It’s that time of year again – the cold weather is starting to creep in, and with it comes the need for a warm winter coat. But before you can enjoy those long walks in the park and snowball fights with your friends, you first need to know how to wash a winter coat! We will walk you through the process of washing different types of winter coats: fleece, down, wool, and more. We’ll provide tips on how to keep your coat looking new for seasons to come!
How to Wash a Winter Coat
Is your coat smelling musty coming back out of the closet? Let’s learn how to wash a winter coat and fix that now!
How to Wash a Fleece Coat :
- Start by checking the label for any specific instructions.
- If your coat is machine-washable, start by pre-treating any stains with a stain remover.
- Place your coat in the washing machine on a delicate cycle using cold water and laundry detergent made for delicates.
- Once the cycle is finished, remove your coat from the machine and lay it flat to dry.
- If your coat is not machine-washable, you will need to take it to a professional cleaner or hand-wash it.
- If you want to hand-wash it, start by spot-cleaning any stains with a stain remover. Fill a basin or sink with cold water and laundry detergent made for delicates. Gently swirl your coat in the soapy water, taking care not to scrub or rub the fabric too hard. Rinse your coat thoroughly in cold water. Lay your coat flat to dry.
How to Wash a Down Coat:
- Down coats can often be machine-washed, but you will want to use a gentle cycle and cold water. Check the label to be sure
- Add a small amount of laundry detergent made for delicates.
- Once the cycle is finished, remove your coat from the machine and lay it flat to dry.
- If your coat is not machine-washable, you will need to hand-wash it or take it to a cleaner.
- If you want to wash it at home, you can also hand-wash your down coat in a bathtub. Fill the tub with cold water and a small amount of laundry detergent made for delicates. Soak your coat for 30 minutes, then drain the tub and rinse the coat until the water runs clear. Press the excess water out of the coat, then lay it flat to dry.

How to Wash a Wool Coat :
- Start by checking the label for any specific instructions.
- Wool coats can often be machine-washed, but you will want to use a delicate cycle and cold water.
- Add a small amount of wool detergent or baby shampoo to the washing machine.
- Once the cycle is finished, remove your coat from the machine and lay it flat to dry.
- If your coat is not machine-washable, you will need to take it to a professional cleaner.
- If you want to hand-wash at home, fill a sink or bathtub with cold water and wool detergent or baby shampoo. Soak your coat for 30 minutes, then drain the sink and rinse the coat until the water runs clear. Press the water out of the coat till it’s not sopping wet anymore and then lay it flat to dry.
How to Wash a Synthetic Coat:
- Start by checking the label for any specific instructions.
- Synthetic coats can often be machine-washed, but you will want to use a delicate cycle and cold water.
- Add a small amount of laundry detergent made for delicates to the washing machine.
- Once the cycle is finished, remove your coat from the machine and lay it flat to dry.
- If your coat is not machine-washable, you will need to take it to a professional cleaner or hand wash it.
- If you want to clean it at home, you can spot-clean it with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

How to Wash a Leather Coat:
- Start by checking the label, leather coats are usually never machine-washable.
- If you are attempting to clean your leather coat at home, start by vacuuming it with a soft brush attachment.
- Next, mix a solution of water and mild soap.
- Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and wipe down your coat.
- Rinse the cloth in clean water and wipe down the coat again to remove any soap residue.
- Finally, dry your coat with a clean, soft towel.
Now that you know how to wash a winter coat, it’s time to get it out of the closet and into action! Enjoy the rest of your winter season smelling great and looking even better. And remember for any washer issues, give Callahan’s a call for the best washer repair around! And for more washer tips check out our blogs on washing towels and noisy washers!