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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Textile artist here. You 100% can wash your coat at home! You just need to be careful to avoid completing the "felting triangle". You know the "fire triangle" of heat+fuel+oxygen = fire? Well, moisture+soap+agitation= felt. So you can do as a PP suggested and get some wool-specific wash (Euclan's okay, Unicorn fibre wash is better, SOAK makes one, there are some boutique ones I haven't tried...) and simply soak the coat in a large tub. DO NOT SWISH IT AROUND. This makes felt. Some washes don't even need to be rinsed out, which helps reduce both your labor and your risk of felting.

Check the water temperature (hot water makes dye run, cold water sets stains, most washes call for lukewarm, check instructions). Watch for dye bleed, especially if you have a technicolor dreamcoat or anything that isn't a solid color. If your product requires a rinse, or if you just want to rinse any lingering product/scents away, a splash of white vinegar in the final rinse helps remove any smells.

When the wool is still wet, there's still a chance of felting, so don't rub it dry. Roll it up in an old towel or two, and gentle press the water out (step on it). then put it flat on racks to dry. You may want to take a steamer to it when it's dry to reshape.

Dry cleaning isn't great for fibers. Most of your "dry clean only" can be hand washed. Wool is definitely washable! Just watch out for that "felting triangle" and any loose dye and you should be fine.[/quote]

Yeah sure, this is fine for a sweater. But depending on the coat and how it’s constructed, you might be f$&ed. The wool will be fine but coats can have interfacing and whatever else inside. [/quote]

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