How to Wash a Coat: The Ultimate Guide

March 4, 2026

How to Wash a Coat (Down, Wool, Faux Fur & More)

It’s finally warm enough in Minnesota that I’m thinking about how to wash a coat.

And when I start thinking about jackets, it’s because I get to put my big winter coat away. And that means spring is coming.

But here’s the thing:
Before you store your coat, you wash it.

If you want to know how to wash a coat properly — without ruining it — this is the ultimate guide.

And by the end of this, you’ll be a full-fledged coat goat.

Before You Start: Timing Matters

Let me say this first.

The best time to wash your coat? Honestly? The middle of summer. Why?

You won’t need it.
It dries faster.
There’s no urgency.
You actually have time to deal with it.

But if it’s 40° and you see a warm stretch coming, you can absolutely wash it now, just remember coats take time to dry. Sometimes overnight. Sometimes two days.

Plan ahead.

Now let’s break it down by coat type.

How to Wash a Down Coat (Puffer Jackets)

Watch the video here.

Down coats are easier than people think; you just have to treat them right.

Step 1: Pre-Treat the Collar & Cuffs

If your down coat has a polyester finish, you’ll almost always see buildup where:

Your hands touch the front
Your chin rests on the collar
Sunscreen or lotion hits the cuffs

Spray those areas lightly with vinegar and water and gently scrub with a horsehair brush.

Vinegar breaks up oils beautifully.

Step 2: Wash

Toss the coat in the washer.
Add 1 tablespoon of laundry soap flakes.
Wash normally.

Shop Soap Flakes here.

Soap flakes are crucial here. Down needs something that rinses completely clean so it stays lofty and fluffy.

Residue = flat coat.
We do not want flat coat energy.

Step 3: Dry (The Most Important Part)

Here’s the trick:

Put the coat in the dryer.
Use air fluff (no heat).
Add a couple of tennis balls.

The down is fine with heat. The polyester coating is not. The tennis balls beat the loft back into the jacket and re-fluff it beautifully.

When you hear that thump-thump in the dryer? That’s the sound of clean!

How to Wash a Wool Coat (Without Ruining It)

Watch the video here.

Wool and cashmere need a different approach.

And yes, you can wash them.

Step 1: Check Pockets

Button it up. Check every pocket. Especially the inside ones. Trust me on this.

Step 2: Spot Treat

Look for:

Salt along the hem
Light stains
Collar buildup

If it’s salt? Spray vinegar and water, vinegar neutralizes salt.

For small stains, use stain solution or even soap flakes.

Step 3: Roll & Protect

This part matters.

Fold the coat in half.
Lay sleeves across the body.
Roll it from bottom to top.
Place it inside a mesh bag.

The goal is to keep it from moving around in the washer. If your bag is too big? Tie the corners to make it smaller.

Coat goat behavior!

Step 4: Wash

Use a small amount of soap flakes.
Express cycle.
Warm water.
Cold rinse.
Maximum spin.

It takes about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Dry

It will be heavy. That’s normal.

Hang it on a sturdy hanger. You may lay it flat briefly if it’s very heavy, but hanging helps prevent wrinkles.

Full disclosure? It might take overnight to dry.

Step 6: Steam

Once dry, steam from top to bottom.

If you see a wrinkle, gently pull the fabric while steaming — it falls right out.

Always steam the collar up and store it that way so it doesn’t get flat and pressed-looking.

And if you don’t have a steamer? Take it to a tailor. It’s worth it.

How to Wash Faux Fur Jackets

Watch the video here.

Faux fur is surprisingly forgiving.

Option 1: Washing Machine

Place it in a mesh bag.
Use a tiny bit of soap.
Rinse thoroughly — two or three times.

Option 2: Hand Wash in Tub

Lay it flat in the tub and wash it like you’re washing the dog.
Run your fingers through it. Agitate gently.
Tiny bit of soap. Rinse like crazy.

Drying Faux Fur

Air dry first.

Once dry, toss it in the dryer on air fluff with wool dryer balls to soften and re-fluff.

It comes out gorgeous.

Buy Chamomile Lavender Scented Dryer Ball Set.

How to Freshen a Coat Without Washing It

Let’s say it’s a million below zero. You grab your parka. It smells like the closet. You don’t have time to wash it.

Spray it with vodka.

Mist it thoroughly. Let it sit five to ten minutes. Let it dry. Vodka is odorless and colorless. It neutralizes odor and you’re good to go. Emergency coat goat move.