Cleaning and Caring for all Types of Winter Coats

It is that time of year when we take out our warmest clothing and evaluate its condition. Even if your winter coat was laundered before you stored it last year, take another look before you wear it. Over time, findings such as buttons, zippers, snaps, hooks, and eyes may have been lost or damaged and require repair or replacement. If you have already been taking to the streets in your winter finery, you may also notice a need for additional cleaning and maintenance. While some fibers such as polyester fleece can be tossed in the washing machine, most other garments, such as leather, suede, wool, and down-filled parkas and puffers, coat dry cleaning by Cameo by Copeland Cleaners is the best way to extend the garment’s service life.

For woolen coatings, we recommend that you bring your coat to us twice a year — once at the beginning of the season and again at the end. As for the down, please do not put any down garments into the washing machine. The oil on the feathers will be removed and this will stain the garment’s fabric as well as remove the reason down is so warm in the first place. These garments should also be cleaned at the beginning and end of the season, more often if used for outdoor sports such as skiing and/or snowboarding, where it is likely that rock salt and perspiration have entered the fabric shell.

Just bring your garment to our store and allow our dry-cleaning experts to evaluate it. We’ll assess its overall condition. Repairs and restoration will be the first step. If a finding is missing, we will replace it. Stains will be assessed, are they superficial such as rock salt, or deep into the fibers like food stains or paint? As for any rips or tears, downed hems, moth holes, or shredded linings, we will fix the damage and remove the stains before we begin the coat dry cleaning process.

When Cameo by Copeland Cleaners’ coat dry cleaning process is complete, you can maintain your garment’s fresh appearance throughout the season by following these steps:

• Use a clothes brush to brush down your coat after each wearing. Brush down in one direction starting at the collar and working down to the hem and the cap of the sleeve to the hem.
• Invest in a strong, wooden hanger, if your coat is wool, cedar, which repels moths, is a good choice. If your coat has raglan sleeves, opt for a padded hanger to prevent the ends of the hanger from causing unsightly shoulder bumps affecting your coat’s appearance.
• If storing a wool coat, do not use mothballs. Camphor creates off gasses which are not advisable for those with respiratory conditions. Instead, use moth sachets, lavender, and cedar balls or blocks which are just as effective.
• Do not store wool coats or any fur, leather, suede, or natural fiber coat in a plastic bag as it will cause the fibers to degenerate.
• In the off-season, after your second coat dry cleaning, store it in a clean, well-ventilated storage space such as a closet. Do not store in an attic or basement, as insects will likely nest in your garments.

Too busy to drop off your coat? Call Cameo by Copeland Cleaners to arrange a pickup. Delivery is free of charge! Call today!