I’m a laundry expert — you people aren’t washing your filthy winter coats often enough

Clean up your act, everyone.

As temperatures drop, winter coats are coming out of closets — and too many of us aren’t washing them often enough, one cleanliness guru warns.

A new study conducted by Joules reveals that one in five people washed their winter jackets once a year, and 17% admitted they never washed their outerwear at all.

Laundry expert Sarah Dempsey understands that it may not seem necessary to run your outer garments though the washer on a regular basis, but reminds those of us living in chillier climes the importance of keeping coats spic and span.

“We tend to wear layers in the winter and our coats are the outermost layer, they do not get as soiled by body odor and perspiration as our clothes,” Dempsey shared with Bristol Live.

“However, they will be affected by the weather, getting wet in the rain, and picking up pollutants and dirt through wear over the season,” she said.

Cleaning methods for different coats

All coats serve a similar purpose but are best for different scenarios, which could require one to need more un-keep and maintenance than the other.

“It will depend on several factors including the material, color, fiber content, how frequently you wear it and how it’s been stored since it was last worn,” Dempsey said.

Wool coats

Wool coats only need to be cleaned once per season, according to Dempsey. And when you decide to clean the winter coat, it doesn’t matter whether it’s as soon as you take it out from storage or when you’re ready to back it away.

“Wool is described as a self-cleaning material as it contains keratin, which kills odor-causing bacteria, so these coats typically only need a single clean per season,” Dempsey said.

But if a rainy day gets the best of your wool jacket make sure to air it out before putting it away.

“Make sure to air dry it thoroughly before putting it away or it will end up smelling musty. If your wool or cashmere coat is mixed with silk, it may need more frequent cleaning to maintain its softness.”

Leather coats

Dempsey advised that leather coats should be cleaned at least once or twice a year, but if you wear it frequently you could always clean it more.

“It’s advisable to wipe down a leather coat in between professional cleaning as dirt and other pollutants can damage the leather if not removed regularly,” she shared.

“Depending on whether it is made from full-grain, top-grain, bonded, real leather or suede the cleaning process will be different for leather coats.”

When it comes to high-quality leather, Dempsey suggested using a moist cloth dipped in a mild detergent solution or leather cleaner to wipe the coat down.

Quilted jackets and parkas

When it comes to quilted jackets and parkas, Dempsey encouraged washing the garments twice during the winter season, especially if worn daily. But before you throw it in the washer, read the clothing label and check if your coat is filled with feathers or synthetic.

“If your coat has a synthetic filling, it may be possible to wash it at home,” she said. “Down-filled jackets should always be professionally cleaned, but they can be spot-cleaned between professional cleanings.”

While keeping your overcoat clean isn’t the only way to make sure your jacket is in pristine shape, a few ways to maintain a crisp looking coat are airing your coat after you’ve worn it, steaming it in between seasonal cleanings, or using fabric freshening spray to remove any odors.

Also avoid stuffing your winter coats inside a closet and hang them in a cold area instead so it can kill any bacteria and eliminate any smells from outdoors.