wash or gently machine wash, per the care instructions. Use cold water and a mild, eco-friendly laundry detergent like Kind Laundry’s eco-friendly Detergent Sheets.
Step 5: Rinse thoroughly. Make sure all the soap has been washed out before drying.
Step 6: Dry flat. To make sure that your coat doesn’t warp or go out of shape, follow the care instructions and never tumble dry unless it says you can. It’s best to air dry flat in a shaded area. If you are able to tumble dry, consider using Kind Laundry’s Wool Dryer Balls which can help speed up drying time, as well as helping to fluff up the feathers.
Step 7: Shake and fluff. You may need to give your coat a gentle shake to fluff up the feathers and make sure they're evenly distributed.
How to Wash Puffer Coats
Is it time to show your puffer jacket some TLC and help restore its “looks like new” glow? Check out the tips below to spruce up your puffer coat and keep warm in style this winter. Below are some tips on how to wash a winter puffer jacket:
Step 1: Read your garment label. Most puffers are able to be washed in machines, but it’s always best to double check if you’re looking for how to wash puffer winter jacket.
Step 2: Pre-treat any stains. Using a mild stain remover, you can spot clean any stains by gently rubbing a diluted solution on the stain.
Step 3: Wash with care. Using a gentle setting, wash your puffer coat with a mild laundry detergent. Avoid using any fabric softeners as they can affect the softness of the puffer jacket.
Step 4: Depending on the care instructions, tumble dry on a low heat. Adding natural Wool Dryer Balls can help to speed up the drying process and reduce wrinkles. Alternatively, air dry thoroughly.
How to Wash Faux Fur Jackets
Faux fur jacket lovers, we've got you covered with how to wash winter jackets! You can keep your jacket looking plush and new by following these easy steps:
Step 1: You guessed it! Always check the garment label to see what the care instructions say about professional dry cleaning, hand washing, or machine washing.
Step 2: Spot clean any stains. If you can see any stains on your warm winter faux fur jacket, then it’s best to spot treat them before washing. Always use cold water and a mild laundry stain remover like Kind Laundry’s environmentally-friendly Stain Remover Bar.
Step 3: Once all the stains are gone, you can hand wash or machine wash, in line with the jacket’s care instructions. Always use cold water and a mild laundry detergent like Kind Laundry’s zero-waste Detergent Sheets. And a great way to protect your jacket in a machine wash is to use a washable mesh laundry bag.
Step 4: Rinse out all of the detergent. To avoid having your jacket ruined by excess detergent getting ingrained in the fabric, it’s important to thoroughly wash out all of the soap.
Step 5: Dry the faux fur jacket. Lay flat to dry so that the jacket holds its shape. Avoid wringing it out or stretching the jacket. Also avoid heat as that could warp your jacket.
Step 6: Fluff into shape. Once the jacket is totally dry, you may need to fluff up the fur to get it back into shape. A gentle brush can do the trick nicely.
How to Wash Natural Fur Jackets
Wondering how to wash a winter jacket with fur? If you’re a fur fan wanting to ensure your favorite natural fur coat is ready to look luxuriously dazzling for winter, then follow these easy cleaning tips below:
Step 1: Look for special care instructions. Oftentimes natural fur needs to be professionally dry cleaned, so the first step is to read your garment label for washing instructions.
Step 2: Empty pockets and inspect for stains. It’s also a good idea to give it a little shake to loosen any dirt.
Step 3: If you’re able to hand wash your fur jacket, then start by spot treating any visible stains. It’s vital to use a mild stain remover like Kind Laundry’s Vegan Stain Remover Bar. Avoid any scrubbing or abrasives that may damage the fur.
Step 4: You’ll probably end up dry cleaning your fur coat, but if you do hand wash, make sure you use a mild laundry detergent and avoid any bleach or harsh chemicals that might stain your fur.
Step 5: Dry with care! Do not use a tumble dryer or any heat source, and avoid sunlight as you air dry your fur jacket.
Step 6: Brush and fluff. Once your jacket is 100% dry, you can brush the fur gently to revive that new look and to get the fur looking fluffy once again.
Step 7: Store safely. Store furs in a cool, dry cupboard that’s well ventilated and out of the way of heat and sun. Also ensure that there's no moisture, humidity or mildew where you store your coat.
How to Wash Leather Coats and Jackets
Leather lovers - if you want to know how to wash winter jackets, and in particular your leather coats and jackets, then keep reading. You can get your get your favorite winter coat ready for wearing by following these easy tips:
Step 1: Check your coat label! Certain fabrics can only be professionally dry cleaned or spot cleaned at home, so you need to read up about your coat’s care instructions.
Step 2: Clean any stains. Use a stain remover laundry detergent that’s mild to clean any spots or stains on your coat. For this you’ll need to use a damp cloth and gently circular rubbing movements. Make sure that you wash out the stain remover bar before washing.
Step 3: Cleaning. You’ll most likely need to take your leather coat to a specialist cleaner. They will have products to condition the leather after cleaning to keep the leather soft and supple.
Step 4: Dry the jacket. Always air dry leather and never use any heat like tumble dryers or even sunlight.
Step 5: Store in a dry place. It’s important to store leather coats in a place that is well aired and will not attract mildew or humidity. Never use a plastic bag to cover your leather jackets, but if you do use a bag, make sure it's a cloth one that’s breathable.
How to Wash Fleece Coats and Jackets
If you’re a fleece fan wondering how to wash a winter jacket in the washing machine, then the tips below are for you. Give your winter fleece a spa day and enjoy being wrapped up cozy and warm in a fresh, clean fleece by following the step by step tips below:
Step 1: Read the care label, which will tell you how you can care for and wash your fleece. Typically this will include hand washing and machine washing.
