After the onset of cold weather, a large number of women realize that their coat could use an update, but not everyone likes going to the dry cleaner and spending hard-earned money. In this regard, the question of whether a coat can be washed in a washing machine is quite relevant. When answering this question, a lot of factors are taken into account, the main one of which is the material from which the outerwear is made.
Preparatory stage
Before washing a coat using an automatic machine, it is imperative to separate all the fur (if this action is not possible, then washing such clothes in an automatic machine is not suitable). In addition, all metal products must be removed. This will prevent damage to the clothing and prevent rust marks from appearing on it.
When using an automatic washing machine, it is recommended to choose detergent compositions such as shampoo for children without adding dyes and special products created for delicate washing. To avoid accidentally damaging the fabric, you should select a delicate washing cycle.You should avoid modes that include an automatic spin cycle, as there is a risk of damage to the product.
In addition, a number of other factors need to be taken into account:
- You should study the label; if it shows a crossed out basin, then the coat must not be machine washed.
- Before loading outerwear into the machine, it is recommended to clean it using the dry method. After taking your coat out into the open air, you should knock the dust out of it or vacuum it.
- If there are greasy stains on outerwear, it is recommended to cover them with talcum powder or starch. For light-colored coats, it is preferable to use the following composition: a tablespoon of ammonia diluted in 1000 ml of water.
- During the washing process, the temperature should not be higher than 40 degrees, otherwise damage to the product is guaranteed.
- To prevent streaks, rinse several times.
It is also recommended to remember that after finishing washing, it is strictly forbidden to directly iron the coat. This action must be performed through cotton cloth or gauze. That is why you should not overdry the product, as a large number of folds will form.
Washing a wool coat
Regarding the question of whether a woolen coat can be washed in a machine, there is no clear opinion. One group of housewives claims that these actions are prohibited, since the appearance of outerwear will be spoiled; another group of housewives has been successfully washing woolen coats in an automatic machine for a long time.
Be that as it may, it is best to go to a dry cleaner.Only in this way can you 100% guarantee that the product will not lose its visual appeal. Regarding washing at home, no guarantees can be given here, since the result of washing is entirely related to the quality of the material used and the tailoring of the product.
If you decide to wash wool outerwear in a machine, you must follow a number of rules:
- you need to choose the softest mode;
- the spinning, re-rinsing and drying modes are disabled;
- when choosing a substance for washing, you need to choose the one marked “for wool”;
- if the clothing consists of 100% wool, then the water temperature should not be more than 30 degrees; if additional materials are available, the temperature can be increased to 40 degrees;
- It is recommended to wash woolen products in a special bag; this will prevent protruding items of clothing from coming into contact with the drum of the machine, thereby preventing damage to the product.
To preserve the color of outerwear, it is recommended to add a teaspoon of 3% acetic acid to the powder compartment.
After finishing washing, the coat must be dried thoroughly to prevent it from deforming. To do this, the product is laid out on a terry towel and then rolled up. After absorbing excess moisture, the product is unfolded and left to dry horizontally. To preserve the original appearance of the product, it is recommended to iron it before it is completely dry.
It is forbidden to soak woolen items before washing, so if they have any dirt on them, it is recommended to clean them using improvised materials, such as talcum powder.
Washing cashmere items
Cashmere is a material that is highly sensitive to external factors. It requires careful handling, otherwise you can expect shrinkage, deformation and the formation of pellets.
Regarding how to wash a cashmere coat in an automatic machine, you first need to inspect the label. Machine washing is permitted only if there are no labels prohibiting this action.
When washing cashmere outerwear in a machine, you need to follow a number of rules:
- delicate washing mode is used;
- the spin, rinse and dry functions are turned off;
- water temperature should be within 30 degrees, the number of revolutions should not exceed 400;
- detergents made for washing delicate fabrics are used;
- It is preferable to wash in a special bag.
The use of simple powder is prohibited, since it practically does not dissolve in cold water, and its composition contains abrasive particles that, when affecting cashmere, can cause the formation of pellets.
To dry, outerwear is laid out on a horizontal surface, on a previously placed towel (needs to be replaced as it gets wet).
Dirt stains present on the fabric can be removed manually using a regular sponge and a solution of water and soap.
Washing drape outerwear
Drape is a material that is characterized by a high level of strength and resistance to wear, but it is not recommended to wash a drape coat in a machine, since the product may lose its original appearance.
If manufacturers of outerwear made from this material allow it to be cleaned in an automatic machine, then a number of rules must be followed:
- the mode should be gentle, the water temperature should not exceed 30 degrees, a small number of revolutions is necessary;
- The spin, re-rinse and dry functions are turned off;
- liquid detergents are used;
- washing a drape coat should be done using a special bag, in which case it is turned inside out and rolled into a roll;
- The use of conditioners and rinsing agents is prohibited.
