Expert warns: When should you wash your coats?

For most of us it doesn't seem necessary to wash our coats or clean them on a weekly or monthly basis - because they are less exposed to our body odor and sweat.

However, international fabric and laundry expert Sarah Dempsey claims that the time that needs to pass between washes depends very much on the type of coat and should probably be shorter than the time you usually leave your coats unwashed.

New research by Joules reveals that one in five people only wash their winter coats once a year, with 17% admitting they never wash their coats. Dempsey confirms that you don't need to wash coats as often as you wash underwear or even jeans, but reminds - especially for those living in cooler climates - the importance of keeping coats clean. “We tend to wear layers in the winter and our coats are the outermost layer. They don't get dirty from body odor and sweat like our other clothes," Dempsey shared with Bristol Live. "However, they are affected by the weather, get wet in the rain and pick up pollutants and dirt through wear and tear throughout the season." She added: "Washing and cleaning the coat depends on several factors, Including the material, color, fiber content, how often you wear it and how it has been stored since the last time it was worn."

Dr. Thomas Russo, who specializes in infectious diseases, also agrees with her and explains what happens if we don't wash our coats after walking around with them outside - they can become infected with bacteria, viruses and cause diseases, especially those related to the intestines. At the same time, he clarified that in order to cause For the disease "the bacteria must penetrate your digestive system, that is, pass from the clothes to the hands and then from the hands to the mouth when we touch it. If it's a respiratory bacterium, it should come into contact with the hands and then with the eyes and mouth."

Woolen coats

Wool coats should only be cleaned once a season, according to Dempsey, and when you decide to clean your winter coats, it doesn't matter if it's as soon as you take it out of storage or when you put it back in. "Wool is defined as a self-cleaning material because it contains keratin, which kills odor-causing bacteria, so these coats typically only need a single cleaning per season," Dempsey said.

@melissadilkespateras Cleaning a wool coat at home #laundrytok #laundry #laundryhack @CTV Your Morning ♬ original sound - Laundrytok | Melissa Pateras

Leather jackets

Dempsey advised to clean leather jackets at least once or twice a year, but if you wear it more often - then it is definitely possible and even recommended to clean it more. "It is advisable to wipe a leather jacket between one professional cleaning, as dirt and other contaminants can damage the leather if not removed regularly," she shared. "Depending on whether it's made of full grain, bonded, genuine leather or suede, the cleaning process will be different for leather jackets." When it comes to high-quality leather, Dempsey suggests using a damp cloth dipped in a mild cleaning solution or leather cleaner to wipe down the coat.

Padded jackets and coats

When it comes to quilted or parka coats, Dempsey advises washing them twice during the winter season, especially if worn daily. But before you throw them in the washing machine, read the clothing label and check if your coats are full of feathers or if they are synthetic coats. "If your coat has a synthetic filling, it may be possible to wash it at home," she said, "Down coats should always be professionally cleaned, but they can be spot cleaned between professional cleanings."

Keeping your coat clean and washed is not the only way to make sure your coat is in ideal condition, some great ways to keep it looking clean are to air it out after wearing it, steam it between seasonal cleanings or use a fabric refresher spray to remove odors. Also, avoid storing your winter coats in the closet - and hang them in a cold place, so that they can kill any bacteria and eliminate odors absorbed from the outside. At least until the summer.