Step 2: Spot treat stains. Check your garment for any stains and pre-treat them with a mild and gentle laundry stain remover.
Step 3: Wash with a mild laundry detergent. You’ll need a gentle laundry detergent that is kind to your fleece’s delicate fabric, and the environment too. If you want to keep your fleece smelling great for longer, you can use scent booster beads.
Step 4: Rinse. If you want your fleece to remain soft and fluff, you’ll need to make sure that all the detergent is thoroughly washed out before drying. Always use cold water to rinse.
Step 5: Air dry. It’s best to air dry your fleeces, but some fabrics may allow for tumble drying on a low heat. If you do tumble dry, you can add natural, non-toxic Wool Dryer Balls to help soften the fabric and dry your laundry faster.
Step 6: Store well. Fleece fabric can fade easily if left in bright sunlight, so opt for storing your fleece jacket somewhere shaded and dry.
How to Wash Suede Coats and Jackets
Hey suede enthusiasts! Elevate your jacket game with this quick guide to suede care:
Step 1: Brush away dirt and dust. Gently brush off any dust and dirt using a soft-bristled brush.
Step 2: Spot clean stains. If you see any stains on your suede leather coat, you can remove them with a specially formulated suede stain remover, or alternatively diluted white vinegar solution (which you should first spot test to make sure it won't stain).
Step 3: Use some steam. You can use a mild steam while brushing your suede to help revive its luster.
Step 4: Air dry the jacket. Suede needs to be air dried and it’s important to avoid any heat.
How to Wash Waterproof Jackets
Do you want to know how to wash a snow jacket? If you need to weather the elements this winter, a waterproof jacket is a must have. Follow these easy steps to keep your waterproof jacket in top-notch condition!
Step 1: Close all zippers. Before washing your waterproof jacket, do up the zips and shake loose any dirt, while checking pockets for anything you may have forgotten to take out.
Step 2: Read the label. Check to see what the specific care instructions are and if you can machine wash your winter waterproof jacket.
Step 3: Pre-treat stains. Use Kind Laundry’s Vegan Stain Remover Bar to gently wash out any stains by rubbing the stain with a cloth in gently circular motions.
Step 4: Wash your jacket using a mild laundry detergent and use cold water and a gentle cycle.
Step 5: Dry. If your care instructions allow, you might be able to tumble dry the jacket on a low heat - using Kind Laundry’s Wool Dryer Balls can help to speed up the drying process and reduce wrinkles. Alternatively you’ll need to air dry.
Step 6: Store in a dry place. Always keep your jackets in a place that’s not too humid or whether it’s likely to attract mildew. Also avoid heat and direct sunlight as that could damage the waterproofing.
How to Wash Vinyl Coats
Are you a vinyl jacket enthusiast? Then follow these quick cleaning steps to make sure your vinyl coat keeps its glossy and glamorous look so that you can rock your vinyl with confidence!
Step 1: Get wiping! Vinyl fabric is delicate so you’ll want to start off by gently wiping it with a damp cloth to get rid of any dust and dirt.
Step 2: Clean stains. To get rid of any stains on your sleek vinyl coat, you can use a solution of mild laundry detergent or a mild and natural stain remover with water and use a soft cloth to gently rub the stain.
Step 3: Depending on the care instructions, you can hand wash or gently machine wash your vinyl coat using cold water and mild detergent like Kind Laundry’s Laundry Detergent Sheets.
Step 4: Rinse. Make sure that your vinyl coat gets thoroughly rinsed before drying.
Step 5: Air dry. Dry your coat out of direct sunlight and make sure it’s 100% dry before storing it somewhere dry.
How often to Wash Winter Jackets
Luckily you don’t need to wash winter jackets and coats too often. But of course, you want to make sure that you clean stains immediately and that you ensure cleanliness and preserve the quality of your coat through careful maintenance.
It’s typically sufficient to wash your jackets every couple of months, depending on how often you wear them. Always follow the care guidelines and avoid over-washing.
Hopefully all your questions about how to clean winter jacket without washing,
how to dry clean winter jacket at home and “how to wash my winter jacket“ have been answered in the sections above!
Tips on How to Store Winter Jackets
Now that we’ve covered how do you wash a winter jacket, here are some tips on how to store winter jackets.
By storing your winter jackets properly you can keep them ready for when you need them and prevent them getting moldy or smelly.
It’s best to store coats in a cool, dry place that doesn’t get any direct sunlight that might fade their fabrics. If you do use garment storage bags, make sure they are cotton (not plastic) and ensure they’re breathable. Padded hangers are a great idea for maintaining the shape of your jackets.
Another useful tip is to make sure the jackets are stored with space between them so that natural airflow is circulating and so that they don’t get moldy.
To keep your jackets smelling great for longer you can use Kind Laundry In-Wash Scent Boosters which have a fresh, ocean-breeze fragrance.
Final Thoughts On How To Wash Winter Coats
Winter jacket care is somewhat of an artform. You need to know how to deal with different types of fabrics to make sure that the jackets are cleaned correctly to keep your winter wardrobe in impeccable condition.
Knowing how to wash your winter jacket and how to clean winter jacket at home can also help ensure that your jackets last longer and maintain their shape and elegant style.
Now that we’ve comprehensively covered how to wash winter jackets, you’re ready to take this winter by storm and keep cozy and warm in style in rain, snow or cold weather.
