In this article we will look at the rules for washing down jackets. We will also tell you how to give the product a neat appearance when hand and machine washed.
When you think about washing a down jacket at home, a huge number of questions immediately arise. Since this particular item is considered the most in demand in the winter. It’s a shame, but the down jacket gets dirty after a while, and not every housewife can clean it thoroughly. Try washing such items in a machine or by hand, using our recommendations.
How to properly wash a down jacket in a washing machine?
If you do not process the down jacket correctly during washing, it will simply deteriorate. Therefore, before starting the automatic machine, familiarize yourself with the following rules:
- Examine the down jacket carefully. Find a special label on it that allows you to wash the down jacket in an automatic machine.
- If you notice that a little fluff is coming out of your jacket or coat, then refuse to process the item in an automated machine.
- You can only place one down jacket inside the drum. Never combine cleaning of such clothing with other items.
If you use these rules correctly, washing your down jacket will be successful.
Washing a down jacket in the machine
Next, perform the following manipulations:
- Turn on a special mode for washing such items. Set the temperature
- Run the rinse a couple of times
- Turn on medium spin mode
Next, you should remember those actions that you absolutely do not need to do:
- Do not pre-soak the item before the main wash.
- Do not use water whose temperature is more than 40°C
- Never use bleach when washing
Select the desired mode
If you decide to wash your down jacket, preferably choose a delicate mode. At the same time, set the temperature so that it is no more than 40°C. According to experienced housewives, this mode is considered the safest, and therefore it will not cause harm to either the lining or the filling of the product.
Some washing machines have a special mode programmed in advance that allows you to wash outerwear. You can also use the “Synthetics” option. It makes it possible to clean jackets and other similar items at 30°C. For the same purposes, the “Delicate fabrics” or “Hand wash” option is ideal. As a rule, they apply to those things that have a mark on the handwash label. However, at what temperature and mode to wash a down item, decide for yourself, taking into account the recommendations of the manufacturers and the list of programs on the equipment itself.
If the fluff has gone astray
If the appropriate washing mode was selected, and you didn’t forget to add a couple of balls to the machine, then, as a rule, the fluff does not bunch up much. If this happens, you need to try to evenly distribute the down over the down jacket with your hands, while still wet. If this cannot be done, you need to wash the down jacket again - this time in a suitable mode and with balls.
It is also sometimes advised to put a damp down jacket in the freezer. We have a hard time imagining stuffing a bulky down jacket in there, and it's not very hygienic either. Therefore, we advise you to initially follow all the rules for washing and drying, so that later your household will not be surprised by surprises in the refrigerator.
How to wash a down jacket in a washing machine with balls?
Every modern automatic washing machine has a program that allows you to wash down items. If your machine does not have such a mode, then use the delicate option by setting the desired temperature.
The main problem you may encounter is the fluff clumping into clumps. As a result, your down jacket will lose its shape while drying, become thin, and will not warm you at all in winter. You can avoid this problem if you place small balls in the washing machine during washing. What exactly is the function of the balls in this case?
- As the drum rotates, the balls are pushed off the walls, then they hit the down jacket, breaking up the lumps of fluff.
- When squeezing the jacket, the effect of the balls is significantly enhanced. After this, the feathers and down are distributed evenly inside the product.
- In addition, during washing, balls can restore a down jacket if it was previously washed incorrectly and the insulation inside it has become loose.
The balls, together with the detergent, give clothes a massage that destroys old dirt. Cleaning becomes much stronger, which proves the benefits of balls when washing in an automatic machine.
Washing with balls
Before using tennis balls, prepare them for use:
- Soak the balls for 2 hours in a bleach solution
- Make sure to do this, otherwise they may fade and ruin the down jacket when cleaning
- Place 3 balls in the drum of the machine
In addition, you can easily replace regular tennis balls with plastic balls that have spikes. They are very similar to massage balls. But you will need 4 of these balls. These elements can actively fluff up down and feathers, clean the jacket, and speed up drying. After using these balls, you will not have to knead the filler manually, since the fluff itself will be evenly distributed inside the lining.
IMPORTANT: You can always find tourmaline balls on sale. They cost, of course, much more than the previous options, but at the same time they bring much more effect. The developers of this new product guarantee that during washing you don’t even have to add detergent to the machine.
You can also wash them with tennis balls.
Externally, the balls look like a baby rattle. They contain small ceramic rounds that are responsible for environmentally friendly washing. If you decide to use these balls, put 6 of them in the drum. But first place them in a sunny place for literally a few hours.
- When the elements come into contact with the liquid, they significantly improve the quality of the water. Plus they kill microorganisms and increase pH. As a result, the water acquires the qualities of a washing preparation, and therefore dirt and greasy stains are washed off faster.