Before placing outerwear in the washing machine, it is recommended to clean heavily soiled areas with a sponge pre-treated with a solution of soap and water.
But still, if possible, it is better to dry-clean a coat made of this material.
Cleaning products made from padding polyester
Sintepon is a fairly practical and wear-resistant material, the great advantage of which is that it can be washed in a washing machine. But when washing a synthetic winter coat, you also need to follow several rules:
- before washing, clothes must be inspected in detail for the presence of tears; if any are present, they must be sewn up; otherwise, you may become the owner of damaged fabric with filler residues;
- It is prohibited to soak or bleach items containing the described filler; stains can only be removed by washing with soap.
Drying such outerwear is carried out horizontally, so that the weight of the remaining water does not allow the filler to be knocked down.
Polyester coat
Polyester is a material that is preferably dry cleaned. This is because excessively hot water or improper drying can cause the fabric to become deformed and brittle.
But if you follow certain washing rules, this situation can be avoided:
- drying of the product should only be done on a hanger;
- the water temperature during washing should be in the range of 30-40 degrees;
- you need to turn off the spin mode, otherwise creases will form on the coat that will be almost impossible to iron out;
- washing is done in a gentle mode;
- liquid detergents are used.
Cleaning coats with other fillings
There are a number of other coat fillers, each providing different washing requirements:
- Down is a very warm filler that can be cleaned in an automatic washing machine and spun at low speeds. You can prevent the filling from clumping in certain parts of the coat by adding special balls to the drum of the machine. Drying down outerwear is carried out in the fresh air for a long time. Absolute drying can be achieved by regularly shaking the down.
- Polyester is a synthetic filler. Cleaning is carried out both manually and using a machine. In the latter case, you must follow all generally accepted rules.
- Elastane. As a rule, it acts as an additional element of various fillers; the coat contains about 4-5%.It is characterized by poor breathability, is subject to electrification, but is quite durable. Washing is carried out at a temperature of no more than 30 degrees.
- Holofiber - has excellent characteristics, it can be washed in a machine. The presented material is even allowed to be machine pressed.
- Suede leather. Allowed to be washed both by hand and by machine. Water temperatures should be within 35 degrees. It is forbidden to wrinkle such a coat, because if it becomes wrinkled, serious difficulties will arise in smoothing it out.
Step-by-step washing of a coat in a machine
Having decided to use an automatic machine to clean outerwear, it is recommended to follow the step-by-step instructions for completing this process:
- Other dirty laundry is removed from the machine drum; the coat should be washed alone.
- Liquid detergent for washing delicate fabrics is poured into the powder tray. Pouring detergent into the drum is strictly prohibited. In addition, you should avoid using dry powder or conditioner.
- The coat is turned inside out, after which it is carefully placed in the drum of the automatic machine. Twisting or folding outer clothing is prohibited, as kinks may form.
- The powder tray and machine hatch are closed, one of the washing modes is selected (the mode should be for delicate fabrics, low speeds are used). Functions such as spinning and drying the product are disabled.
- The temperature regime, which is offered by the automatic machine by default, is adjusted. The mode is set to 30-40 degrees, but no more.
- The wash starts and waits for it to finish.The outerwear is removed from the drum and dried (the drying method depends on the material of the product).
After washing, the coat should be thoroughly rinsed by hand.
Cleaning coats from various stains
In order for the process of washing outerwear in an automatic machine to be more successful, it is recommended to first clean the coat from various types of stains (if any).
If minor marks of dirt have formed on the fabric, they can be removed using a soap solution or liquid laundry detergent. The selected product is applied to the contaminated area and left in this form for a few seconds. After the specified time has passed, use a cloth or damp cloth to dry the clothes and then allow them to dry.
Stains formed due to excessive sweating are removed using ammonia and glycerin (these substances are mixed in a 1:1 ratio). Before using the prepared product, the contaminated area should be treated with a soap solution. For these purposes, a gauze swab is used.
If there is candle wax on your outerwear, it can be removed by heating the coat with an iron or hair dryer. Before this, a paper towel is laid out on the fabric, through which it is necessary to heat the wax. After a few minutes, the wax will stick to the paper and the coat will remain clean.
By taking good care of your own outerwear, you can significantly reduce the frequency of washing, which will significantly increase the life of your coat.If, however, there is still a need to clean the product, then this should be done in strict compliance with all the rules described above, or simply by taking the coat to the dry cleaner. In the latter case, the preservation of the quality of the product is guaranteed.
When washing outerwear in a machine, special attention should be paid to the selection of detergents. As already noted, using simple washing powder can ruin the material. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase special liquid detergents designed for washing delicate fabrics. Remember that high-quality detergents do not have to be imported; there are also many good ones in our country; you just need to go shopping.
