The Ultimate Guide To Washing Your Polyester-Wool Hurley Coat

Washing a polyester wool Hurley coat can be a daunting task, but it's not impossible. Before you begin, check the care label to see if it's suitable for hand or machine washing, and always use a gentle wool wash or detergent with low water temperatures.

If your coat is hand wash only, start by gently brushing away any dirt or debris with a clothes brush. Next, prepare a solution of lukewarm water and wool detergent, and gently rub this into any visible stains. Fill a clean bathtub or sink with lukewarm water and detergent, and fully submerge the coat, allowing it to soak for around 30 minutes. After soaking, gently agitate the fabric with your hands, and then rinse the coat in clean water. Squeeze the coat gently to remove excess water, being careful not to wring it out, and then lay it flat on a towel to dry.

If your coat is suitable for machine washing, start by brushing away any soil and pre-treating any stains. Place the coat inside a mesh wash bag or pillowcase to protect it from snagging, and then place it in the washing machine. Set the washer to a delicate or wool cycle with lukewarm water, and add your detergent. Once the cycle is complete, remove the coat from the bag and turn it right side out. As with hand washing, gently squeeze out any excess water and lay the coat flat to dry.

How to hand wash a polyester wool coat

Handwashing a polyester wool coat is a delicate process that requires time and care. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your coat is washed effectively and safely.

Step 1: Brush the Coat

Use a clothes brush to gently brush the coat and remove any dust, hair, dirt, food, or mud particles. Start at the shoulders and carefully work your way down in sections. If you don't have a clothes brush, you can use a damp cloth to wipe the coat gently.

Step 2: Spot Clean Stains

Before soaking the coat, it is important to treat any visible stains. Mix a small amount of lukewarm water with a mild detergent, such as Woolite, Castile soap, or a gentle wool wash. Dip a clean white cloth into the solution and gently rub it on any visible stains, focusing on areas like the collar, cuffs, and armpits. Allow the solution to work on the stains for at least 10 minutes before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Prepare the Washing Space and Solution

You can hand wash your coat in a bathtub, a large sink, or a plastic tub/basin. Ensure that the chosen vessel is immaculately clean and free of any residue. Fill it with lukewarm water, never hot, as that can cause shrinkage. Add a gentle wool wash or detergent to the water. For a bathtub, use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of detergent, and adjust the amount for smaller basins.

Step 4: Soak and Agitate the Coat

Gently place the coat into the water and ensure it is fully submerged. Allow it to soak for around 30 minutes. After soaking, gently agitate the fabric with your hands by squeezing each section gently. Do not twist or rub the coat excessively, as this can cause the fibers to become misshapen.

Step 5: Rinse with Fresh Water

Lift the coat from the soapy water, being careful not to wring it out. Drain the soapy water and refill the vessel with fresh lukewarm water. Place the coat in the clean water and swish it gently to rinse. Repeat this process until no more soap residue appears in the water.

Step 6: Remove Excess Moisture

Once the coat is free of soap, lift it from the water and gently squeeze out the excess water, starting from the top of the coat. Do not wring it out. Repeat the squeezing motion until the coat is no longer dripping wet.

Step 7: Air Drying

Lay several large, thick towels on a flat surface. Place the coat on the towels and shape it as smoothly as possible. Roll up the towels with the coat inside to absorb moisture. If the coat is still very wet, repeat this step with fresh, dry towels.

Find a flat surface where you can lay the coat on dry towels. It is important to keep the coat flat during the drying process, which can take up to 48 hours. Turning the coat and replacing the wet towels after 24 hours will speed up drying.

Do not hang the coat to dry, as the weight of the wet wool can cause it to lose its shape. Additionally, never place a wool coat in a clothes dryer, as the high heat will cause shrinkage.

Additional Tips:

• Always read the care label on your garment before washing.
• Brush your coat regularly to prevent dirt buildup and keep it looking clean.
• Store your wool coat in a garment bag to protect it from moths and other pests.
• Spot treat stains as soon as possible for easier removal.
• Use a fabric refresher spray to eliminate strong odours.
• If you cannot wash your coat at home, consider using a home dry cleaning kit or steam cleaning.

By following these steps, you can effectively hand wash your polyester wool coat, ensuring it stays clean, fresh, and well-maintained.

How to machine wash a polyester wool coat

Machine washing a polyester wool coat is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results and avoid damaging the coat.

Prepare the Coat:

First, check the care label on the coat. If it says "Dry Clean Only," it's best to avoid machine washing as the coat may have interfacings, shoulder padding, or linings that could be damaged by the washing machine. If the care label doesn't specify "Dry Clean Only," you can proceed with machine washing.

Next, brush away any loose soil or dirt from the coat using a garment brush or a damp cloth. Pay special attention to the collar, cuffs, and armpits, as these areas tend to accumulate the most dirt and body oils. You can also pretreat any stains by applying a small amount of mild detergent, such as Woolite, and gently rubbing it into the fabric.

