Understand your coat’s fabric and proper washing methods before cleaning to avoid shrinkage, damage, or fading. Here’s a simplified guide to help you clean and care for your wool trench coat at home or choose the best professional options when needed.
1. Check the Label
Check the care instructions stitched inside your wool trench coat. It provides all essential care information. Generally, check specifically whether it allows hand washing or only supports dry cleaning. Look for detergent or soap type instructions, and any other special care or washing guidelines.
Wool trench coats often include classic features like double-breasted buttons, wide lapels, storm flaps, and buttoned pockets. They usually come with a same-fabric belt at the waist and sleeve straps with buckles at the cuffs. Before cleaning, remove all detachable parts—especially those made of different materials—as they often need separate care.
2. Prepare Materials
Fabric comb or sweater shaver: To remove pills (e.g. fuzz balls)
Soft clothes brush: For brushing off loose dirt before and after cleaning
Cleaning cloth: Tissues or lint-free cloth to wipe stains or dirty spots on the coat
Common stain-fighting agents: White vinegar and rubbing alcohol.
Clean, lukewarm water: For washing and rinsing
Gentle detergent: A neutral wool detergent or natural soap
Drying rack or bath towel: To lay the damp coat flat to dry
3. Remove Pills
Use a fabric comb, sweater shaver, or similar tool. Lay your wool coat flat and give it a light brush—short strokes going downward work best. Be gentle to keep the fabric from getting pulled or damaged. For more tips to remove pills, please click: http://onwardcashmere.com/wool-coat-got-fuzzy-5-easy-ways-to-make-it-look-brand-new-again/
4. Brush the Coat
Keep your coat smooth—always place it flat before brushing to prevent any curling. Use a fabric brush and brush from the collar downward, in one direction—not back and forth—to avoid damaging delicate fabrics fibers. This removes dust, debris, pills, and loose threads from the surface and prevents them from embedding deeper during washing. Don’t worry if you’re missing a brush—a damp cloth can do the job too.
5. Spot Cleaning
Just combine a gentle detergent with lukewarm water—it really does the trick. Dab it on with a soft cloth or sponge, then use your finger pads to lightly rub the area in circular motion. If the stain’s being stubborn, let the detergent sit for a few minutes to do its job. Even if there are no visible stains, it’s helpful to clean areas like the collar, cuffs, and underarms where dirt often accumulates.
Please always test any detergent or soap on an inconspicuous area (like the inner hem) before use. Apply with a cotton swab—if the color transfers to the swab, the coat should be professionally dry cleaned.
6. Hand Wash at Home
Before washing, gently brush the coat with short strokes along the grain to remove loose dirt.
Just a little soapy water and a sponge are all you need to get your bathtub looking spotless.Then rinse with clean water to avoid transferring dirt onto the coat.
Add some lukewarm water to the tub and mix in two caps—or about 29 ml—of wool-safe detergent. Mix by hand to create some foam. Gently lower the coat into the water, pressing it down until it’s entirely under. Soak for at least 30 minutes.
Avoid rubbing wool against itself, as this may cause felting (a permanent roughening of the surface). Instead, rub dirty spots gently with your finger pads.
For rinsing, swirl the coat gently in water. Do not rub or twist. Gently squeeze each part to move the fabric around. Give the coat a gentle swirl in warm water, and keep refreshing the water until it looks clean.
7. Flat Drying
Press out water using your hands—do not wring or twist.
Lay the coat flat on a large, thick towel.
Wrap the coat in a towel, pressing down gently to soak up moisture.
Unroll when finished, then repeat from the top to ensure even drying.
Put the coat flat on a dry towel and let it dry slowly at room temperature—avoid using direct heat.
Grab a dry towel and gently place your damp coat flat on top. Drying may take 2-3 days. Flip the coat every 12 hours to ensure both sides dry evenly. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources. Dry in a well-ventilated area.
8. Professional Cleaning Options
Dry cleaning is the most common professional method. Delicate wool fabrics call for gentle treatment, and dry cleaning is a reliable option. Pros have the expertise to clean wool coats without causing damage.
9. FAQs
a.Can I machine wash my wool trench coat?
No, wool coats are not machine washable because they can shrink or become misshapen. Hand washing or dry cleaning is recommended.
b.Can I use bleach to remove stains?
Absolutely not. Bleach will damage the wool fibers and cause discoloration. Use a mild cleaner made for delicate fabrics.
c.How often should I clean my wool trench coat?
Depends on how often you wear it and whether there are visible stains or odors. Generally, once or twice per season is sufficient.
d.Which wool trench coats should not be cleaned at home?
Heavy coats, those labeled “dry clean only”, and coats with leather or fur details should be taken to a professional. Also avoid washing heavily dyed coats that may bleed color.
e.What kind of wool trench coats are best for home washing?
Choose solid, lightweight wool or blends with washable linings and sturdy closures like buttons or zippers.
f.Why shouldn’t I use a dryer for wool coats?
The heat may cause the coat to shrink.
g.Can I hang a wool coat to dry?
No. The weight of wet wool can stretch and deform the coat.
h.How do I remove wine stains?
Blot with a lint-free absorbent cloth to soak up excess liquid. Then apply a 1:1 mix of lukewarm water and rubbing alcohol using a sponge. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with wool detergent. Woolmark-approved detergents are recommended. For more ways to remove stains from wool trench coat, click here: https://www.woolmark.com/care/stain-removal-wool/
Post time: Jul-04-2025
