We at The Laundress have successfully washed trench coats, including the iconic trench by Burberry, time and time again, despite the fact that the care label commonly instructs "Dry Clean". Read on to learn our best practices for cleaning and freshening these seasonal staples! Figure out the fabrics Burberry trench coats vary in fabric composition from style to style. That said, it's important to reference the sewn-in care label to help you identify the fabric content. If your trench is a cotton/nylon blend, you should be able to machine wash it and achieve beautiful results. The trench coat featured in this guide has a cotton shell and wool inner lining which require separate wash separate wash processes. Read on to learn which detergents we recommend to deliver stellar results.
PRETREAT
Because both the shell and lining are two different fabrics, they will need to be cared for separately. If possible, unzip or detach the lining before pretreating fabrics. Outer Shell: Treat stains with Stain Solution by applying it directly to any spots or susceptible areas such as necklines and cuffs. Work the solution into the fabric using a Stain Brush. Inner Lining: Treat underarm areas with Stain Solution to remove any buildup in between yarns. Simply create a lather using tepid water and gently work it into the fabric. For odor, apply 1/4 cup of plain white vinegar directly to odor areas. Next, presoak the lining in a bath of tepid water and plain white vinegar for up to 30 minutes.
MACHINE WASH
Outer Shell: Turn the coat inside out and place it into a Mesh Washing Bag to protect zippers, buttons, and buckles throughout the wash cycle. Select the delicate cycle on the washing machine and cold water. Add Signature Detergent considering the machine type and load size. Inner Lining: Place the lining into a Mesh Washing Bag. Select the delicate or woolens cycle and make sure the temperature is cold water and the spin is on low. Add the appropriate amount of Wool & Cashmere Shampoo.
DRY
Remove items promptly from the washing machine at the cycle's completion to reduce creasing. Outer Shell: Hang to air dry. Be sure to position the item properly on the hanger so it doesn't stretch or become misshapen. Inner Lining: Lay flat to dry. Never machine dry.
FINISH & FRESHEN
Once the wash process is complete, all pieces should be re-attached. Steam Clean: Steam while slightly damp for the perfect wrinkle-free finish. Stay Fresh: Remove odors with your fabric freshening spray of choice between wearing and washing.
