How to care for and wash your winter coat?

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When you live in a cold region like Quebec, it's essential to have a quality winter coat to protect you from the bitter cold. However, purchasing a winter coat can be expensive, which is why it's important to take care of your coat so it lasts for years to come. In this article, we'll share the best tips for caring for and washing your winter coat, so it stays clean, warm, and in good condition.

Understanding the composition of your winter coat

Before you begin the cleaning process, it's important to know what your winter coat is made of. There are generally two types of coats: synthetic and down. You can find this information on your coat's label. The composition of the coat will only be taken into account during the drying stage, so be sure to read the label carefully before starting cleaning.

Tip: We recommend emptying all pockets of your coat before starting the cleaning process. Also close all zippers to avoid damaging the fabric during washing.

Preliminary steps for cleaning the coat

Before washing your coat, it is important to follow some preliminary steps:

1. Remove any detachable fur from your coat, as it cannot be washed with the rest of the coat.
2. We recommend turning your coat inside out before washing, as it can be very dirty inside.
3. Make sure you empty all pockets of your coat to avoid washing unwanted items.

Machine cleaning

Did you know that you can machine wash your winter coat? However, it's important to follow certain precautions to avoid damaging your coat. Here's how to do it:

1. Use a front-loading machine, as top-loading machines can damage the coat by rubbing it against the agitator.
2. Choose a delicate cycle with cold water to avoid over-agitating the coat.
3. Use a mild soap without fabric softener to avoid clogging the pores of the fabric.
4. If necessary, you can use products specially designed to restore your coat's waterproofing.

Tip: To reactivate your coat's water-repellent properties, you can also use a tumble dryer. Select a short, delicate drying cycle to avoid damaging the fabric.

Double rinse in the machine

To ensure your coat is clean on all sides, we recommend double rinsing:

1. Rinse the inside of the coat for the first time, as you probably washed it inside out.
2. Perform a second rinse on the area of ​​the coat to ensure it is completely clean.

Tip: You can add a little white vinegar to the second rinse to eliminate any lingering odors.

Drying the coat

Drying your coat is an essential step to avoid damage. Here are some tips for optimal drying depending on the composition of your coat:

1. Synthetic coat: Air dry or lay flat to prevent water spots from forming on the bottom of the coat.
2. Down coat: You can dry it with a little heat. To restore its fluffiness, use tennis balls or dryer balls in the dryer. You can also add a dry towel to prevent the down from clumping.

Tip: To ensure optimal drying, shake your coat regularly during the drying process.

How often to clean your winter coat

Ideally, it's recommended to clean your winter coat once a year. However, if you notice stains between annual washes, you can use a specific stain remover to remove them.

Fur Care

If your winter coat has fur, it's important to properly care for it to keep it looking beautiful and in good condition. Here are some tips for caring for your fur:

1. Use a special brush to brush your fur, such as a dog or cat brush.
2. Be careful with the handles of your handbags by slipping them under the hood to avoid crushing the fur or damaging it.
3. When sitting somewhere, raise the hood to avoid bunching the fur against the seat backs.

Storing your winter coat

When the warmer weather returns, it's time to put away your winter coat until next season. Here are some tips for storing it properly:

1. Store your coat in a cover to protect it from dust and possible damage.
2. Avoid leaving it in a place exposed to direct sunlight, as this may discolor the fabric.
3. If your coat has a fur hood, we recommend removing it and storing it separately in a shoe box to protect it from moisture and insects.

Tip: To extend the life of your coat, remember to give it lots of love and maintain it regularly.

If you haven't found the perfect winter coat yet, we recommend checking out our selection of coats available at Helvetica Mountain Pioneers. You're sure to find styles that suit your needs and style.

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