How to refresh a wool coat without dry cleaning using three simple at-home methods

I’m often asked how to keep a beloved wool coat looking and smelling fresh between trips to the dry cleaner. Dry cleaning is sometimes necessary, especially for heavy stains or structural tailoring, but for most of my everyday refreshes I reach for gentle at-home methods that save time, money and the planet. Below I share three simple, safe techniques I use regularly: airing & steaming, targeted spot-cleaning and dry-refreshing with baking soda or vodka. Each method is easy, uses items you probably already have, and keeps the fabric in better condition than frequent professional cleaning.

A few grounding rules for working with wool

Before we dive into the methods, a quick safety checklist. Wool is a natural, delicate fibre and responds well to gentle treatment. Keep these in mind:

• Test first: Always try any cleaner or method on an inconspicuous area (inside hem, under collar) to check for colour bleed or texture changes.
• Avoid overwetting: Wool can distort if saturated. Use minimal water and blot, don’t rub.
• Reshape when damp: If any part of the coat gets wet, reshape it on a flat surface or a padded hanger and let it dry naturally.
• Brush and lint-roll: Regular brushing removes surface dirt and prolongs the interval between deep cleans.

Method 1 — Airing & steaming: quick, fabric-friendly refresh

This is my go-to for coats that feel a bit tired, have light creasing or carry faint smells from a day out. It’s the gentlest approach and preserves the finish of wool.

What you’ll need: a clothes brush (natural bristles), a handheld steamer or a kettle, and a sturdy hanger.

How I do it:

• Hang the coat on a padded or wide wooden hanger to support the shoulders — avoid thin wire hangers.
• Brush the coat top-to-bottom to lift surface dust and knit fibres. I favour a soft boar-bristle brush; it smooths the nap and removes hair and crumbs.
• Steam lightly: keep the steamer head about 10–15 cm from the fabric and move continuously. Don’t press the nozzle directly to wool. Steam relaxes fibres, reduces creases and refreshes odours.
• Finally, hang the coat in a well-ventilated spot for an hour or two to allow moisture to evaporate and the fibres to relax.

When to use: ideal between wears and for removing light creases or travel wrinkles. Safe on most wool blends and structured coats.

Method 2 — Spot-cleaning and small hand washes: tackle stains without a full dry clean

Not every stain requires a dry cleaner. Many spots can be treated at home with a gentle approach. This is my method for food marks, light salt stains from winter roads, and collar grime.

What you’ll need: mild wool detergent or baby shampoo (I use Eucalan or a small amount of Dr. Bronner’s), a white cloth or sponge, clean water, and cotton towels for blotting.

How I do it:

• Blot excess material first — don’t rub. Rubbing can spread the stain and damage the pile.
• Mix a teaspoon of wool detergent in a bowl of cool water. Dip a corner of a clean white cloth into the solution, wring so it’s damp not dripping.
• Gently dab the stain from the outside towards the centre. Change cloth sections as the stain lifts. For salt marks, a damp cloth alone often does the trick.
• Rinse the treated area by dabbing with a cloth dipped in plain cool water to remove detergent residue.
• Press a clean towel against the area to absorb moisture, then reshape and let the coat air-dry flat or on a hanger away from direct heat.

For small detachable parts (like fabric belts or linings), you can hand wash these separately and lay flat to dry. Avoid machine washing unless the care label explicitly allows it.

Method 3 — Dry-refreshing with baking soda or vodka: deodorise and revive

When a coat smells a bit musty or has absorbed city odours, I use neutral, low-moisture techniques to lift smells without dampening the fibres.

Option A — Baking soda:

• Sprinkle a light, even layer of baking soda inside the coat and in the pockets (avoid visible wool surfaces if you’re worried about residue).
• Let it sit in a sealed bag or box overnight — 24 hours for stronger odours.
• Shake out and brush thoroughly to remove residual powder. Finish with a lint roller or a light brush to restore the nap.

Option B — Vodka spray (surprisingly effective):

• Mix one part inexpensive, unflavoured vodka with two parts water in a spray bottle. Vodka neutralises many odours because it evaporates quickly.
• Lightly mist the interior of the coat from about 30 cm away. Don’t soak — the spray should be barely perceptible.
• Let the coat air dry completely. Repeat if necessary for persistent smells.

When to use: both work well between wears and for items that only need a scent refresh. I favour vodka for quick fixes because it evaporates cleanly and doesn’t leave a powdery residue.

Maintenance tips that keep coats cleaner, longer

• Store coats in breathable garment bags during the off-season — avoid plastic which traps moisture and promotes mildew.
• Rotate coats so one garment isn’t worn repeatedly; this reduces wear and odour buildup.
• Repair minor damage promptly: a loose button or small tear, if mended quickly, prevents the need for heavy-duty cleaning or full re-lining later.
• Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets in storage to deter moths naturally. Replace them every few months to maintain potency.
• For pilling or bobbles, I use a fabric shaver or a sweater stone carefully — go slowly and use light pressure to preserve the weave.

When to put the coat in the dry cleaner’s hands

Despite these methods, some situations need professional care. I always recommend dry cleaning when:

• The coat has a large or greasy stain that won’t shift with spot treatment.
• There’s structural damage to the lining, heavy soiling, or an overall deep clean is required after a season of use.
• Your coat’s care label specifically says dry clean only and the fabric is very delicate or embellished.

Between these three methods you can handle the majority of refreshes at home. They’re gentle on wool, quick enough for weekly upkeep, and help your coat stay wearable and polished without sending it to the dry cleaners every few wears. If you’d like, I can share a short shopping list of tools I recommend — brushes, steamers and fabric shavers that are good value and gentle on wool — or a simple routine you can follow weekly for a coat closet that always looks ready to wear.