A well-made winter coat is more than just a layer of warmth—it’s a seasonal essential, an investment piece, and often the first thing people notice when you walk into a winter gathering. Whether it’s your favorite wool peacoat, a cozy down puffer, a sophisticated cashmere blend, or a classic wrap coat reserved for special occasions, taking proper care of your outerwear helps preserve its structure, elegance, and comfort year after year.
This time of year, your coat works hard against Ohio’s cold winds, sudden snow flurries, and holiday-event wear and tear. But with a few thoughtful practices—and a little help from Deluxe Cleaners & Alterations—your winter coat can maintain its beauty, shape, and durability all season long.
Let’s walk through everything you should know about caring for the most common (and most beloved) winter coat fabrics.
Start with an Inspection: Know What Your Coat Needs
Before wearing your coat regularly this season, take a few minutes to inspect it with an intentional eye:
- Are there loose buttons?
- Is the lining pulling, sagging, or torn?
- Do the pockets have small holes?
- Are there salt lines or dull patches along the hem?
- Is the collar slightly discolored from skin oils?
- Does the coat have odors from last winter?
- Does the zipper need lubrication or repair?
- Are sleeves pilled or showing small snags?
These are all completely normal signs of winter wear, but the sooner you address them, the better your coat will look and feel all season.
Pro Tip:
Deluxe Cleaners & Alterations offers expert repairs—from button tightening to zipper replacement—so your coat is functional, comfortable, and beautiful before the busiest winter weeks begin.
How to Care for Wool Coats
Wool is a timeless winter classic. It’s warm, elegant, and naturally stain-resistant—but it does require proper handling.
Why Wool Needs Professional Cleaning
Wool fibers are structured with microscopic scales. If they’re exposed to agitation, heat, or the wrong detergent, they can shrink or felt (forming that stiff, fuzzy texture).
Professional cleaning ensures:
- No shrinkage
- No distortion
- Deep stain and odor removal
- Preservation of the coat’s structure
- Smooth, even surface texture
How to Maintain Wool Coats at Home
- Use a lint roller or wool brush to keep the surface smooth.
- Hang on a wide, sturdy hanger—never a wire hanger.
- Air out the coat between wears.
- Spot-clean only with cold water and minimal pressure (if absolutely needed).
- Avoid wearing wool coats in heavy rain; moisture can permanently alter the fibers.
Salt Stains and Winter Grime
Ohio winters often mean sidewalk salt—and salt can leave chalky lines along the hem of your coat. These should always be treated professionally to prevent fiber damage and discoloration.
How to Care for Cashmere & Cashmere-Blend Coats
Cashmere is luxurious, incredibly soft, and wonderfully warm—but also delicate. Unlike wool, cashmere fibers are very fine, which makes them prone to stretching, pilling, and losing their shape if not cared for gently.
Key Care Tips for Cashmere Coats
- Brush lightly with a cashmere comb to remove pilling.
- Avoid heavy bags that pull on shoulders and distort the shape.
- Always hang on a broad hanger to support the delicate structure.
- Professional cleaning is essential—cashmere reacts poorly to home wash attempts.
Why Cashmere Needs Specialized Handling
Cashmere absorbs oils easily, holds scents longer, and compresses quickly. Deluxe Cleaners treats cashmere with extremely gentle cleaning solutions and careful pressing so the fabric remains soft, fluffy, and beautifully draped.
How to Care for Down Coats
Down coats offer unmatched warmth without weight—but their structure is more complex than it appears.
A down coat has three layers working together:
- Outer shell (often nylon or polyester)
- Interior baffles (that hold feathers in place)
- Down filling
Improper cleaning can flatten the down, break stitching, or cause clumping that’s nearly impossible to reverse.
Signs Your Down Coat Needs Professional Cleaning
- Musty odor
- Visible soiling (especially around cuffs and collar)
- Loss of loft (looks flat or deflated)
- Uneven feather distribution
- Water repellent coating is weakening
How Deluxe Cleans Down Properly
LeeAnn’s team uses low-moisture, temperature-controlled cleaning methods that refresh the coat without compromising the down filling. They also restore loft, giving your coat that comforting puffiness again.
At-Home Down Coat Tips
- Shake your coat after each wear to maintain distribution.
- Spot clean only the shell with gentle pressure.
- Never store a down coat compressed—it needs air circulation.
- Avoid hanging near heat sources; this can weaken stitching.
Caring for Special Fabrics: Faux Fur, Real Fur & Suede
Holiday seasons often bring out luxurious fabrics—those special coats reserved for concerts, services, and evening events.
Faux Fur
- Keep away from direct heat.
- Shake out to restore fluffiness.
- Never machine wash.
Real Fur
- Needs climate-controlled cleaning and storage.
- Keep fur away from perfumes, hairspray, and oils.
- Never crush the fur—use a broad-shouldered hanger.
Suede
- Water and salt are suede’s worst enemies.
- Blot moisture immediately (never rub).
- Always choose professional cleaning.
If you’re unsure about your special coat fabric, bring it to Deluxe and the team will inspect it personally.
Pressing & Steaming: The Finishing Touch That Makes Coats Look New
One of the simplest ways to improve the look of your winter coat is proper pressing or steaming. But pressing coats—especially wool and cashmere—is a skill.
Why Professional Pressing Matters
- Prevents shine on fabric
- Restores structured seams
- Re-shapes lapels and collars
- Smooths areas where bags or seatbelts have creased
- Makes the coat drape more gracefully
Pressing done incorrectly can flatten fibers or create permanent marks. LeeAnn’s team uses specialized equipment to refresh coats gently and beautifully.
Proper Winter Coat Storage During the Season
Your coat needs a little “spa treatment” between wears. Here’s how to store it:
- Hang on a thick, supportive hanger.
- Give it space—don’t mash it in the closet.
- Air it out after wearing in rain or snow.
- Empty pockets to avoid stretching.
- Brush surface fibers weekly to maintain texture.
End-of-Season Storage Matters Just as Much
When winter is over, never store your coat without cleaning it. Oils, perfumes, sweat, and stains attract moths and cause long-term fiber damage.
Deluxe will:
- Professionally clean
- Deodorize
- Remove salt residue
- Address any repairs
- Press
- Prepare your coat beautifully for storage
Then you store it at home in a breathable garment bag, away from heat and humidity.
Why West Chester Families Trust Deluxe with Their Winter Coats
Winter coats are meaningful pieces—often investment items passed down through family members, or favorite coats you hope to wear for many seasons. With decades of hands-on textile experience, LeeAnn Gentry and her team understand how to protect:
- Wool coats
- Cashmere blends
- Down puffers
- Luxury winter wear
- Children’s coats
- Designer outerwear
- Vintage heirloom pieces
As a family-owned, woman-owned business with two locations in West Chester plus pickup & delivery, Deluxe Cleaners & Alterations makes it wonderfully easy to keep your winter wardrobe looking elegant and timeless.