A down jacket is warm and comfortable clothing that protects against cold and wind. But how to wash it without damaging it or ruining its appearance? Follow these three simple tips and your down jacket will be as good as new.
Prepare your down jacket for washing
Before you put your down jacket in the washing machine, there are a few important steps you need to take.
• Close all zippers, buttons and fasteners on your down jacket. This will help prevent damage to the fabric and down during washing.
• Check your pockets and turn them inside out. Remove all unnecessary items such as coins, papers, keys, etc.
• Remove the hood, if present, and wash it separately. Also remove the faux fur, if present, and do not wash it together with the down jacket.
• Check the label on your down jacket to make sure it is machine washable. If not, it is best to take it to the dry cleaner or wash it by hand.
Choose the right mode and detergent
To avoid damaging your down jacket during washing, you need to choose the right mode and detergent. Here are some recommendations.
• Select a delicate or hand wash cycle with low water temperature (no higher than 30 degrees). This will help preserve the color and shape of the down jacket.
• Add a special detergent for washing down items or liquid powder for colored fabrics. Do not use bleach, fabric softener or powder with enzymes, as they can damage the down and fabric.
• Do not overload the washing machine drum. Try to wash the down jacket separately or with other light items, such as T-shirts or socks. Also add a few tennis balls or special balls for washing down jackets. They will help fluff up the down and prevent it from pilling.
Dry and iron your down jacket properly
After washing, you need to dry and iron your down jacket properly so that it does not lose its shape and volume. Follow these tips.
1. Do not wring out the down jacket in the washing machine. This may cause the down to become deformed and tangled. It is better to carefully remove the down jacket from the machine and lightly wring it out with your hands.
2. Do not dry the down jacket using a radiator, direct sunlight or a tumble dryer. This may cause it to shrink. It is preferable to dry this type of clothing on a flat surface, for example, on a special clothes dryer or on a table. Turn the down jacket over periodically and fluff it up with your hands to distribute the fluff evenly.
3. Do not iron the down jacket with a hot iron. This may cause melting or damage to the fabric and down. If you need to remove wrinkles or shape the down jacket, use a steam iron or a steamer. Keep them at a distance of 15-20 cm from the down jacket and treat it with light movements.
Previously, we talked about how to wash a blanket or throw if it doesn’t fit in the machine.
