Owners of down jackets are familiar with problems when washing firsthand: the product shrinks, the down gets tangled so that the down jacket ceases to live up to its name and it is not possible to fluff it up again, and streaks appear. The down jacket simply stops performing its functions and turns into a thin misunderstanding that won’t keep you warm in the fall. Taking outerwear to the dry cleaner is too expensive, especially if the clothes are easily soiled or children often get them dirty. What should I do? Give up your favorite clothes or constantly spend money on dry cleaning? You can wash the product at home, the main thing is to follow a few key recommendations.
How to wash a down jacket by hand, is it possible?
You can wash a down jacket at home with your own hands, even without damaging the product. The advantages of this method are that:
- it is cheap;
- relatively quickly - you don’t need to waste time going to the dry cleaner and waiting; You can do laundry at home at any time;
- you can use proven cleaning products;
- you are confident in the result and can be responsible for it.
Preparation stages
One of the preparation steps that many people miss is the mandatory check of the label, which indicates whether the product can be washed at all. Some down jackets require only waterless cleaning.
Important! If the product is very old and the fluff comes out in clumps, then it is better to keep it away from water, otherwise this wash may be the last for your favorite jacket.
Many down jackets are stitched. The smaller the stitched area, and the more quilted squares on the down jacket, the better. This means that each “window” contains a certain amount of fluff, which the stitching will prevent from matting with the rest.
Before washing
- Check your pockets - they should be empty.
- Remove the fur, hood (it can be washed separately), and removable decorations. If the decorated elements cannot be removed, it is better to protect them with cling film.
- Fasten all locks, rivets, buttons.
- If there are old stains, it is better to wash them first. Use a soft brush and dye-free soap or a proven stain remover. Washing powder may leave marks.
Choice of product
How to wash such a thing? At first glance, the answer is obvious - washing powder, but not everything is so simple. Regular washing powder leaves marks and stains that are difficult to remove, and you have to start washing again. If your down jacket is an expensive brand item, then it won’t be a problem to find a special detergent in the store. A non-obvious solution is liquid soap. It copes well with dirt and is washed off relatively easily. Choose an unobtrusive scent and make sure there are no dyes in the composition.
Washing process
Place the item on hangers in the bathroom.
Wet it with water using a shower.
Apply detergent and, using a brush, gently clean the product.
Rinse off the detergent thoroughly by rinsing the item several times.
Spin
Under no circumstances should you twist the item in order to wring it out. This way we will only break feathers and down. It’s better to just hang the item on hangers (rather than lay it on a towel or radiator), carefully squeeze individual areas with your hands to remove excess water. Hang the down jacket on the balcony or indoors close to the radiator, but not near an open fire.
Note! You need to dry the down jacket in a position that is as close as possible to the original shape of the product. Use a hanger if necessary.
What not to do when washing a down jacket by hand
It is strictly forbidden to wash such clothes at the same time as other things, even if they are of the same color.
Violating the care and washing recommendations indicated on the label is a direct path to destroying the product.
It is not advisable to use untested stain removers, as well as bleaches.
When washing, try not to deform the product. Handle the down jacket with care, then the item will retain its original shape.
Tips and tricks
- Avoid using fabric softeners, otherwise streaks will be inevitable.
- Use warm water, with a temperature no more than 30–40 degrees. For more accurate information, refer to the label.
You can wash a down jacket by hand at home: it’s cheap and not at all as difficult as it might seem at first glance. The main thing is to follow our recommendations and be careful with the item.
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