How to clean ugg boots, puffer jackets and other tricky winter items
What's the best way to clean a puffer jacket? How can I clean my ugg boots at home? Does my dressing gown go in the washing machine?
It's the time of year when you may have found yourself searching for the answers to one — or more — of the questions above.
Look no further. Here's what an expert had to say about cleaning those tricky winter items at home.
How to wash a puffer jacket?
If you want your jacket to last as long as possible, Taylor Brydges from the University of Technology Sydney's Institute for Sustainable Futures recommends checking the label and following the manufacturer's instructions before throwing it in the washing machine.
Taylor Brydges says many of us reduce the life spans of our items by washing them too frequently.
Unsplash
If you have a big-name brand puffer — from somewhere like Anaconda or Kathmandu — you may be able to find specific washing instructions online.
If your jacket has down — duck or goose feathers — try using a down-specific detergent and skipping the spin cycle to avoid damage.
If it isn't extensively soiled, Dr Brydges says spot-cleaning can extend the life of your item and will do the job most of the time.
He recommends spot-cleaning the cuffs of your jacket and around the neck regularly.
For drying, many brands recommend hanging the jacket on a coathanger or laying it flat on a drying rack in a dry, cool space — and intermittently "fluffing" it up with your hands.
If you're using a dryer, opt for a low setting and add tennis balls to help restore the "puff".
Tips for cleaning puffer jackets
- Using a washing machine with a centre agitator could cause damage. Newer machines are less likely to have these.
- Make sure the jacket pockets and zips are all closed to reduce snagging.
- Use a gentle cycle.
- Use cold water.
What can I clean my sheepskin slippers with?
Spot-cleaning is also recommended for genuine leather ugg boots and sheepskin slippers.
Using a washing machine risks knotting the wool, discolouring the suede and removing the lanolin that keeps them soft, Dr Brydges says.
But if the slippers are cotton or a synthetic fibre, they are safe to be washed in your machine in cold water on a gentle cycle.
Tips for cleaning ugg boots and slippers
- Use a suede brush, dry cloth, chalk or a gum eraser first.
- If you do have to wet them, wash all over the boots to ensure the colour change is consistent.
- Use specific ugg boot/sheep wool-skin shampoo.
- If you do a deeper wash, stuff the boots with paper towel to keep their shapes while they dry.
- Vacuuming can restore the wool pile and collect dust.
- Regularly air your boots.
How to clean a dressing gown?
For most dressing gowns, onesies, and oodies, the easy answer is simply the washing machine.
But as with the other items, Dr Brydges says spot-cleaning may be enough when it comes to spills and marks on your dressing gown.
"If you are only wearing it around home, you're probably not sweating in it a whole lot."
Tips for leaning dressing gowns and Oodies
- If it includes natural fibres (such as wool or silk), use gentle detergents.
- Hand washing is best for preserving "fluffiness".
- Some brands recommend avoiding using a dryer.
- Consider spot-cleaning any spills before committing to washing and drying the entire garment.
