In the conditions of the harsh Russian climate, it is impossible to do without warm outerwear in the autumn-winter period. And in the spring of the return of cold is not rare. In every wardrobe or pantry, for the time being, a demi-season coat is hidden, which will then replace the winter one, insulated with filler and fur details. The very outerwear that will not only warm in bad weather, but also represent our image in the cold season of autumn and winter. And like any clothes, it needs periodic cleaning (or washing). Dry cleaning services, which have grown considerably in price from the immemorial Soviet times, increasingly force the consumer to think whether it is possible to wash a coat in a washing machine and not spoil a thing, while saving a decent amount.
Preparation rules
It is possible to wash the coat in such a way so that it does not sat down, does not deform, does not fade, does not become covered with pellets and at the same time fresher, rid of dirt and stains in the area of the collar, cuffs or edges of the sleeves, in the area of carrying the bag and pockets. To do this, you just need to follow the immutable rules for preparing a coat for washing in a washing machine, so as not to regret the results.
Studying the label
First, it is necessary to determine whether the product can be subjected to water procedures, having carefully studied the information indicated on the coat label. They will help to establish the composition of the material (natural or artificial) from which it is made: the top of the product, the lining, the finish. In addition, the pictograms on the label can determine whether washing is permitted in this particular case: manual or automated, using a washing machine. If the icon is not crossed (a basin or a small square with a circle inscribed in it, depicting a washing machine), then the coat can be washed at home.
If the manufacturer has crossed out the corresponding pictogram, the entire responsibility for actions to bring the outerwear in order falls on the shoulders of the consumer, since, at best, the product is dry-cleaned.
We take into account the material
Having decided to wash in a washing machine, you need to pay attention to the behavior of various materials of the coat in the process: natural, artificial (synthetic), blended.
A natural coat made of cotton, wool, drape, cashmere, suede can be washed in a vending machine with the permission of the manufacturer indicated on the label, carefully observing the delicate mode of washing without spinning in order not to deform the product.
If the manufacturer is against it, it is better not to take risks and use the alternative dry cleaning, at worst, by hand washing. The cost of a coat of such materials is incomparable with the savings from washing.
Suede will require more and special tools for leather products. The corduroy coat is unlikely to withstand machine wash, as well as a product with leather sleeves, not to mention a leather coat. Any leather - natural or artificial - will not survive the meeting with a basin or with a machine. You can try to wash the boucle carefully by using the delicate mode without pressing.
How to wash an autumn polyester or bolognese coat (that is, of synthetic materials) independently of dirt, the pictogram on the label "Machine Wash" and the temperature of the water - 40 degrees.
The winter coat is, as a rule, warmed with a filler, natural (for example, down feather) or artificial (synthetic winterizer, holofiber). The product with camel filler is better to carry in dry cleaning. Sometimes the manufacturer allows it to be washed manually. Downy washable on a special mode in the machine, if it is quilted with the top of the product. You can also wash a padding polyester or a coat with holofiber: a stitch will not allow the filler to slide down, allowing you to keep the shape of the product.
Outerwear on a padding polyester or with holofiber will not be difficult to tidy at home with the help of an automatic machine, besides it can be wrung out using a centrifuge. It is undesirable to press the downy product in this way. It is necessary to allow water to drain and then gently straighten, break up lumps of fluff, evenly distribute it between the top and the lining.
The lining is usually made of synthetic fiber (polyester or viscose). Giving the shape of a washed coat, you need to make sure that the lining is also well straightened and not peeking out from under the cuffs or the hem of the product.
Colors
The color of outer clothing subjected to homemade machine wash should not suffer in the process: shedding, acquiring unusual shades and divorces, whitish spots. Much depends not only on the selected mode, but also on the detergents used.
You should first check the stability of the dye to water procedures.
It is enough to try to wash a small piece of cloth in warm water with detergent. If the water is not painted, then the spoiled appearance of the water procedure does not threaten the product.
White coat can not always be subjected to additional bleaching, it depends on the composition of its material. It can be good for a cotton product; a fabric made of viscose or polyester can easily turn yellow and lose the strength of the fibers.
The light product is also quickly polluted, but it cannot be used with bleach. Fashionable black color of outerwear may lose its intensity, depth with frequent washing, it is possible the appearance of a foreign tint. Should pick up black laundry detergentwhich will keep the color of the product longer. For bright colors also have their own detergents that extend the life of the product.
Cleaning products
All washing powders and liquid products, gels are differentiated by purpose. It is enough to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions on the package and to clarify which clothes and materials are meant for, whether it is suitable for machine washing or just for hand washing. Usually the word "Automatic" on the box or vial immediately warns about the purpose of the contents for the machine process. When washing outerwear, liquid products, gels or fine powders are preferable, the traces of which do not remain on the fabric at the end of the process.
You can use the conditioner to rinse for better removal of residues of the washing agent if it is not present in the composition of the used gel (the so-called 2 in 1).
