Dry clean first, then store in breathable cotton.

Yes, that’s the order. Clean before storing — otherwise, body oils and dirt attract moths. Then use a breathable bag, not plastic.

Wool coats: take them to the dry cleaner. Don’t try to wash wool at home unless the tag literally says machine washable. Even then, I’d trust a pro with a structured coat. Once it’s clean, hang it on a wide padded hanger (to keep the shoulders from getting pointy) and slip it into a cotton or canvas garment bag. Plastic traps moisture and can yellow the fabric.

Down jackets: you can wash these at home — gentle cycle, cold water, a tiny amount of down-specific soap (or a mild tech wash). Run an extra rinse. Dry on low heat with a couple of clean tennis balls to break up clumps. It takes forever, but it’s worth it. Store flat or loosely hung in a breathable bag. Never squish down into a stuff sack for months — that ruins the loft.

One more thing: add cedar blocks or sachets to the storage space. Mothballs smell like a nursing home and are toxic. Cedar works fine if you refresh the scent yearly.