Washing Your Child's School Coat: A Step-By-Step Guide For Parents

how to wash school coat at home

Keeping your school coat clean and in good condition can be a challenge, especially if you're washing it at home. The good news is that it's entirely possible to do so without having to take it to the dry cleaners. Here are some tips to help you get started:

First, always check the care label on your coat. Most coats will have specific instructions on how to wash and care for them. Pay attention to the recommended water temperature, as washing with cold water can help preserve colour and prevent damage to certain fabrics.

If your coat is stained, treat the stains as soon as possible. Soak the stain or use a stain remover, being careful to follow the instructions for the specific type of stain and fabric. For mud stains, let the mud dry first, then gently scrape it off before dabbing with water or a stain remover.

When washing your coat, turn it inside out to protect any patches or embroidery. Machine wash on a delicate or low-spin cycle using a mild detergent, or hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent for more delicate fabrics like silk, cotton, and wool.

After washing, avoid using a tumble dryer for delicate fabrics, as this can damage the material. Instead, lay your coat flat on a drying rack or hang it up to air dry.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your school coat looking smart and clean!

Characteristics Values
Stain removal Soak the stain in water for 15-30 minutes, or use a stain remover
Stain type Treat mud stains differently from other stains: let it dry, then gently scrape and dab with water
Stain type 2 Grease stains are best treated by professionals
Washing temperature Wash at cooler temperatures to preserve colour
Washing preparation Turn the garment inside out, empty pockets, zip up, and check for loose items
Washing preparation 2 Place the garment in a mesh laundry bag
Washing preparation 3 Use a delicate wash cycle with cold water
Washing preparation 4 Use a mild detergent
Drying Air dry, or use a tumble dryer on a medium heat setting
Drying 2 Do not overheat or dry for too long
Drying rack Use a flat drying rack
Dry cleaning Use a dry cleaning sheet in the tumble dryer
Dry cleaning 2 Pretreat stains with special wipes if included in the kit

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Check the label for washing instructions

When it comes to washing your school coat at home, the first thing you should do is check the label for washing instructions. This is important because different coats have different requirements when it comes to washing, and you don't want to risk damaging the coat.

The label will tell you what type of material the coat is made of, and this will determine how you should wash it. For example, if the coat is made of wool, you'll want to follow the care instructions on the label carefully. Wool coats often have a liner or other parts made of additional materials, so it's important to pay attention to the specific care instructions.

Even if the label says "dry clean", you may be able to wash the coat at home depending on the material. Common fabrics like linen, polyester, and cotton can sometimes be machine washed, even if the label suggests dry cleaning. On the other hand, sensitive fabrics such as silk and wool are best hand-washed.

If your coat is made with delicate materials, it's best to air dry it instead of putting it in the dryer. You can also use a special dry-cleaning sheet in the dryer to help remove any odours or bacteria.

Before washing your coat, always remember to check the pockets for any items and do up any zippers or buttons. This will help prevent damage to your coat and ensure a more thorough clean.

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Soak stains in water for 15-30 minutes

Soaking is an essential step in the process of washing your school coat at home. It helps to loosen and remove stains that may have set into the fabric. Before you begin the soaking process, check the coat for any visible stains and apply a stain remover or pretreatment solution. Then, fill a basin or tub with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Make sure the water isn't too hot, as this could damage the fabric.

Once you have prepared the water, fully submerge the coat and let it soak. You should leave it for around 15 to 30 minutes. During this time, you don't need to stir or agitate the coat; simply let it sit in the water. If you're dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, you can use this time to gently work on removing it with a soft-bristled brush.

After the coat has soaked, you'll need to drain the tub and refill it with clean water to rinse away any soap residue. Continue dipping the coat in the water until it is fully rinsed and no longer drippy.

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Wash at cooler temperatures to preserve colour

When washing your school coat at home, it is important to wash at cooler temperatures to preserve the colour. This is because hotter temperatures cause the fibres in the clothing to open up and relax, releasing traces of the dye. Cooler temperatures, on the other hand, keep the fibres clamped shut, minimising any colour leakage.

