[header] How to store winter coats [title] Wash your coats. [step] Prior to storing them, you need to first wash them. Day to day, coats are exposed to germs, oils, food stains, and other messy substances, and you wouldn't want any of these to discolor the fabric or attract bugs while they're in storage. 
Check your coats' tags for washing instructions. [substeps] Puffy coats, fleeces, and many other types of jackets and coats can be machine washed, but wool, cashmere, leather and other natural materials require dry cleaning and other special storage care.