Washing Sport Coats: A Guide

Sports coats can be washed at home, but it's important to check the care label first. If your sports coat is made from linen, polyester or cotton, it can be washed in the machine. Wool and tweed sports coats, on the other hand, should be dry-cleaned. To wash a sports coat at home, first treat any stains with a stain remover that is safe for the fabric. Then, machine wash or hand wash the coat using cold water and a small amount of gentle laundry detergent. If hand washing, squeeze the water from the jacket gently—do not twist or wring the fabric, as this can damage any waterproof coating. To dry the coat, use a tumble dryer on a low-heat setting, or hang it up to air-dry.

How to Wash a Sport Coat

Machine wash with cold water and a gentle detergent

Machine washing your sports coat is a great way to save money on dry cleaning services. However, it is important to be cautious when machine washing sports coats, as they are often made from fragile materials. Before machine washing, always check the care label on your sports coat, which will tell you what it can and cannot handle in terms of washing, drying, and ironing.

If your sports coat is made from a washable material, such as linen, polyester, or cotton, and the care label indicates that machine washing is safe, you can use the following steps to wash your coat with cold water and a gentle detergent:

Step 1: Prepare the Sports Coat

Start by unzipping all the zippers and emptying the pockets. Then, turn the sports coat inside out to protect the outer fabric. Check the coat for any stains and pre-treat them with a stain remover that is safe for the fabric.

Step 2: Choose the Right Detergent

Select a gentle, delicate detergent that is suitable for the fabric of your sports coat. Avoid using standard laundry detergent, as it may be too harsh. For wool or cashmere sports coats, opt for a wool and cashmere shampoo. For other types of sports coats, choose soap flakes instead.

Step 3: Fold and Place in a Mesh Bag

Fold your sports coat lengthwise, laying the sleeves over the body. Flatten out any creases with your hands, then tightly roll up the coat from the bottom, similar to rolling a sleeping bag. Place the rolled-up coat inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it from the tumble of the washing machine.

Step 4: Machine Wash

Wash the sports coat on its own in the machine to limit friction. Select the coldest and gentlest setting available, such as the "delicate" setting. Load your chosen detergent into the machine, following the instructions on the detergent packaging for the correct amount.

Step 5: Air Dry

Remove the sports coat from the machine immediately after the cycle ends. Lay the coat flat on a clean surface and pat out any creases and folds with your hands. Allow the coat to air dry completely. Avoid putting it in front of a heat source, such as sunlight or a heater, as this can warp the fabric.

Hand wash with cold water and a gentle detergent

To hand wash a sports coat with cold water and a gentle detergent, first check the care label on the coat for any specific instructions. If there is no label, or the label recommends hand washing, fill a sink or basin with cold water. Add a teaspoon of gentle liquid detergent and stir the water to distribute the detergent.

Next, submerge the coat in the water and allow it to soak for at least five minutes. Gently swish the coat through the water, being careful not to scrub, twist, or stretch the fabric.

After this, drain the sink and refill it with clean, tepid water. Place the coat back in the sink and swish it through the water to remove any soap. Repeat this process until the coat is free of soap.

Finally, remove the coat from the sink and gently squeeze out any excess water. Do not wring or twist the coat, as this could damage the fabric. Place the coat on a flat surface to air dry.

Dry cleaning

If your sports coat is made from wool or tweed, it is recommended that you take it to the dry cleaners, as these materials cannot withstand being soaked in water for long periods of time. Your dry cleaner can also press your coat for you, as many materials that must be dry-cleaned cannot be ironed at home.

If you are set on washing your sports coat at home, you can test whether it is safe to do so by wetting a small area of the fabric and then rubbing it with a cotton swab. If the dye transfers to the swab, it is best to take your coat to a dry cleaner.

If you do decide to dry clean your coat, it is important to wear it a couple of times before doing so, rather than trying to get a dozen wearings out of it between cleanings.

Spot cleaning

Step 1: Identify the Stain

Before treating the stain, it is important to identify what caused it. Common stains on sports coats include food, drink spills, body oils, and dirt. Knowing the cause of the stain will help you choose the best treatment method.

Step 2: Choose the Right Cleaning Solution

Different types of stains respond better to different cleaning solutions. Here are some common solutions that can be used for spot cleaning:

• Cold Water: Cold water is gentle and safe for most fabrics. It is always a good idea to start with cold water and a gentle detergent before trying anything stronger.
• Lemon Juice or Distilled Vinegar: These natural acids can help lift stains and neutralize odours. Just be sure to test on a small, hidden area of the coat first to ensure they do not discolour the fabric.
• Mild Detergent or Stain Remover: A small amount of mild laundry detergent or a specialised stain remover can be effective for treating stubborn stains. Look for products specifically designed for sports coats or delicate fabrics.
• Vodka: Believe it or not, vodka can be an effective stain remover! Mix it with water and a few drops of essential oil (such as citrus, rosemary, or tea tree) in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the stained area, being careful not to soak the fabric.

Step 3: Test for Colourfastness

Before applying any cleaning solution to the stain, it is important to test your sports coat for colourfastness. This will ensure that the cleaning solution does not cause the dye to bleed or fade. Choose a small, hidden area of the coat (such as an inside seam) and apply a small amount of your chosen cleaning solution. Blot the area with a white cloth or cotton swab. If any colour comes off on the cloth, the garment is not colourfast, and you should take it to a professional cleaner instead.

Step 4: Treat the Stain

Once you have chosen a suitable cleaning solution and tested for colourfastness, you can proceed with treating the stain. Apply a small amount of the cleaning solution to a clean cloth or sponge and gently blot the stained area. Work from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading. Continue blotting until the stain is no longer visible.

Step 5: Allow the Fabric to Dry

After treating the stain, allow the fabric to air dry completely. Do not apply heat, as this could set any remaining stains and make them more difficult to remove.

Remember, always read the care label on your sports coat before attempting any cleaning methods. Some fabrics may have specific instructions or restrictions that you need to follow. With proper spot cleaning techniques, you can keep your sports coat looking its best for years to come!

Air drying

After washing, lay your coat flat on a clean surface and use your hands to pat out as many creases and folds as you can. Then, leave your coat to air dry. You can place it on a hanger, but make sure it is only slightly damp, as water can stretch the fabric and cause it to lose its shape. Do not place your coat in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can easily warp the fabric.

If you are in a hurry, a quick trick to reduce drying time is to lay a towel on a flat surface and gently roll the towel and jacket up together. This will squeeze out excess water.

If your coat is made of wool, it is best to air dry it naturally without using a hanger.

Frequently asked questions