All of the products below are either direct recommendations from our experts or editors and/or have at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon.
This fabric spray not only gets rid of bacteria trapped in clothing, but it also helps get rid of odors. It leaves your coats and other garments sanitized and smelling fresh, without having to throw them in the wash. Aside from clothing, you can use it on bedding, towels and more, according to the brand.
Lysol’s Free & Clear laundry sanitizing detergent is ideal for those who want to throw their coats and jackets in the wash but only with a gentle option that won’t ruin the texture. Since it’s a sanitizer, it gets rid of bacteria on clothing while also refreshing them. It’s free of fragrances, dyes and bleach, according to the brand. Plus, it’s suitable for cold water, which is best for washing coats and jackets, according to experts.
If you prefer to use a more sustainable option like laundry detergent sheets, these popular ones from Earth Breeze can help clean and refresh your coats without any parabens, dyes or preservatives. The hypoallergenic sheets dissolve in the wash with your clothes, even in cold water. They help get rid of stains and odors while also preventing clothes from fading, according to the brand.
Laundry boosters give you detergent extra help when it comes to clearing stains and odors from your coats and jackets. This free and clear powder helps maintain their vibrancy and removes yellow stains from sweat. It’s free of surfactants, dyes and fragrances, and it works in cold water, according to the brand.
Rinse & Refresh is Downy’s lineup of fabric rinses, which help get rid of odors and stains more thoroughly. It can replace fabric softener and works with your detergent to help get your coats and other garments clean. This free and clear option is free of fragrances and dyes and is also safe for sensitive skin, according to the brand. You can use it on all fabric types and is safe to use on activewear, towels and more.
Before simply adding your coat to a washer, it’s best to always take the care instructions on the label seriously, according to Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder and chief product officer of Steamery. “Since winter jackets vary in size and material, I recommend checking the care label to see if it can be washed and dried with your machine,” he says. “Many modern washing machines have wool or delicate cycles that are gentle enough, but you still want to use cold water and a mild detergent.”
If the label says it’s safe to add to the wash, then the most important thing is to avoid heat at all costs, including both water and dryer heat, according to Lewenhaupt. This is because “it can cause shrinkage and degrade the waterproof coating. If you’re unsure, it’s best to handwash and lay the jacket flat to dry,” he says. With that said, different materials require various methods for cleaning and some should not be washed in a machine or by hand, but instead brought to a professional dry cleaner.
“I recommend cleaning winter coats and jackets at least once for the season. If the coat/jacket does not become too dirty, perform the cleaning at the end of the season,” says Magnotta. “It is not advisable to store garments dirty season-to-season because it is much more difficult to remove stains the longer they remain on the garment.” Additionally, dirty coats, especially ones made of natural materials, attract moths, according to Magnotta.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I’m a commerce editor at NBC Select where I write about cleaning trends, appliances, how-tos and more. I spoke with multiple cleaning experts for their recommendations and advice for this story.
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