How to wash a down jacket in the washing machine and by hand

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-13 00:26

Follow these tips and your down jacket will be as good as new.

In general, a down jacket is a jacket filled with waterfowl down. However, not everything that we now call that is stuffed exclusively with natural material. Therefore, Lifehacker will tell you how to wash a product with any insulation.

How to prepare for washing your down jacket

1. Check the manufacturer's information on the down jacket label. Often there are recommendations for caring for the product.
2. The label also indicates what the down jacket is made of. For the top coat, synthetic fabrics are most often used that are resistant to external influences: polyester, polyamide, nylon, eco-leather. Fillers can be both synthetic (synthetic winterizer, holofiber) and natural (down, feather, wool). The latter should be handled very carefully and not ignored the manufacturer's recommendations.
3. Ordinary powders are not suitable for washing down jackets. Use liquid products instead. And for cleaning products with natural filler, it is better to buy a special one that protects the fluff from damage.
4. If the down jacket has natural fur, remove it before washing. If the fur does not come unfastened, it must be thoroughly combed with a comb with sparse teeth immediately after washing and several times during the drying process.
5. But if the fur is also dyed and is very different in color from the down jacket, it is still better to go to a dry cleaner. The fur can shed and ruin the product.
6. Make sure the pockets of the down jacket are empty and free of holes. Be sure to sew up the holes, otherwise filler may come out through them.
7. Zip up the down jacket and pockets and unfasten the hood. So that the product does not deform, nothing should dangle during washing.

How to get rid of stains on a down jacket

Typically, the dirtiest spots on a down jacket are the sleeves, collar and hem. Before washing, they can be moistened, lathered with laundry soap and gently rubbed.

There are several ways to remove complex stains. Whichever you choose, move from the edges to the center of the stain while brushing.

1. To make a universal stain remover, add 2 teaspoons of ammonia and liquid detergent to a glass of water. Whip up the foam and distribute it over the contaminated areas. Wait a few minutes, and then blot with a sponge.
2. Greasy stains can be removed with gasoline. Soak a cotton pad in it and treat problem areas. Sprinkle talcum powder, salt, starch or any other adsorbent on top. Rub the stain and shake off any residue. Repeat the procedure several times if necessary. When finished, wipe the down jacket with a damp cloth.
3. A 1: 1 mixture of salt and starch will also help in the fight against oily stains. Add a little water to make a paste. Apply it to the stain, leave to dry completely and wash off with a damp sponge.
4. Make-up traces, such as foundation on the collar, are washed off with micellar water. Soak a cotton pad in it and wipe the problem area.
5. If the stain is embedded in white fabric, it can be discolored. Mix ammonia and hydrogen peroxide in a 1: 1 ratio and wipe problem areas with the resulting liquid. This method is not suitable for colored down jackets!

After getting rid of stains, it is better to completely wash the down jacket. Otherwise, stains may remain on it.

It is not recommended to soak a down jacket, especially if it has natural insulation.

Product bleaching is also prohibited.

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How to wash a down jacket in a washing machine

Turn the down jacket inside out before washing.

Put it in the washing machine. To prevent the filler from getting clumped, add 2-3 special balls for washing or regular tennis balls to the drum.

Pour the detergent into the special compartment. Calculate the amount using the instructions on the package. Additionally, you can use a fabric softener.

Some machines have a washing mode for down jackets or outerwear. The modes for delicate items, wool or silk are also suitable. The water temperature should be no more than 30 ° C.

If possible, turn on the extra rinse function or start it yourself at the end of the wash. This is necessary so that there is no detergent left in the down jacket.

The spin should not be too strong - 400-600 rpm.

At a higher speed, the filler of the down jacket may get lost or even crawl out of the seams.

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How to wash a down jacket by hand

Fill a large basin or tub with lukewarm water. The temperature should be no more than 30 ° C. Dissolve the detergent in water. Calculate its amount using the instructions on the package.

Soak your down jacket for 15-30 minutes. Then wash it gently with a soft brush or sponge. It is not recommended to rub parts of the down jacket against each other, as when washing ordinary clothes.

Squeeze the product lightly and rinse several times in clean water. You can also add some fabric softener. You cannot twist the down jacket, otherwise it will be deformed.

How to dry a down jacket

Unfasten all the fasteners, turn the product inside out onto your face, pull out the pockets.

Hang the down jacket on a hanger. If you've washed it by hand, place it over the bathtub for a while to drain the water. To speed up the process, you can periodically lightly squeeze individual parts of the product with your hands.

Hang the down jacket in a dry place away from direct sunlight and heating appliances.

Never put the jacket on a radiator or dry it with a hairdryer, especially if the filler is natural.

The high temperature destroys the structure of the down, it becomes brittle and loses its thermal insulation properties.

Leave the down jacket to dry completely. Whisk the filler occasionally and distribute it evenly by hand to prevent crumpling.