How to Wash a Dog Coat Without Ruining It

To wash a dog coat without ruining it, start by checking the care label and following it exactly. In general, brush off dried mud first, close all fastenings, wash on a cool, gentle cycle with a mild liquid detergent, skip the fabric softener, rinse thoroughly and dry according to the label. Waterproof soft-shells, padded puffers and fleeces each need slightly different handling, which this guide explains.

A good coat is an investment, and the way you wash it makes a real difference to how long it keeps its shape, warmth and water resistance. The advice below is general fabric care; the care label inside your coat always takes priority.

Before you wash: five quick steps

1. Read the care label. It tells you the maximum temperature, whether the coat can go in the machine and whether it can be tumble dried.
2. Let mud dry, then brush it off. Dried mud brushes away much more easily than wet mud smears. Do this outside or over the bath.
3. Remove hair. A lint roller, rubber glove or damp cloth picks up most dog hair before it clogs the machine.
4. Close everything. Do up zips, fasten hook-and-loop strips and buckles, and turn the coat inside out if the label suggests it. Open hook-and-loop fastening can snag other fabrics.
5. Spot clean first. Small marks often come out with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, which may save a full wash.

How often should you wash a dog coat?

Only when it needs it. For most coats, brushing off dried mud and an occasional spot clean is enough between washes. Washing too often wears out fabrics and finishes faster. Wash when the coat smells, is heavily soiled or has been in contact with anything unpleasant.

Waterproof and soft-shell coats

Waterproof coats usually have a water-repellent finish on the outer fabric, which is what makes rain bead up and roll off. Dirt, body oils and detergent residue can make that finish less effective, so a gentle wash can actually help a raincoat perform better.

• Use a mild, non-scented liquid detergent or a technical wash made for waterproof clothing. Powders can leave residue.
• Avoid fabric softener, bleach and stain removers. These can coat the fabric and reduce water repellency.
• Clean the detergent drawer first so no softener or powder from a previous wash ends up in the cycle.
• Rinse well. An extra rinse helps make sure no detergent is left behind.
• Dry as the label says. Some waterproofs can be tumble dried on low; others should be hung to dry.

If rain starts soaking into the outer fabric rather than beading after washing, a wash-in or spray-on re-proofer made for outdoor clothing can restore the finish. Follow the product instructions and the coat's care label.

Our Regent Raincoat is a waterproof soft-shell with a fleece lining, so treat it gently and check its label before washing.

Padded and puffer coats

The challenge with padded coats is keeping the filling evenly spread so it stays warm and does not clump.

• Use a gentle, cool cycle and a mild liquid detergent.
• Do not overload the machine. The coat needs room to move so the padding is rinsed through.
• Rinse thoroughly. Detergent trapped in padding can leave it flat or stiff.
• Dry completely. If the label allows tumble drying, use a low heat; otherwise lay flat or hang somewhere airy, and gently shake and pat the coat every so often to break up clumps.
• Make sure it is fully dry before storing, as damp padding can start to smell.

The Hampstead Puffer is padded and water-resistant, so the tips above on both padding and water-repellent finishes apply.

Fleece coats and linings

Fleece is easy to wash but can bobble and attract hair.

• Wash inside out on a cool, gentle cycle.
• Wash with similar soft fabrics rather than towels, which shed lint.
• Skip fabric softener, especially on fleece-lined waterproof coats, where it can affect the outer finish.
• Avoid high heat; air drying is usually kindest.

Wool, tweed and check fabrics

Woven and wool-blend fabrics can shrink or lose their shape with heat and agitation. Many are best hand washed in cool water or spot cleaned only. Never wring them out; press water out gently and dry flat, reshaping while damp. Always follow the label for these fabrics, as some are not suitable for washing at all.

Hand washing a dog coat

1. Fill a sink or bath with cool water and a small amount of mild liquid detergent.
2. Submerge the coat and gently squeeze the water through it. Do not scrub or twist.
3. Drain and rinse in fresh cool water until no suds remain.
4. Press out excess water, then roll the coat in a clean towel to absorb more.
5. Dry flat or on a hanger, away from direct heat such as radiators.

Storing coats between seasons

Make sure the coat is clean and completely dry before you put it away for summer. Store it somewhere cool and dry, folded loosely or hung, rather than compressed in a bag, so padding keeps its loft.

For the full routine after a wet walk, read how to clean your dog and your kit after a muddy walk. If you are buying a new coat, our dog coat size guide helps you choose the right fit, and our complete coats and weather guide brings all our seasonal advice together.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put a dog coat in the washing machine?

Many dog coats can be machine washed, but check the care label first. If it allows machine washing, use a cool, gentle cycle with a mild liquid detergent and close all fastenings.

Should I use fabric softener on a dog raincoat?

No. Fabric softener can coat the fabric and reduce its water repellency. Use a mild liquid detergent or a technical wash for waterproof clothing instead.

How do I stop a puffer coat going flat after washing?

Rinse it thoroughly, then dry it completely, gently shaking and patting it as it dries to spread the padding evenly. Tumble dry on low only if the label allows it.

How do I get dried mud off a dog coat?

Let the mud dry fully, then brush it off outdoors. Spot clean any remaining marks with a damp cloth before deciding whether a full wash is needed.