Wool Coats

After cleaning a wool coat, some consumers may complain that there is a change in appearance or that the fabric is not as soft as it was before cleaning. Many winter coats are made from wool or wool blend fabrics and have a surface nap. While the garment is in use, the surface nap may become slightly matted due to rubbing and abrasion. When the item is cleaned, the necessary agitation in cleaning can further mat the nap. Often, a pilled appearance will result on the surface of the fabric. To improve the appearance and texture of the garment, steam lightly and brush the surface with a stiff bristle brush. Although the damage usually does not become apparent until after cleaning, it cannot attributed to mishandling in cleaning. This type of damage is directly attributed to the combined effects of fiber content, fabric construction, consumer use, and cleaning procedures.

Suggested Reading
DLI's Encyclopedia of Drycleaning Online features thousands of garments about all things drycleaning and is included as part of Standard, Gold, Premier or International memberships. Here are some bulletins to help further your understanding of this issue:

• Fabrics & Fashions (FF) No. 487: Worsted Wool
• Fabrics & Fashions (FF) No. 542: Soft Wool
• Wet Cleaning (WET) No. 1: Effects of Moisture on Worsted Wool