All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Pulling your heavy-duty winter coat out of the depths of storage is like a game of Russian roulette.
Matthew Sperzel / Getty
Will it last foronemore season?
you’re free to extend the life of your outerwear by laundering everything properly.
And no that doesnt mean a mountainous dry-cleaning bill.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
First rule: clean your coat at least once a season, especially before packing it away.
Wash sweaters and jackets before storing, explains Boyd.
Perfume and oil from your skin can appear later and attract bugs.
Timur Emek/Getty Images
Here’s everything you better know before throwing your coat in the washing machine.
Giving your puffer coat a good shampoo once a season will help persevere the oils of the feathers within.
snag the delicate cycle on the washer and the shortest, low temperature option on the dryer.
A 20-minute fluff is all that is required.
Turn your machine to the delicate, woolen, or hand-wash cycle.
The water temperature should be cool to lukewarm.
Dont put a wool coat into the dryer because it will shrink, warns Boyd.
The spin cycle should wring out any excess water.
Roll the jacket into the towel to squeeze out any extra moisture.
Yes, you might wash your faux fur vest or coat.
Steaming is a really good way to finish versus ironing, says Boyd.
Direct heat isnt good for the fibers.
Steaming freshens things up and kills a lot of bacteria.
Note:Your suede, leather, and fur coats should always be left up to the professionals.
Trust the label when it reads “dry-clean only.”