How to Wash a Winter Coat Without Ruining It

Washing your winter coat might seem intimidating, but if done right, it can help extend the life of your favorite winter jacket. Let’s break down how to clean it properly without sacrificing warmth or waterproofing.

Does Washing a Winter Coat Affect Its Waterproofing?

• Use a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash. It’s designed for waterproof outerwear and won’t strip away that water-repellent layer.

• Apply a waterproofing spray, like Granger Performance Reppel Plus every few washes or whenever water stops beading on the fabric.

• Only wash your coat when necessary. Typically, spot-cleaning with a damp cloth is enough for small stains !

Taking good care of your winter jacket will extend its lifespan, and that’s good for your wallet and the planet.

Do I Need to Re-Waterproof My Winter Jacket After Every Wash?

Nope! Once every 3–4 washes is more than enough. In between, a little spray-and-go with a waterproofing product will do the trick, especially if your coat sees a lot of wet weather.

Will Machine Washing My Coat Ruin Its Ability To Keep Its Warmth? 

Only if you do it wrong. The key is protecting the insulation inside:

• For down of feather coats : Wash gently (hand wash or delicate cycle), use a down-safe detergent, and dry with a few clean tennis ball to keep the filling fluffy (make sure to use high quality tennis balls, as the low quality ones may melt a little in the dryer).

• For synthetic coats : Those are more low-maintenance. Still, make sure they dry completely to preserve warmth and shape.

Proper care helps preserve performance, and it’s part of a more sustainable, slow-fashion mindset.

Down or Synthetic: What's The Difference?

• Down/feather coats : They're ultra-warm and they last longer with less frequent washing.

• Synthetic coats : They're are more forgiving when it comes to washing, but thorough drying is key.