- The granules contained in the balls add ions that are filled with negative charges to the water. After which the molecules begin to move faster, thereby improving the penetration of liquid into the fibers of the material.
Why are balls needed and what can replace them?
A good addition to all of the above are balls for washing down jackets. These are sold in hardware stores, usually in quantities of 4 pieces. They are used to ensure that the fluff does not get confused or roll off. Before washing, two balls are placed in the pockets of the down jacket, and two more are simply placed in the drum of the washing machine. Also among the offers you can find magnetic or tourmaline balls. However, these are extremely difficult to find, and their price is higher.
What can you replace the balls with if you can’t find them in stores?
- Tennis balls. Just before washing, check to see if their coating is fading. The dye is not always permanent.
- Massage balls will also be a good replacement for special balls. The main thing is to use rubber, not plastic. The latter can ruin the thing.
- Oddly enough, washed potatoes will do the job. True, there is a risk of leaving stains on dark fabric, so it is best to use young tubers.
What powder to wash a down jacket with: list of the best products
To wash a down jacket, it is better to use special detergents designed specifically for such things. As a rule, the products have a gel or liquid base with excellent cleaning properties. Such preparations easily penetrate the down fibers, do not form much foam, and therefore there is no risk of white stains on the surface of the product.
For down jackets
Today you can easily find a large number of cleaning products for down jackets on sale. Among them, the following drugs are considered the most common:
- Down and Wool Wash . This detergent is well known to skiers and other people who love winter sports. In addition to the fact that the product is good for cleaning surfaces, it protects the filler from clumping and does not spoil the fatty layer of the down, which allows it to remain more elastic and very soft.
- Heitmann. This product is intended for washing down jackets and sleeping bags that have natural filling. The gel contains lanolin, which creates natural protection for down.
- Eco Nordland Sport. This liquid balm has a natural base. Using the product you can wash down jackets and thermal underwear. The active substances included in the balm begin their action at 20°C.
- Domal Sport Fein Fashion. Using the balm you can clean down jackets, sportswear, even shoes. The drug allows the down to remain waterproof while maintaining its own structure. After the balm, bright impregnations and applications remain intact. The product has one minor drawback - things must be rinsed thoroughly after the drug.
- Liquid powder Profkhim. The drug can be used when washing down jackets, blankets, and feather pillows. The product has the same positive properties as Domal balm. Thanks to it, the colors of the product are preserved, the fabrics do not lose their original appearance, and the down and feathers do not lose their fatty coating.
- The following drugs are also considered quite popular today: Nikwax and Unipukh .
Which ones are not suitable for washing?
Granular washing powder, no matter how high quality it is, is not suitable for down products, as it causes the following changes:
even after several rinses, streaks and stains remain on the top layer;- causes the filler to clump together;
- heavy fluff settles down the cells, making it difficult to knock it out;
- after 2-3 washes, the down jacket loses its shape, “gaps” without down appear, as a result of which the product does not protect well from the cold;
- After several washes, the clothes become faded and the outer color changes.
Do not wash colored down jackets with products that contain bleach . The powder also contains agents that can destroy the natural fatty layer of feathers.
Constant exposure to harsh surfactants causes feathers to become brittle.
Not only granular powders, but also concentrated gels or multifunctional capsules are also undesirable for washing down jackets.
How to wash a down jacket by hand and treat heavily soiled areas and stains?
Hand washing is considered more effective, although you will have to spend more effort during it. It is more delicate than washing in a washing machine, therefore, the risk of damage to the material of the down jacket is eliminated.
- As a rule, it is not recommended to use powder, since the foam that is formed from it is not completely rinsed out of the fluff. As a result, white streaks remain on the product.
- Buy a better liquid gel or balm for down jackets, or for colored materials. You can safely replace these medications with liquid soap or regular shampoo. The only product that absolutely cannot be used is whiteness.
Pay special attention to those places where dirt most often occurs: on the collar, cuffs, pockets, elbows, stains. If these areas are very dirty, treat them with liquid soap or shampoo before cleaning. Gently scrub these areas using a clothes brush, then rinse off the foam under running water.
Handwash
If there are stains on the down jacket:
- Take undiluted detergent, wet the area where the stain is, and scrub gently with a brush. If you were unable to remove the stain, then apply an oxygen-containing stain remover to it.
- Cleaning your down jacket at home will be much better if you place the down jacket in a vertical position. Less foam will penetrate the down, making it easier to rinse later.
- Hang the product on a hanger in the bathroom above a large bowl. Add cleaning gel and warm water (approximately 30°C) to the bowl. Using a stiff brush, lather the material and scrub it thoroughly. Rinse the foam thoroughly under running water. Then rinse the product several times so that no traces of detergent remain on the material.