Before placing the coat in the washing machine, turn it inside out and place it inside a mesh wash bag or a white pillowcase (tied shut) to protect it from snagging.

Set Up the Washing Machine:

Set your washing machine to use cold or lukewarm water, as hot water can cause the coat to shrink. Select the gentle or wool cycle, and if possible, choose the slowest spin cycle to prevent stretching. Add a delicate or wool-specific detergent, such as Woolite or wool shampoo, following the instructions on the product and the washer.

Wash the Coat:

Place the coat into the washing machine and let it soak in the soapy water for about 30 minutes. This will help prevent shrinkage and loosen any dirt. After soaking, close the lid and start the machine.

Dry the Coat:

Once the wash cycle is complete, remove the coat from the washer and turn it right-side out. Avoid putting the coat in a dryer, as the heat can cause shrinkage. Instead, lay the coat flat on a drying rack or a clean towel, or gently roll it up in a towel to absorb excess moisture. Avoid hanging the coat to dry, as the weight of the wet wool can cause it to stretch and lose its shape.

Allow the coat to air dry completely, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources such as radiators, which can shrink or damage the wool. The drying process may take up to a few days.

How to dry a polyester wool coat

Drying a wool coat requires a bit of patience, but it's important to take your time to avoid damaging the fabric. Here's a detailed guide on how to dry a polyester wool coat:

Remove Excess Water

Gently squeeze the coat to remove excess water. Start from the top of the coat and work your way down. Do not wring or twist the coat, as this can distort and stretch the fabric. Repeat the squeezing motion until the coat is no longer dripping wet.

Roll the Coat in a Towel

Lay a large towel on a flat surface and place the coat on top. Roll up the jacket and towel together, then squeeze the towel to absorb moisture from the coat. Avoid twisting or wringing the jacket when it's rolled in the towel.

Lay the Coat Flat to Dry

Place the coat on a clean, dry towel, spreading it out to its natural shape. Leave it to dry flat, turning it over after the first day to allow the other side to dry. Drying can take up to three days. Avoid hanging the coat to dry, as this can cause stretching and misshaping.

Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat Sources

Keep the coat away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators or dryers. These can cause shrinkage or damage to the wool. Instead, choose a cool, well-ventilated area for drying.

Use a Drying Rack (Optional)

If desired, you can place the coat on a drying rack instead of a towel. This will help air circulate and speed up the drying process.

Steam or Iron the Coat

Once the coat is dry, you may want to use a steamer or iron to remove any wrinkles. Be sure to use a steam setting on your iron and a pressing cloth to avoid direct contact with the wool.

Store the Coat Properly

After the coat is completely dry, hang it on a padded hanger in a garment bag or fold it for storage. This will help retain its shape and keep it protected from moths or other pests.

Remember, never put a wool coat in the dryer! Always allow it to air dry to avoid shrinkage and other damage. With proper care, your polyester wool coat will stay in good condition for years to come.

How to spot clean a polyester wool coat

Spot cleaning a polyester wool coat is an effective way to keep it looking clean. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, gently brush the coat to remove any dust and dirt from the fibres. Use a garment brush and wipe the coat gently, or use a damp cloth to brush the coat if you don't have a garment brush. Start at the shoulders and carefully brush down each section to remove loose soil.

Next, mix a solution of mild detergent and water. Use a mild detergent such as Woolite, Castile soap, or a small amount of shampoo or vinegar. You can also use a stain bar or cashmere shampoo. Dip a clean, soft cloth into the solution and gently rub it onto any affected areas, focusing on the collar, cuffs, and armpits, as these areas tend to have the most buildup.

Gently rub the solution into the fabric until the dirt comes loose. Then, press a dry towel against the damp area to remove any excess water. Leave the coat to air dry. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process.

It is important to note that heavily soiled coats or those with "dry clean only" tags are best left to professional cleaners. Additionally, items with heavily dyed patterns may bleed in the wash, so it is recommended to stick to spot cleaning and steaming for at-home maintenance.

How to prepare the washing space for a polyester wool coat

Preparing the washing space for a polyester wool coat is a simple process. Firstly, ensure you have a clean, bleach-free, and residue-free basin for washing. This can be a bathtub, a large sink, or a plastic tub/basin. If you are using a bathtub, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned beforehand with soapy water and a sponge. For a sink or plastic tub/basin, ensure it is large enough to accommodate the coat and clean it with soapy water if there is any residue.

Next, fill the chosen basin with lukewarm water. The water temperature is important as hot water can cause the coat to shrink. For a bathtub, you will need to add between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of detergent or wool wash. For smaller basins, use a bit less detergent. Ensure the detergent or wool wash is suitable for woollen garments, such as Woolite, baby shampoo, or a homemade wool wash.

Now your washing space is prepared, you can move on to the next steps of washing your polyester wool coat.

Frequently asked questions