Quck answer
To wash a down jacket, follow these steps:
1. Check the care label: Read the instructions on the care label to determine if the jacket is machine washable or if it requires dry cleaning.
2. Pre-treat stains: If there are any stains on the jacket, spot treat them with a mild detergent or stain remover before washing.
3. Use a gentle detergent: Use a down-specific or mild detergent to wash the jacket. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners.
4. Machine wash: If the jacket is machine washable, place it in a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. Wash it alone or with a few other lightweight items.
5. Rinse thoroughly: After the wash cycle, run an additional rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed from the jacket.
6. Dry the jacket: Hang the jacket to air dry or tumble dry it with low heat. Add a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the down.
7. Fluff the jacket: Once dry, give the jacket a good shake to fluff up the down. If needed, use a hairdryer on low heat to help restore its loft.
Remember to always check the care label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results when washing your down jacket.
To keep your new down jacket or coat in great condition for your upcoming adventures, you need to take good care of it. The natural fibers of goose or duck down provide excellent insulation and keep waterfowl warm in any weather. However, to preserve these thermal insulating qualities, you need to keep the fibers clean, dry, and fluffy. Luckily, the process is simple, and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your jacket after washing it.
It’s important to note that down from ducks and geese has greater insulating properties than any synthetic material when compared by weight.
Step 1: Wash Your Jacket Infrequently
Washing your down garment only once or twice a year will minimize wear and tear. If your jacket gets a bit of mud or coffee spilled on it, spot clean the exterior with a wet cloth or sponge. When it’s time to give it a full cleaning, follow these instructions:
- Check the care label inside the garment to ensure you’re washing it correctly. The tag provides specific instructions for your jacket’s fabric, fill, and protective coating, when applicable.
- Use a front-loading washing machine, as it’s gentler than a top-loading machine with an agitator. If you don’t have access to one, use a front-loading machine at a self-service laundry center.
- Wash the jacket in cold water with a gentle detergent formulated for cleaning down. Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
- If your washer has a second rinse cycle option, use it to ensure all the detergent is removed.
Step 2: Dry Your Jacket
Dry your jacket in the dryer on low heat with dryer balls or clean tennis balls to break up clumps of down. Drying down is a slow process, so plan on running the jacket through two or three dry cycles, always with low heat. Wet down can have a slight odor that dissipates as it dries, and once the down is thoroughly dry, the odor will disappear.
You can purchase a down laundry kit that includes a specially formulated detergent and dryer balls to help with the process.
Step 3: Store Your Jacket on a Hanger
Always store your down garment on a hanger to maintain its loft. If it’s folded and stored in a drawer or container, it will lose some of its natural loft, which was restored during the cleaning process.
Tip:
Never dry clean a down jacket or coat, but you can have it professionally cleaned if needed.
FAQ
1. Can I wash my down jacket in a washing machine?
Yes, you can wash your down jacket in a washing machine. However, it is important to use a gentle cycle and cold water. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener as these can damage the down feathers. It is recommended to use a down-specific detergent or a mild, non-detergent soap. Make sure to remove any fur trim or detachable parts before washing.
2. Should I use a dryer to dry my down jacket?
It is not recommended to use a dryer to dry your down jacket. The high heat can cause the feathers to clump together and lose their loft. Instead, it is best to air dry the jacket. Lay it flat on a clean surface, preferably in a well-ventilated area, and allow it to dry naturally.
3. How often should I wash my down jacket?
The frequency of washing your down jacket depends on how often you wear it and the level of dirt or stains it accumulates. Generally, it is recommended to wash it once or twice a season. Over-washing can reduce the jacket’s lifespan, so it’s best to spot clean it whenever possible.
4. Can I iron my down jacket?
No, you should never iron your down jacket. The heat from the iron can damage the delicate feathers and the jacket’s outer fabric. If you notice any wrinkles, it is best to hang the jacket in a steamy bathroom to allow the wrinkles to naturally fall out.
5. How do I remove stains from my down jacket?
To remove stains from your down jacket, it is best to spot clean them using a mild soap or down-specific cleaner. Gently rub the stained area with a sponge or soft cloth, taking care not to scrub too hard. Rinse the area thoroughly and allow it to air dry. For stubborn stains, it is recommended to seek professional cleaning.
6. Can I store my down jacket in a compression bag?
No, it is not recommended to store your down jacket in a compression bag for extended periods. The constant pressure can compress the feathers and reduce their insulating properties. Instead, store your jacket in a breathable cotton or mesh bag to allow it to maintain its loft.
7. How do I restore the loft of my down jacket?
To restore the loft of your down jacket, you can tumble it in a dryer with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls on low heat. The bouncing motion of the balls helps to break up clumps and redistribute the feathers. Alternatively, you can gently shake the jacket and fluff it up by hand to restore its loft.