You can wash your jacket without hanging it on hangers as follows:
- Soak the item in warm water for about 30 minutes. Scrub the material using a stiff sponge or brush. Rinse the powder thoroughly from the fluff so that streaks do not appear on the surface after the material dries.
- Many housewives add a special conditioner to the water during the last rinse. Do not do this, as it can appear on the surface of the down jacket in the form of white streaks.
SOS napkin
In severe frosts, my smooth-haired, short-legged dog had to be constantly picked up while walking. Gosha was so cold that his paws literally cramped as he ran. These same paws left marks on the sleeves of the jacket. Kind janitors generously sprinkled the yard with salt, so that the dark down jacket was covered with whitish stains. Washing was not part of the plan, and a sponge and soap would only make the situation worse. Wet wipes, which litter the shelves of any store, came to the rescue.
An ordinary napkin for children, once purchased at a nearby hypermarket, was used. It is enough to wipe the contaminated areas with it and let it dry. Tested on myself: it removes dirt perfectly and leaves no traces. The napkin also helped with light greasy conditions in the pocket area. This method has another undeniable advantage: the fragrance of the napkins will also give your jacket a pleasant aroma.
How to properly wash a white down jacket?
Delicate clothing always needs extra attention and care. The white down jacket is no exception. One day you will have to clean this thing, but in doing so you may encounter some problems.
Down jacket with natural insulation
If your down jacket has natural filling, then you need to be especially careful. Do not soak this product, as the filler may then curl into lumps. Clean the jacket from dirt locally, wipe the sleeves and collar with a brush.
But there are situations when a down jacket needs to be completely washed, because over time gray deposits appear on it, plus dust penetrates into the interior of the product. Here you should carry out the following manipulations:
- Take strong hangers and hang your jacket on them.
- Hang a coat hanger above the bathtub.
- Take soap, rub it on all the gray areas, and immediately rinse off the product with running water. This way you can remove all dirt, and the down jacket will not have yellow marks.
The white down jacket also needs to be washed
Down jacket with synthetic filling
If your down jacket has artificial filling, then you don't have to worry. This material is very easy to clean; you can only wash the product by hand. Proceed as follows:
- Fill a bowl with warm water
- Place the jacket in a bowl until the water completely covers it
- Leave the product in the water for approximately 5 minutes.
Recommendation: Do not soak the down jacket for a long time, as it will absorb a lot of liquid and will take a long time to dry after cleaning.
- Using a brush, gently scrub areas where there is dirt.
- Squeeze the jacket to get more liquid out of it.
- Hang the product to dry outside, for example, on the balcony
Helpful Tips:
- Since the white down jacket is very soiled, use only liquid gel to wash it. But dry powder may leave blue spots from the granules on the product.
- Buy a product that does not contain coloring components. An ordinary powder intended for children's clothes copes perfectly with the problem and does not harm the jacket.
Dry cleaning
If the owner of a down jacket is very concerned about its safety after washing, while doubting the choice of detergent, it is recommended to use dry cleaning services.
Dry cleaners clean outerwear with professional detergents.
The chemicals used there perfectly dissolve various impurities without disturbing the structure of the materials that make up the down jacket.
These substances have low humidity, so the fluff does not swell and does not lose its properties after application.
How to wash a down jacket: useful tips
- If you want to wash natural fur on a down jacket, then hold it over steam for a while. This way it will look better.
- Synthetic fur does not require special care. When the fur is thoroughly dry, comb it thoroughly with a brush or comb.
- Wash the down jacket belt
- Never wash heavily soiled items You may damage the product. Take these items to the dry cleaner.
- Do not use bleach when washing if you want to clean a white jacket. You won't get a good result, and instead your jacket will only turn yellow from the powder. Only dry cleaning professionals can restore the original whiteness of your down jacket, plus they will not harm the product itself.
By following our recommendations, you can easily wash your own down jacket, giving it an excellent appearance.
Fresh salt stain
Did you drop fat on your down jacket? Don't despair, take action and the ugly stain on your favorite jacket will disappear.
- Cover the affected area with fine salt; it will absorb the grease, making the stain easier to remove later.
- Also, fresh dirt can be removed with a mixture of salt and vinegar in equal proportions. The paste should be applied for a few minutes, and then rinsed off with a damp sponge or wiped with a damp cloth.
- Will help cope with fat and starch. Only, unlike salt, you will have to apply it several times in a row. And then vacuum the fabric or walk over it with a stiff, clean brush.
And if the collar is damaged due to cosmetics - there are often traces of foundation or powder on it - then ordinary micellar water will help. We wash the foundation from the jacket in the same way as from the face, simply by running a cotton sponge soaked in micellar water over it.
photo: Kerkez/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
