How to Clean a Wool Coat—Without a Trip to the Cleaner

A wool coat is an investment, but caring for it doesn’t require professional intervention every time. With expert advice, gentle techniques, and thoughtful habits, you can keep your coat looking impeccable season after season—no dry cleaner required.

Below, fabric care experts detail how to best clean a wool coat at home and what you need to know to maintain the garment’s structure and craftsmanship.

Wool Coat Care and Preservation Tips

Wool fibers naturally repel dirt and odors, which means frequent washing (professional or otherwise) can often do more harm than good. Proper care will prevent the need for excessive cleans.

After wearing your coat, gently shake it out and give it a few minutes of fresh air before putting it away. You can also sprinkle odor-absorbing baking soda on the garment, leave it overnight, and then shake it clean for an easy refresh. (Try on a small patch first to make sure it can easily be removed.)

Gently brushing your coat with a soft-bristle garment brush is another smart way to freshen it without water, surfactants, dry-cleaning chemicals. Always brush downward, following the direction of the fibers, to remove surface dust and dirt.

How to Spot Clean Wool Coats

"Wool needs gentle handling to maintain its shape," shares Stephanie Leichtweis, CEO of Ginsey Home Solutions. This means most aren’t suitable for machine washing or for excessive moisture. 

"Many people fail to check the care label, and most wool garments aren’t machine washable," adds Jennifer Ahoni, P&G fabric care principal scientist. When spills or marks occur, immediate spot cleaning is usually the safest and most effective option. 

"Use a damp cloth with a small amount of wool-safe detergent, blot gently, and avoid soaking or agitation," says fabric care expert Zack Saifi. "Full washing at home is risky and often causes irreversible shrinkage."

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How (and When) to Hand-Wash Wool Coats

Some modern wool garments allow for careful handwashing. Before attempting, read the care label thoroughly. If the garment is labeled "dry clean only," stick to spot cleaning. However, “if the care label allows hand washing, use cold water and minimal movement,” advises Leichtweis. 

Fill a basin or stoppered sink with cold water and dissolve a small amount of wool-safe detergent. “Be sure to select a high-quality detergent formulated for delicates, like Tide Free & Gentle, which has no dyes, no perfumes, and is hypoallergenic,” says Ahoni. “This detergent is gentle enough for sensitive fabrics and sensitive skin, too, and will help ensure wool garments remain soft and intact.”

Avoid Common Mistakes When Hand-Washing Wool

Cold water is key here. Hot water can cause the coat to shrink and wool fibers to stiffen, warns Ahoni. And aggressive agitation can also cause damage. "Agitation causes the wool fibers to tangle, which leads to shrinking," she adds.

Stick to gentle movements and a short soak (five to 10 minutes is sufficient). Rinsing should be equally gentle with cold water only. Support the garment fully as you lift it from the basin, allowing water to drain out.

How to Dry a Wool Coat—Without Shrinking It

When it comes to damaging wool garments and distorting their shape, “machine washing, warm or hot water, high agitation, and tumble drying are the biggest culprits,” warns Saifi—so drying your coat carefully is imperative. 

Choose an even, well-ventilated surface and lay the wool coat flat to dry. “Never hang a wet wool coat, as the weight of the water can distort the shoulders and length,” Saifi explains. “Lay it flat on a clean towel, gently reshape it by hand, and let it air dry away from heat.”

“Avoid wringing out wool garments,” Ahoni adds. This can misshape the coat. “Instead, gently press out excess water.”

Finally, be sure to allow the coat to dry completely before wearing or storing. "Hanging wool while wet and improper reshaping during drying also permanently alter the garment’s structure," says Saifi. When it comes to wool, take your time for the best results.