But before you start scheduling outdoor picnics to celebrate that extra hour of sunlight, you may want to add one more item to your spring cleaning list. Washing, organizing, and storing your winter coats. But before you set aside your winter outerwear for the next few seasons with a MakeSpace pickup , perhaps? This is the first rule of thumb when washing anything.
The care tag will usually have all the information you need, like whether or not your coat is machine-washable, which wash cycle and water temperature it needs, special instructions about specific detergents, and how to properly dry it. Needless to say, you should interpret these instructions as rules, not suggestions. Your coat will thank you. Pre-treat these stains with a stain remover or a squirt of Dawn dish soap.
Apply the treatment to the stain, then let it soak for 10 minutes before tossing it in the washing machine or scrubbing it with a wet cloth. The metal teeth on zippers can damage other clothes in the washing machine. When certain opposite materials rub together, it can cause pilling, fading, or degradation to your clothes.
To keep your coats in prime condition, always wash them separately or with clothes of similar materials. Keep wool with wool, nylon with nylon, fleece with fleece, and so on.
If you dry it on a rack, place it in the bathtub or shower to catch the drips and avoid a wet floor. Keep out of direct sunlight and heat. It may take 24—48 hours to dry. Do not wear or use until the faux fur is completely dry. After the fur is dry, use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush any matted fur and lift the fibers. A wide-toothed comb can be used to loosen up stubborn fur. Never attempt to clean a real fur coat at home.
Natural fur coats come from the pelts of animals, and the fur is a protein fiber like human hair. Specialized care must be taken when cleaning a fur coat to keep the hide that holds the hair supple. If it becomes too dry or isn't maintained properly, the fur will shed. A professional furrier or dry cleaner should be used to clean a natural fur coat. The key to keeping a waterproof coat in good shape is to clean it correctly to preserve the waterproof finish.
Always wash this type of coat in cool water with a gentle detergent that won't harm the finish. Never place one of these coats in a dryer, and keep it away from high heat. Pretreat any visible stains following the most gentle treatment for the type of stain.
Use a gentle laundry detergent or one formulated for waterproof clothing. Wash in cold water on the permanent press cycle. Reduce the spin cycle speed, if possible, to reduce wrinkling. Do not place a waterproof coat in a dryer. Instead, hang to air-dry. Wrinkles should fall out during the drying process. Vinyl and faux leather coats are manmade fabrics that are quite easy to care for.
Always read the care label first, but most vinyl coats can be machine-washed. Stains can usually be removed by just wiping down the surface with a damp cloth. Use regular laundry detergent, and wash in cold water on the permanent press cycle. Do not place a vinyl coat in a dryer, as high heat can melt the fabric. Hang to air-dry.
Wrinkles should smooth out during the drying process. Keeping a leather coat soft and supple takes a bit of care, but it can last for many, many years if properly maintained. Yes, leather can be cleaned at home. However, expensive items should be taken to a professional dry cleaner who specializes in cleaning leather.
Many stains can be removed by simply wiping them away with a clean, damp cloth. However, removing stains like mildew or ink from leather requires a bit more effort. If you're a novice with laundry, always follow the label instructions if it says to dry-clean only.
Hand-washing is appropriate for aniline leather finishes only; never wash suede or nubuck garments. Before you attempt to hand-wash leather, test the colorfastness by using a clean white cloth that's been dampened with water on an interior spot of the leather.
If color transfers to the cloth, the dye is not stable on the leather, and you should not proceed. Begin by emptying all pockets of the jacket, and turn it inside out. Fill a large sink or plastic storage container with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of a gentle liquid detergent recommended for hand-washing delicate items, such as Woolite, and swish to disperse through the water.
Completely submerge the leather jacket. Swish through the water to be sure the entire lining is wet. Gently squeeze the solution through the lining, and allow it to soak for 10 minutes or so. If there are specific stains, use a soft-bristled brush to help lift those away. To avoid this happening, put special washing balls or a couple of regular tennis balls in the drum of the washing machine.
Drying your jacket off properly after it's been in the wash is an important stage of the overall cleaning process. Once you've taken it out of the washing machine, unzip it and turn it in again. It's better to dry your jacket outdoors, or in a well-ventilated area. Don't dry it near any heating appliances. Your jacket may take more than one day to get completely dry. Always remove the plates or ballistic panels before laundering the vest, however.
If your squad allows it, vests can be worn on the outside of the uniform to cut down on sweat. According to a spouse of a police officer, she uses a ratio of vinegar and hot water, with a healthy sprinkle of baking soda and Febreze.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Toggle Sliding Bar Area. Student Login. Search for:. Cleaning body armor and protective gear requires special care. Previous Next. View Larger Image. Cleaning ballistic panels and carrier vests Once the ballistic panels have been removed from the carrier, lay them on a flat surface. What not to do with ballistic panels Do not use bleach or other harsh chemical cleaners. Never iron or apply heat to panels. Do not machine wash or tumble dry.
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