Expert says you need to clean your winter jackets more often; know what kind should be washed the most

As the mercury plummets in many parts of the country, people are dusting off their old jackets and putting them back on to brave the intense cold. Now, one laundry expert claims that simply dusting off the winter jackets isn’t enough and that not cleaning them enough might be harmful.

Indeed, a survey conducted by British clothing company, Joules revealed that 20% of people wash their winter jackets once a year, with a whopping 17% admitting to never washing them at all! According to laundry expert Sarah Dempsey, this is a terrible idea. She explains that as we put on several layers of clothing during the winter season, it is most often our jackets, that take the brunt of the weather, picking up pollutants, dirt, and even moisture.

Just like one would wash T-shirts made of different fabrics in different ways and using different wash cycles, one needs to make sure one applies the right cleaning methods to coats or jackets, she explains. “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”, she explains.

For example, wool coats need to be cleaned only once per season, more specifically dry cleaned, leather coats and faux leather jackets need to be put through a gentle wash cycle or other cleaning methods at least once or twice a year, and so on.

Dempsey recommended washing quilted jackets twice per season, particularly when worn on a daily basis.

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

Also watch: Feeling lazy during winters? Here is how much you should exercise daily as the temperature drops