Washing at cooler temperatures is also better for your clothes as hot water is a known cause of clothes fading in colour. Kathleen Bell, Smol's sustainable cleaning expert, explains that "washing at the right temperature not only helps for energy-saving but can also help keep your clothes looking better for longer, too. What's more, most detergents work perfectly, and sometimes even better, at lower temperatures, because anything too hot can denature the enzymes in them that break down stains."

When washing your school coat at home, it is recommended to wash it at a temperature between 60-80ºF. This will help to preserve the colour of your coat and prevent fading.

In addition to washing at cooler temperatures, there are a few other steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of colour bleeding. For example, adding half a cup of salt to the wash cycle or a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle can help to prevent colour transfer. You can also use a colour catcher, which is a commercial product that looks like a baby wipe and will catch any dye transfer, preventing it from leaking onto other clothing.

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Turn items inside out to protect patches and embroidery

Turning items inside out is a crucial step when washing school coats at home, as it helps protect patches and embroidery. This simple step can prevent damage to decorations and ensure they remain intact and looking their best.

Before placing a school coat in the washing machine, it is important to turn it inside out. This practice helps safeguard any designs, logos, or decorations on the outer side of the garment. By facing these elements inward, they are less exposed to the agitation and friction of the washing cycle. This is especially important for items with patches, as the edges can catch on other items in the wash or the machine drum, leading to unwanted fraying or even complete detachment.

Embroidery, too, can benefit from this practice. The intricate threads used in embroidery are delicate and can easily become snagged or tangled during a wash cycle. Turning items inside out helps protect these threads from damage, ensuring the embroidery remains neat and intact.

In addition to protecting patches and embroidery, turning items inside out also offers further benefits. It can help reduce colour bleeding and fading, keeping the coat's original appearance for longer. This practice can also prevent pilling, which is common on the exterior of garments, especially those made from fleece.

When turning items inside out, it is important to also tuck in the sleeves. This further reduces their exposure to the washing cycle, providing an extra layer of protection. It is also essential to check the pockets for any loose items that could interfere with the washing process.

After washing, it is best to air-dry these items. Avoid using a tumble dryer, especially on high heat settings, as this can damage the patches and embroidery. Instead, lay the coat flat on a drying rack or hang it up to air-dry naturally.

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Air-dry items to avoid shrinkage and damage

Air drying is a great way to prevent shrinkage and damage to your school coat. It is the safest method to ensure your coat maintains its shape and size.

Firstly, find a flat surface to lay your coat on, such as a clothing rack or a shelf in a walk-in closet. If you don't have access to a rack, you can use a towel and lay the coat flat to dry. Make sure the coat is arranged in a single layer, with the sleeves splayed to the side. If you are using a towel, place the coat on top and gently roll up the towel to remove excess water. Unroll the towel and lay it flat to dry.

If you live in a dry environment, you can also air dry your coat on a clothesline or a clothes horse. This will help prevent wrinkles from forming on your coat. If you live in a humid environment, it is best to dry your coat indoors, as mildew can form on damp clothes.

When air drying, ensure your coat is in a well-ventilated area. You can place it near an open window or under a vent to speed up the drying process. It is important to note that air drying may take longer than using a dryer, but it is worth the extra time to maintain the quality of your coat.

Additionally, when air drying, avoid direct sunlight or heat sources as this can cause damage and shrinkage. Instead, opt for a cool, shaded area.

Frequently asked questions

To wash a coat made from wool or cashmere, use a mesh bag, a washing machine, and the appropriate soap. Place the coat inside the mesh bag, then put it in the washing machine. Use a delicate cycle wash with cold water and a mild detergent. Once the cycle is complete, remove the coat and lay it flat to air dry.

It depends on the type of coat and the washing machine. Most coats can be washed in a washing machine, but it is important to check the care label first. Some coats, such as those made from delicate materials like wool and silk, are better off being hand-washed. If you are using a machine, always use a delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.

To remove stains, treat the stain as soon as possible. Soak the stain by submerging the garment in water for 15 minutes to half an hour. If the stain is mud, let it dry, then gently scrape off the excess and dab it with water or a stain remover. For more stubborn stains, use a stain remover, then wash the coat as usual.

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