Choosing a program
You should first familiarize yourself with the capabilities of the home unit when washing such delicate items as a coat. Modern models have a large number of various functions designed to facilitate home washing. Finding yourself the right option for a particular case will not be difficult. The most modest washing machines have in the repertoire mode "Handwash", providing a gentle process for delicate fabrics.
Of great importance for the quality of the result is the temperature regime, which, as a rule, is tied to the washing mode.
Natural and artificial materials of the coat, the filler is quite low water temperature (maximum 30-40 ° C.) In accordance with the composition of the product, you can select “Synthetic 40”, “Cotton 40”, quick wash “Mini 30”, for mixed fabrics “Mix 30”, “ECO Cotton 40”, “Wool 40”. Higher temperatures can cause shrinkage and deformation of the product, discoloration, and pellets. There are models that provide washing in cold water. This is the best mode for products made of wool, with camel filling. There are special programs for washing woolen and downy products., they indicate the corresponding icons - icons: "Wool wool" and "Feather."
It is important to program additional or repeated rinsing in the washing process in order to finally release the product from the remnants of detergents and avoid subsequent stains on the fabric after drying.
For washing items that cannot be pressed, it is necessary to turn off the spinning process (centrifuge) in the program or reduce the number of revolutions of the centrifuge to an acceptable one. In the "Hand Wash" mode, there is usually no spin.
Step-by-step instruction
Properly wash the coat in the washing machine at home and get a good result will help following a specific sequence of steps:
- We study the label on the coat, determine the possibility and the proposed conditions of washing; we compare it with the previously studied possibilities of a home washing machine.
- We empty the pockets of the coat, remove (detach or gently strip) the fur and large metal parts, fasten all the existing zippers (and on the pockets too), turning the product inside out.
- Carefully load the item into the car.
- We close the drum, measure and load the detergent chosen in advance in the right quantity.
- Turn on the automatic machine in the network, turn the water regulator to the working position.
- We set up the washing program chosen in advance on the machine control panel (“Hand wash” or material + temperature mode, “Extra rinse”, centrifuge speed).
- Press the button that launches the program.
- At the end of a given program, we open the drum; coat, carefully taking out, immediately put on the "coat hanger" (hanger) or on the place prepared in the bathroom for the outflow of excess water.
- When excess water is drained, the coat can be slightly squeezed, not twisting, to remove excess water and gently straighten so that there are no creases.
- The coat is placed to dry in a well-ventilated place.
How to dry?
Improper drying after washing can negatively affect the appearance of the coat, distort it. In places of wrinkles and folds in the fabric of the product, dye effusions may form. For vertical drying, you can use a coat hanger (“hangers”) of a suitable size so that the shoulders and back of the clothes do not stretch. Can be dried in a horizontal position, spreading out and straightening the coat according to the shape of the product. We'll have to follow the process and turn it over for even drying. In both cases, the place must be well ventilated so that the thing does not absorb foreign odors or does not acquire a musty, moldy scent.
It is impossible to dry the coat on batteries and other heating devices, in direct sunlight: it can become covered with spots, streaks, creases, sometimes burn out.
How to remove stains?
It is advisable to try to remove the stains on the outer garment before the start of the general washing. Ideal to do this at home is possible, if you have patience. The main thing is not to delay the moment of removal: the more fresh the stain, the easier it is to remove it. It would be nice to know the nature of the spot. If blood from an accidental wound inadvertently gets on the clothes, it must simply be washed off with plenty of water first, in no case using soap. Then, with the subsequent washing with a detergent, no traces of blood protein will remain.
Traces from the writing pen are more difficult to remove, they must be pre-treated with hydrogen peroxide or citric acid solution, trying not to leave a halo.
To do this, processing with a swab or cotton pad (or cotton swab) is carried out from the periphery to the center of the spot, after having previously moistened the area around it with water. Good result gives the use of conventional hairspray.
Relatively fresh grease stains are removed with a solvent (for example, gasoline), it is not bad if you can remove excess fat first by sprinkling it with salt or starch or getting wet with a napkin and a heated iron. Modern means - stain removers, specialized (for certain stains) and universal (for any, type Vanish), will help to cope with the task no worse than homemade life hacks from grandma's councils. The problem with fuel oil can also be solved with the help of home chemistry, if you don’t feel sorry for the coat. Still, dry cleaning with the help of professionals safer.
What to do if you can not wash?
If the manufacturer of your item is categorically against water procedures in any mode (both manual and automated), it remains to rely on dry cleaning. You can try to freshen the coat by hand, using a brush or sponge, slightly moistened with foam of the detergent solution, or simply take it to the nearest dry cleaner and entrust the favorite thing to the experts.
The dry cleaning procedure is much more expensive than home washing, but there is no risk of spoiling and losing the product irretrievably.
If dry cleaning is not affordable at all, and the coat is not too new, you can still try to take a risk and wash it carefully, despite the manufacturer’s prohibitions. But this is completely your decision and all your risks. Be prepared for the need for a new purchase.
Strict adherence to the recommendations of an entire army of specialists: manufacturers of outerwear, washing machines, cleaning products - will save property and finances.
How to properly care for your coat, see the following video.
