To clean a trench coat, check the care label, then spot clean marks with a barely damp cloth and mild detergent. Most trench coats are best dry cleaned, because washing can affect the water-repellent finish, lining and shape. Some cotton or polyester trench coats are machine washable. Dry it on a wide hanger away from heat.
The trench coat is a wardrobe classic, designed for wet weather and years of wear. It is also one of the trickiest coats to clean, because it has a water-repellent finish, a lining, a belt and often a lot of structure, and each reacts differently to water and heat.
This guide explains how to check what your trench coat can take, how to spot clean it, when to wash it, when to dry clean it and how to keep it looking sharp.
Check the label and the fabric first
Trench coats are made from several fabrics, and the right method depends on which you have.
- Cotton gabardine: the classic, usually dry cleaned.
- Cotton twill or cotton blend: sometimes washable, check the label.
- Polyester and synthetic blends: often easier to care for.
- Wool or cashmere trenches: dry clean only.
- Coated or waxed finishes: need specific care.
The label will say whether the coat is washable. If there is no label, treat the coat as dry clean only.
How to spot clean a trench coat
- Blot the mark immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth.
- Dampen a clean white cloth with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent.
- Dab gently from the outside of the mark inwards.
- Blot with a clean damp cloth to rinse, then a dry cloth to absorb moisture.
- Let the coat dry on a wide hanger, away from heat, and brush the fabric gently once dry.
Spot cleaning avoids a full clean for small marks. Check the finish on a hidden area first, because some water-repellent finishes mark easily.
Can you wash a trench coat?
Only if the label says so. If it does, remove the belt, empty the pockets, close the buttons and zips and wash the coat on its own on a gentle cycle in cool water with a mild detergent, using a low spin. Do not use fabric softener, which can affect the water-repellent finish. Do not tumble dry unless the label allows it.
Washing can reduce water repellency and, for lined coats, cause the lining and outer fabric to shrink differently, which distorts the shape. If you are unsure, dry clean.
Why dry cleaning is usually best
Dry cleaning keeps the shape, the lining and the structure of a trench coat, and a professional press restores the sharp lines. It is the safest option for gabardine, lined and expensive trench coats. Our suit, dress and coat dry cleaning team in Clapham cleans and presses trench coats, and you can ask about same-day dry cleaning.
The water-repellent finish
Many trench coats have a treatment that makes water bead on the surface. Cleaning can reduce it over time. If water starts soaking in instead of beading, the finish may need renewing, which can often be done with a suitable spray-on or wash-in product after a clean. Check the manufacturer’s advice, and test on a hidden area. A professional can advise on whether it is worth doing.
Belts, linings and details
- Remove the belt and clean it separately if the label allows.
- Check the lining for marks and stains, which often build up at the collar and cuffs.
- Brush the collar and cuffs, where dirt builds up first.
- Check the buttons and epaulettes, which can be delicate.
- Mend small tears and loose buttons before cleaning.
Drying and pressing a trench coat
Hang a damp coat on a wide, shaped hanger in a ventilated room, away from radiators, and let it dry slowly. A garment steamer helps relax creases, while a hot iron can leave marks, so use low heat and a pressing cloth if you must iron. A professional press gives the best finish.
Storing a trench coat
Store the coat clean on a wide hanger in a breathable bag, with cedar or lavender. Do not store it in plastic or tightly packed in a wardrobe. See our guide to storing winter clothes, and for waxed coats see cleaning and reproofing a waxed jacket.
Get your trench coat cleaned in Clapham
Bring the coat to 180 Northcote Rd or call 020 7738 2266. We inspect the coat, explain what is involved and quote before any work begins. Ask for a free quote, or about collection and delivery. For coat care between cleans, see caring for wool coats.
If your trench coat is gabardine, lined, expensive or has a stain you cannot shift, do not wash it. Our suit, dress and coat dry cleaning team in Clapham can clean and press it. Bring it to 180 Northcote Rd or call 020 7738 2266 for advice and a quote before any work begins.
Local help in Clapham and south-west London
Elegance Dry Cleaners is on Northcote Road and looks after customers across Clapham Junction, Battersea, Wandsworth, Balham and nearby SW London streets. See everything we cover on our areas page, or ask about collection and delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wash a trench coat?
Only if the label allows it. Most are best dry cleaned to protect the finish, lining and shape.
How do you clean a trench coat at home?
Spot clean marks with a barely damp cloth and mild detergent, then dry on a wide hanger. Dry clean for a full clean.
How often should a trench coat be cleaned?
Once or twice a year, or when it is marked or smells.
Does cleaning affect the water-repellent finish?
It can reduce it over time. A suitable reproofing product can renew it after cleaning.
Can I iron a trench coat?
Use low heat and a pressing cloth, or steam it. A professional press gives the best result.
Related guides
- How to care for wool coats between cleans
- How to clean and reproof a waxed jacket
- How often to dry clean a winter coat