Winter coats play a big part in staying stylish and warm, especially as unpredictable, fierce winters roll around. But it’s time to shift focus to keeping these coats and jackets looking fresh. Whether you’re carrying a sharp wool overcoat or a cozy puffer, how to clean men’s coats remains a dilemma. 

In this guide aimed at styling shorter men, we’ll discuss all it takes to clean men’s coats and keep your attire decent in winter without the guesswork! 

Why Cleaning Your Coat Matters

Let’s be honest: your coat is the first layer of defense against outside elements. It’s hardly surprising that it collects dirt, food marks, sweat, and potential stains over time. You have to deal with oil-based stains, water-based stains, and those that require a different approach altogether. A bit of mud? That’s simple. Wine stains? They’re tougher. 

How Often You Should Clean Your Coat

So, how often should you clean men’s coats? Well, it depends. While the fabric of your coat decides the cleaning sessions it requires, experts recommend cleaning your outerwear once or twice each season, especially if you’re a regular wearer. However, the best approach is to handle each stain according to the fabric. 

How to Clean Men’s Coat: Dealing With 5 Different Types 

If your coat has collected dust, spills, or other stains over time, it’s always great to take care of it sooner rather than later. However, not all fabrics are dealt with the same way, and some might better be left in the hands of a professional cleaner. To make it simpler, here’s how to clean men’s coats, fabric-wise: 

Down Coats (i.e., Puffers and Parkas)

Since down coats are a critical part of your winter wardrobe, they require gentle, special care to maintain their performance without sacrificing the loft. This is mainly because they’re made from the soft layers under a duck’s weather and clump instantly when wet. 

Here’s how to clean them the right way: 

   
1. Spot-clean Stains: Use a damp cloth to treat the stains manually before throwing them to the washer. 
   
2. Load the Washer: Get a front-load or a top-load washer to prevent rough handling. 
   
3. Add the Right Detergent: Down coats often require down-specific detergents. So, add them to the washer and rinse. 
   
4. Dry it Right: Toss it in the dryer with a few wool dryer balls. Once done, hang it in the air to ensure it’s 100% dry before you wear it. 

Wool Coats (i.e., Peacoats)

Given their bulk, interfacings, and paddings, wool coats like peacoats aren’t suited for machine washing and, hence, require dry cleaning. The inner non-washable linings likely require deep cleaning by the pros. But if you’re handling your wool coats on your own, here’s to do so without causing damage: 

   
1. Brush the Coat: Sweep away dirt, dust, or debris using a clothing brush. Don’t forget to empty the pockets and close all buttons or zippers beforehand. 
   
2. Spot-Treat Stains: Grab a wool-safe detergent and apply it to a cloth. Gently dab the damp cloth following the directions of the woven wool. 
   
3. Steam It: Either air-dry the coat or steam it to remove odors, wrinkles, or allergens. This keeps the coat as fresh as new! 

Suede Coats

Suede garments are made from thicker animal hides, so it’s hardly surprising that they’re tricky to maintain. With their soft, napped texture, they’re also prone to stains, so they generally fall within the high-maintenance category. Here’s how to clean men’s coats made out of suede leather: 

   
1. Brush Your Suede Coat: After each wear, use a dedicated suede brush to remove dust and keep the look as clean as possible. 
   
2. Treat Stains Accordingly: For oil stains, use cornstarch to absorb the oil, then brush it off. Repeat it a few times to get rid of all oil-based stains. Conversely, for water-based stains, blot the spot and dry it immediately. 
   
3. Get Rid of Scuff Marks: To fend off scuff marks, use a regular eraser gently over the coat’s service until it disappears. 

Leather Coats

Leather coats often require specialized cleaning processes to keep the coat soft. However, if maintained well, they last many years, saving you the hassle of refreshing your wardrobe every now and then. Here’s how to clean them: 

   
1. Remove Stains & Prep: Read through the care label and wipe off surface stains with a damp cloth. Test a hidden area for colorfastness to avoid dye bleeding later. 
   
2. Hand-wash Carefully: Hand-wash your coat only if it’s aniline-finished. Otherwise, it’s best to dry-clean your coat or resort to professionals. 
   
3. Dry & Condition: Once washed or stain-treated, hang the outerwear on a padded hanger to air-dry completely. 

Vegan Leather (i.e., PVC and Vinyl)

Although vegan leather is an excellent cruelty-free clothing alternative, it isn’t without its cleaning hassles. Here’s how to clean your PVC or Vinyl coats the right way: 

   
1. Spot-clean the Coat: If dust particles are evident, use a damp cloth with an appropriate cleaning solution to wipe them away. 
   
2. Limit the Scrubbing: Don’t over-scrub or use abrasive cleaners to avoid damaging the vegan leather coat’s surface. 
   
3. Polish it Up: While optional, a small amount of vinyl conditioner or coconut oil can give your coat a brand-new shine after cleaning. 

General Tips That Help Clean Men’s Coats 

With some guidance, you may believe that cleaning men’s coats is a no-brainer, but a lot goes into the process that you can’t ignore. Some general tips include: 

   
• Before cleaning, check whether your pockets are empty. Even the smallest wrappers can threaten your coat’s texture. 
   
• Look for damages like loose buttons, wear and tear, or frayed edges. Fix them before proceeding to clean the coat. 
   
• Unsurprisingly, harsh chemicals can ruin your coat’s fabric, color, and overall look. Avoid them at all costs, and stick to gentle detergents or fabric cleaners. 
   
• Always test your cleaning method on a small, hidden area before following it through. 
   
• Get high-quality yet affordable blazers to minimize maintenance.  

Conclusion 

How to clean men’s coats can sometimes get you pulling your hair, but it doesn’t have to drain you. At the same time, no coat deserves to be neglected. With a little know-how and some effort, you can keep your coats shining and treat them right year-round! 

Looking for more fashion tips for short men? Get in touch with the Short Kingz community to know all you want!