How to Wash a Coat in the Washing Machine This Winter

14/12/2023 - Laundry Tips

Even though your winter coats only comes out during the colder seasons, this doesn’t mean they don’t get dirty! You may believe they can only be dry cleaned, but we’re here to guide you on how you can wash them in the washing machine too.

Refresh your winter coats and keep them looking and feeling snug with ACE.

How to Wash a Wool Coat in the Washing Machine

Wool is a natural fibre and should always be handled with care, especially when washing. Although it is also recommended to dry clean wool coats due to the inner linings not being washable, there are ways you can wash them at home too – just make sure you always check the label before you do though!

Top tip: It’s important you are extra gentle when washing wool coats, so the fibres don’t break down or shrink.

  1. Brush away any loose debris and pre-treat any stains with ACE for Colours Stain Remover Spray; this is suitable for all fabrics, even delicate ones like wool.
  2. If your washing machine has a “wool” cycle, choose this one or a gentle cycle with a low temperature. It’s important for the water to be lukewarm or cold to avoid your wool coat shrinking.
  3. Place your wool coat in a mesh bag or pillowcase and tie the top to avoid any snagging.
  4. Once the cycle is complete, air dry your coat on a flat surface. If necessary, lay it on some towels to absorb the water.

How to Wash a Faux Fur Coat in the Washing Machine

A faux fur coat is a great alternative to a real fur coat, however it requires different care when it comes to washing it. Even though the fur is usually washable synthetic fibres, the inner linings may not be washable, so make sure to always check the label. If your faux fur coat is washable, follow these instructions:

  1. Place your faux fur coat in a mesh bag or pillowcase and tie the top.
  2. Add ACE Ultra for Colours into your wash and select the delicate cycle on your washing machine. Make sure the water temperature is cool.
  3. Once the cycle is complete, either hang dry or lay the coat flat in its natural shape. Never put your faux fur coat in the tumble dryer as the high heat can cause the synthetic fibres to fuse.
  4. Once dry, use a soft-bristled brush or wide-tooth comb to detangle and lift the fur.

How to Wash a Trench Coat in the Washing Machine

Trench coats are a classic style choice normally made from cotton or nylon blends. It’s important to note that the main shell and the lining should be washed separately as they are normally 2 different materials and require different care. Also, always make sure to avoid putting either piece in the dryer so they don’t get damaged.

  1. Once separated, apply any stain remover necessary. ACE for Colours Stain Remover Spray is suitable for delicate materials.
  2. Place both the inner lining and outer shell in individual mesh bags, so neither of them snag in the washing machine and elements like buttons and buckles are protected.
  3. Add your laundry detergent into your washing machine and always select a delicate cycle and a low temperature. For coats with stubborn stains, also add ACE Ultra for Colours.
  4. Hang the outer shell to air dry in the correct shape and lay the inner lining flat to dry.

How to Wash a Polyester Coat in the Washing Machine

Polyester is a popular material choice and due to its synthetic fibres, it is quite durable and can withstand regular machine washing. However, it’s always important to remember to never wash it on high temperatures as this can cause the fibres to break down and distort the shape of the coat.

  1. Pre-treat any stains with your ACE for Colours Stain Remover Spray and leave to set.
  2. Place your polyester coat in a mesh bag for protection and put it in the washing machine along with similar colours and fabrics.
  3. Always choose a normal cycle along with a warm or cool water temperature setting and add detergent. Fabric conditioner is also recommended to keep the polyester soft and to reduce static.
  4. Either air dry or tumble dry at a cooler temperature, and either steam or iron on low for the perfect finish.

How to Wash a Puffer Coat in the Washing Machine

Puffer coats are great in the colder weather, with lots of insulation to keep us warm and cosy. Although it may seem like your puffer coat might not fit into the washing machine, their size is deceptive, and this is one of the best ways to maintain them throughout the season.

