McLendon Cleaners Releases Winter Coat Care Advisory to Prevent Salt and Slush Damage
LONGVIEW, Texas — McLendon Cleaners has released a seasonal advisory addressing one of winter’s most common wardrobe problems: salt and slush stains on winter coats. Drawing on decades of professional garment care experience, the Longview-based dry cleaner outlines practical prevention strategies and proper cleaning guidance to help coats maintain their appearance and longevity throughout the winter season.
Salt residue often appears unexpectedly, especially during rushed mornings, leaving coat hems chalky and cuffs dulled after brief exposure to slush. According to McLendon Cleaners, this type of damage is widespread and frequently underestimated, yet it can permanently affect fabric if not addressed early.
Preventing Salt and Slush Stains Before They Start
McLendon Cleaners emphasizes that prevention is the most effective approach to winter coat care. Once salted moisture penetrates fabric fibers, stains can become difficult to reverse, even with professional dry cleaning. Early-season preparation plays a critical role in minimizing damage.
Applying a Water-Repellent Treatment
A fabric-safe water-repellent spray can significantly slow moisture absorption, reducing the amount of salt that reaches coat fibers. McLendon Cleaners notes that these treatments are especially effective for wool coats, down parkas, and modern technical fabrics when applied properly.
For best results, coats should be clean and completely dry before application. Sprays should be applied outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, held approximately six to eight inches from the fabric for even coverage, and allowed to dry fully before wear.
While protective sprays do not make garments stainproof, cleaners report that coats treated in advance typically arrive with less discoloration and reduced long-term fiber damage.
Reducing Hem and Cuff Exposure to Slush
The lower edges of winter coats are particularly vulnerable to salt damage due to repeated contact with sidewalks, snowbanks, and parking lots. Over time, this exposure leads to stiff fabric and visible white salt lines that may require multiple professional treatments.
Everyday Habits That Limit Damage
McLendon Cleaners recommends several small adjustments that can make a meaningful difference:
Slightly lifting long hems when walking through slush
Fully buttoning or zipping coats to keep fabric closer to the body
Choosing shorter coats during heavy snow conditions
Avoiding seating areas with visible salt residue
From a professional cleaning perspective, coats that avoid frequent slush contact tend to remain darker, softer, and easier to restore.
Removing Dry Salt Residue Before It Becomes a Stain
Salt damage often begins as a fine, dry residue that goes unnoticed until it accumulates. Once reactivated by moisture, this residue dissolves and penetrates deeper into the fabric.
Safe Dry Brushing Practices
McLendon Cleaners advises regular dry brushing as a simple yet effective maintenance step, particularly for wool, cashmere, and structured coats.
Recommended techniques include using a soft-bristle clothing brush, brushing gently in one direction, and focusing on hems, cuffs, and seams after the coat has fully dried. Coats maintained this way often require less aggressive professional treatment later, helping preserve fabric integrity.
Knowing When Gentle Wiping Is Appropriate
When fresh slush spots appear, improper cleaning attempts can worsen the damage. McLendon Cleaners stresses that the correct response depends on fabric type.
Appropriate Use of Damp Cleaning
Light dabbing with distilled water may be suitable only for washable fabrics such as polyester or nylon blends. Wool, cashmere, leather, suede, and dry-clean-only garments should never be treated this way.
If gentle wiping is attempted, it should be done by dabbing rather than rubbing, after spot-testing an inconspicuous area. Any spreading or darkening of the stain is a clear sign that professional dry cleaning is needed. According to McLendon Cleaners, many garments are damaged not by salt alone, but by well-meaning home remedies.
Acting Quickly With Professional Dry Cleaning
Salt stains do not improve over time. Left untreated, salt continues to alter fibers and dyes, particularly in darker garments, sometimes beyond full restoration.
Why Early Treatment Makes a Difference
Professional cleaners use specialized solvents and controlled moisture to extract salt without oversaturating fabric. McLendon Cleaners reports that coats brought in promptly benefit from gentler cleaning processes, resulting in:
Better stain removal outcomes
Reduced fading on dark coats
Softer, more flexible fibers
Fewer repeat cleanings
Waiting until the end of the season often requires more aggressive treatment and increases the risk of permanent damage.
McLendon Cleaners Offers Expert Winter Garment Care
When salt stains begin dulling coat hems and cuffs, McLendon Cleaners provides professional dry cleaning services for winter garments that should not be machine washed, including wool coats, down jackets, suits, silk items, and leather or suede pieces.
Serving Longview, Texas, and neighboring communities since 1945, McLendon Cleaners combines eco-friendly solvents, detailed stain evaluation, careful finishing, and final garment inspection to ensure each piece leaves in excellent condition.
Those unsure how to clean winter coats safely or seeking to restore salt-damaged garments are encouraged to contact McLendon Cleaners for professional care.
Contact Information:
McLendon Cleaners
Longview, Texas
Phone: (903) 575-7282
Email: [email protected]
