How to properly wash a drape coat in an automatic washing machine and by hand?

A drape coat is a staple item in many people's wardrobes. It is very comfortable and fits organically into any look.

However, drape coats have one small drawback - they are quite demanding in their care.

Knowing certain subtleties and cleaning techniques, you can cope with this procedure yourself, without resorting to the services of specialized dry cleaners. Read below for information on how to wash a drape coat.

Is it machine washable or does it require dry cleaning?

The main question that arises when it comes to cleaning clothes made from drape is whether the product can be washed in a washing machine, or whether it is worth taking the coat to the dry cleaner.

To answer this question, you should pay attention to the following nuances:

1. Examine the label attached to the product. It will give answers to many questions, ranging from the percentage of natural and synthetic components in the fabric, and ending with recommendations for care and cleaning (washing, drying, ironing).

   It should be taken into account that the higher the number of natural components in the fabric, the more careful care the coat requires, and it should not be washed in an automatic machine.

2. It is necessary to pay special attention to the color of the product. If the coat is not one color, then it is better to turn to other cleaning methods than machine washing.
3. If a drape coat has various decorative elements (embroidery, rhinestones, beads), then you should not resort to cleaning in a washing machine, because this can greatly spoil the appearance of the jewelry.

Otherwise, it is better not to take risks and entrust your coat to specialists, or resort to other cleaning methods.

Preparation for the process

In order to clean a drape coat at home as carefully and efficiently as possible, you need to properly prepare the product for washing and choose a suitable cleaning agent for this.

Preparing a drape product for washing is as follows:

1. It is necessary to unfasten all fur elements from the coat, if any.

   If the possibility of their detachment is not provided, then they should be carefully unscrewed, since washing with them is strictly not recommended (they will be hopelessly damaged and the appearance of the product can no longer be restored).

   Some housewives, in order to avoid tearing off the fur parts, wrap them tightly with cling film. However, it is worth considering that during the washing process, the film may slide off the fur elements.

2. Before directly washing the coat, it is worth dry cleaning the product (knock it out on the balcony to remove excess dust or vacuum it with a special attachment).
3. All visible stains on the product should be treated in advance with cleaning agents:
   • Sprinkle the greasy stain with talcum powder;
   • an old stain on a dark product can be treated with gasoline;
   • stains on light drape coats are removed using a solution of ammonia (per 1 liter of water - 1 tablespoon of ammonia).

When choosing a cleanser, you should pay attention to the following points:

1. It is not recommended to use regular washing powder, because... its grains settle in the drape fabric and cause stains. In this case, preference should be given to liquid laundry detergents.

   If this is not possible, then you can dilute the regular powder in warm water in advance until it is completely dissolved and use this composition for washing.

2. It is imperative to use fabric softener during the washing process. This will make the fabric softer and more pleasant to the touch.

Hand wash at home

Washing a drape coat by hand should be done if there is a special indication on the product label.

You can wash a drape product by hand, following the following recommendations:

1. It is necessary to fill a bathtub or large basin with water (temperature 30-40 degrees).
2. Then add liquid laundry detergent to the water.
3. If there is heavy soiling, the coat should be soaked in this water for about 30 minutes and only then proceed directly to the cleansing process.

   If the coat just needs to be refreshed, then there is no need to soak the product.

4. Washing should be done with gentle movements, perhaps using a special brush.
5. Rinse the product in cold water until the detergent is completely washed away.
6. You should not spin; it is necessary that all the water drains out on its own.An alternative option is to wrap the coat in fabric that absorbs liquid well, and only then proceed to dry the product.
7. Dry your drape coat in a vertical position, preferably in a well-ventilated area (for example, on a balcony).

In the washing machine

Washing a drape coat in an automatic machine can only be done if a corresponding prohibition is not contained on the label attached to the product.

Wherein a number of important rules must be observed, which will allow you to clean the product without spoiling its appearance:

• For cleaning, you should use only liquid powder, and it is advisable that it be specifically for washing woolen fabrics;
• The coat should be washed using the “delicate” or “hand” wash mode, at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees;
• You must first turn off the drying mode (otherwise the coat will be irrevocably damaged);
• To rinse the product, be sure to use fabric softener.

It is also worth remembering to first remove all stains from the product. and the need to rid it of excess dust by knocking it out.

This video will show you how to properly wash a coat in a washing machine:

Dry cleaning method

The dry cleaning method is considered the most gentle for cleaning coats made of drape fabric.

There are several basic methods for dry cleaning a coat:

1. Use regular powder. In this case, the coat should be laid on a horizontal surface and the powder should be evenly distributed over it with a special brush or hand.

   The product should be left in this form for about one hour, and then remove the remaining powder from the fabric with a soft, slightly damp cloth (you can also use a vacuum cleaner with a special attachment for this purpose).

2. Make a soap solution with a lot of foam. Apply the resulting foam in an even layer to the drape fabric and leave everything for about 20 minutes, after which the remaining foam must be removed with a soft rag.

   Some housewives use carpet cleaner instead of soap solution, because... it has high cleaning properties and produces a lot of foam.

How to clean a light-colored drape item?

A light drape coat requires special attention, careful wearing and careful cleaning. Due to its color, various stains are visible on it much more than on similar models of dark colors.

At the same time, stains on a coat can have a very different origin and the process of cleaning them, as a rule, will be unique for each type of pollution:

1. Hydrogen peroxide will help deal with beer and cola stains (with a cotton pad soaked in peroxide, gently blot the stain until it is completely removed).
2. Potato starch or baby powder will facilitate the process of removing grease stains. These bulk products should be sprinkled generously on the greasy stain and left for 30 minutes.
3. Alcohol and water will easily cope with stains from coffee and juices (you need to make a solution in a 1:1 ratio of water and alcohol, soak a cotton pad in the solution and treat the stain with this disc).

• vinegar;
• lemon;
• petrol;
• acetone.

How to dry?

The process of drying a drape coat a very difficult and troublesome task that takes place in several stages:

1. A wet product weighs quite a lot, so you need to make sure that the fastening is secure, on which the item will be initially dried and excess moisture will drain off.
2. Then the coat should be switched to horizontal drying mode, wrapping it in a fabric that absorbs moisture well (for example, a terry towel).

   These towels will need to be changed several times as they fill with water (this will speed up the drying process).

3. You can continue to dry the product either horizontally or vertically by hanging it in a well-ventilated place.
4. The coat does not require ironing if it has been well straightened before drying. Otherwise, you should steam it through a damp gauze cloth, or using a steam generator.

Video on the topic

The video will show you how to wash a coat by hand, dry it properly and care for the product:

Conclusion

Process washing coat from drape is a very difficult task. Start cleaning the product yourself is only worth it if there is no corresponding prohibition on the label.

In this case, you should follow a number of important rules and recommendations that will preserve the original appearance of the coat and ensure the achievement of the ultimate goal of cleaning.