Jacket Care: How to Clean, Store, and Extend the Life of Your Jackets

When you buy a good jacket, a durable outer layer designed to protect against weather and add style. Also known as coat, it's one of the most used pieces in your wardrobe—but also one of the most easily damaged if not cared for properly. A jacket isn’t just something you throw on and forget. How you wash it, store it, and handle stains makes all the difference between it lasting five years or falling apart in two.

Not all jackets are the same. A down jacket, a warm outer layer filled with feathers for insulation needs different care than a leather jacket, a tough, stylish outerwear made from animal hide. Washing a down jacket in hot water can ruin the insulation. Soaking a leather jacket can crack the material. And tossing a waterproof shell in the dryer without checking the label? That can strip its water-repellent coating. Each type has its own rules, and skipping them costs you money in the long run.

How often should you even wash a jacket? Most people clean them too much—or not enough. A denim jacket might only need a wash every few months, even if you wear it weekly. A fleece jacket used for hiking might need a rinse after every muddy trip. And if you live somewhere rainy, your waterproof jacket needs reproofing every season to stay effective. It’s not about how dirty it looks—it’s about how it’s been used.

Storage matters just as much as cleaning. Hanging a heavy jacket on a thin hanger stretches the shoulders. Folding a wool coat for months can leave permanent creases. Storing a jacket in a plastic bag traps moisture and invites mildew. The best way? Use a wide, padded hanger, keep it in a cool, dry place, and let it breathe in a cotton garment bag. If you’re storing it for summer, slip a cedar block inside to repel moths and keep it smelling fresh.

And what about stains? Don’t reach for bleach. A coffee ring on a black jacket? Blot it, don’t rub. A grease spot on a hoodie? Sprinkle baking soda, let it sit, then brush it off. Many people ruin jackets trying to fix small problems with harsh chemicals. Sometimes, the best fix is patience and the right tool—not a power washer.

You’ll find posts here that break down exactly how to clean different types of jackets—down, denim, leather, fleece, and tactical styles. We’ll show you how often to wash them, what detergents to use, how to fix zippers, and how to tell if your jacket is even worth saving. No fluff. No guesswork. Just clear, practical steps you can follow without needing a degree in textile science.