If you have kids, you’ve probably faced the frustrating challenge of cleaning a polyester shell winter coat. The slick exterior is great for repelling snow and wind, but dirt around the sleeves and other high-use areas seems impossible to remove—no matter how many times you wash it.
When my mother bought a white winter coat for my toddler, I quickly discovered how quickly it could look dirty. After weeks of wear, the coat appeared perpetually dingy. Repeated washes did little to help, so I set out to find a solution.
Here’s my tried-and-true method for getting dirt stains out of a winter coat!
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather these simple supplies:
- A bowl
- Dish or laundry soap (I used Dawn dish soap)
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- A toothbrush or soft-bristle cleaning brush
Step 1: Mix a Cleaning Paste
This recipe isn’t precise, but it works! If you’re someone who prefers exact measurements, I apologize in advance—this process involves a bit of eyeballing.
- Start by adding a few spoonfuls of baking soda to a bowl
- Add about half a teaspoon of dish soap.
- Slowly mix in peroxide until the mixture reaches the consistency of ketchup. (If it gets too runny, just add a little more baking soda to thicken it up.)
Step 2: Apply and Scrub
Once your paste is ready, use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the paste into the dirty areas of the coat. While scrubbing, leave a layer of the paste behind to allow it to soak into the fabric.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t worry if the paste dries out—it will dissolve and wash away in the laundry.
Let the paste sit on the stains for at least 20 minutes.
Step 3: Wash the Coat
After the paste has had time to work its magic, toss the coat into the washing machine with a regular load of laundry. Use your usual detergent and wash cycle.
Step 4: Check for Stubborn Stains
When the washing cycle is complete, inspect the coat. If any stains remain, simply repeat the process until the coat looks as good as new.
Final Thoughts
This simple method saved me from the frustration of dealing with a perpetually dingy winter coat. Whether your child’s coat is white, pastel, or dark, this paste can work wonders on tough stains. Give it a try!
Want to see how this process works? Watch my YouTube video where I walk you through the best tips and tricks for cleaning your winter coats. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more helpful DIY and care tips!
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with other parents who might be battling with dirty winter coats.
If you liked this post you might like my post on how to clean yellowed vintage linens!
