During the winter, we keep our kiddos bundled up nice and warm against the cold. At least, we try to, but sometimes it's not worth the fight, right parents? If your kid wants to be cold, that's their decision, LOL. But, they still do wear their winter coats quite a bit! And, as with anything a kid wears, they can get pretty grimy. It's not like kids are going to magically become careful and not gross just because they're wearing a coat. Tossing it in the washer once a week might not be a viable option, but you can keep their winter coats clean and fresh all season. Here are some tips for taking care of those coats and keeping them in tip-top shape this winter.

Fleece jackets can be machine-washed, with a few caveats.

We love the convenience of a fleece jacket or pull-over (especially for layering in car seats!). But they attract dirt and grime like no other. Before you toss that fleece into the washer, make sure to turn it inside out (to prevent pilling), and wash with like colors in cold water so it doesn't shrink. It's best to lay fleece flat to dry, but in a pinch, you can toss it into the dryer on low heat (toss some towels in to cut down on static!).

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Down jackets are super warm, but care should be taken when cleaning.

Spot clean the nylon with a stain treatment before washing (especially around the collar and sleeves), then toss it in the washing machine and wash in cold on the delicate cycle. You can totally dry this type of coat in the dryer too (low heat and tumble), but to help it fluff back up and retain its shape, throw in a couple of old tennis balls!

Wool coats are also a great option for winter, so take care of them with a few simple steps!

Wool coats are great for warmth, but they're a bit more delicate that fleece or down jackets. Still, it's easy to keep them in great condition with a little extra care. Spot clean any stains before washing, and then wash on the low or delicate cycle in warm or cold water with wool-safe detergent like Woolite. Wool coats need to be air-dried because they will shrink, so hang or lay flat to dry and use a steamer to get rid of any wrinkles.

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