Here’s how to machine wash your puffer jacket:

  1. Check your coat for any damage to the closures and for any rips or loose threads that need to be repaired before washing. If you do not do this, you run the risk of making the damage worse.
  2. Next, pre-treat any stains with ACE for Colours Stain Remover Spray; focus on the areas around the collars and cuffs.
  3. Generally, puffer coats can be washed using the normal cycle and with a cooler temperature, however, always make sure to check the label first.
  4. To efficiently dry and redistribute the stuffing, use a tumble dryer on a low to medium heat setting and dryer balls.

Here’s a video of ACE for Colours Stain Remover Spray in action: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn321AeOSk5/

How to Wash a Fleece Jacket in the Washing Machine

Although fleece jackets are a popular clothing choice all year-round, they provide extra warmth in the winter. As a delicate material, it’s vital you take extra care when washing:

  1. Pre-treat any visible stains with ACE for Colours Stain Remover Spray.
  2. Before loading the washing machine, remove any lint-producing clothes as the fleece will attract it all, then turn the fleece inside out with all zips, buttons and fasteners closed.
  3. Add ACE Ultra for Colours into your wash and select the permanent press cycle on your washing machine. Make sure the water temperature is cool or warm, it has a cold rinse and a slow spin.
  4. Air drying a fleece jacket flat is the best method; never tumble dry on a high heat.

How Often Should You Clean Your Winter Coat?

As you can see, there are many different types of winter coats which require different washing methods. However, each type of coat also requires a different frequency of washing.

Without pointing out the obvious, if there are visible stains or odours, it’s best to wash them immediately. If you wear a fleece jacket or other types of coats that easily absorb more odours daily, then wash every other week.

Top tip: ACE Ultra for Colours is formulated to eliminate odours!

For other coats that are more hardwearing and durable against these odours, it’s best to wash these at least twice a season.

How to Wash Winter Accessories

How to Wash Winter Gloves

From coats to your winter accessories, have you ever thought about washing your gloves? If you own leather, suede or wool gloves, these should not be washed in the washing machine. They will only require spot cleaning if necessary.

Here is some general guidance:

  1. Attach the gloves together by placing them into a mesh bag before adding to your washing load.
  2. Add ACE Ultra for Colours into your wash and choose your normal washing cycle.
  3. Depending on the care label, either tumble dry or air dry on a towel or drying rack.

Always read the label in your gloves for the recommended washing instructions.

How to Wash Winter Hats

Winter hats are made of many different materials and sometimes have linings too, so there is no one method fits all for washing them. Some delicate materials may only be dry cleaned, so make sure to check the label. This includes wool, cashmere or wool-silk blends; it’s best to spot clean them as and when is needed.

Think of your knit or fleece winter hats like a jumper and wash in cold water, on a delicate cycle to protect them from any damage.

Check the label to see whether they can be tumble dried or if it’s better to air dry them.

How to Wash Winter Scarves

Winter scarves require more washing compared to gloves and hats, as they are close to the face and more susceptible to stains such as makeup and food. Again, the washing requirements depend on the scarf material.

If your scarf is made from natural fibres such as wool, cashmere, angora or blended fabrics, make sure to check if these are only dry cleaned rather than machine washable. Also, be careful with silk, rayon or blended fabrics too.

Acrylic, polyester, cotton or blended fabrics are often machine washable and able to be tumble dried. Follow these instructions:

  1. Pre-treat any stains beforehand with ACE for Colours Stain Remover Spray.
  2. Before adding to your load, place your scarf in a mesh bag to avoid any tangling, especially if your scarf has a fringe or tassels.
  3. Choose the washing cycle and water temperature stated on your scarf care label.
  4. Either air dry flat or tumble dry still in the mesh bag.

Choose ACE for all your winter washing and shop today from most major retailers and discounters!

For more tips, follow us on social media at @acecleanuk on Facebook and Instagram.

Explore the product range