How to wash a down jacket without damaging it? Tips from S'portofino

How to wash a down jacket? Hand wash? Or maybe in a washing machine?

A down jacket has to be properly cared for in order to look well and do its job at the same time. Just like any piece of clothing, a down jacket has to be properly washed in order to fulfill its purposes for many seasons. Are you wondering how to wash a jacket? Is it better to hand wash it or use a washing machine? The answer is simple: both methods are effective and acceptable. Below you will find a detailed instruction on how to take care of a down jacket.

How to properly take care of a down jacket? Where to look for the tips?

The most important information about taking care of you jacket can be found on its label. You will get such information as the washing temperature, the spin speed or the drying temperature. The most common symbols on a jacket’s label are:

• a down jacket can be washed at a maximum temperature of 40°C;
• don’t use bleach or stain removers
• tumble dry at a reduced temperature (low temperature setting);
• do not dry clean;
• do not iron.

See the women’s collection of down jackets.

Which detergents are the best for washing a down jacket?

Regardless of whether you have a jacket filled with a natural or synthetic down, it’s better to avoid using traditional washing powders and use detergents for delicate fabrics. A regular washing powder may leave stains, which are difficult to remove. Don’t use fabric softeners because they make the delicate down clump. What kind of detergent should I use for washing down jackets? If you want to avoid destroying the jacket, opt for a special detergent for washing down and feathers.

How to wash a down jacket?

If you don’t want to wash down in a washing machine, let’s find out more about hand washing.

1. Turn the jacket upside down and soak it. Soaking the jacket in this case is very important. It’s recommended to do this an hour before the actual washing. The water temperature shouldn’t exceed 40°C.
2. Do not rub the material too much. To wash the material effectively, gently massage it. This way, you will not damage the jacket.
3. Then remove the moisture. How? You can put the jacket in the washing machine and spin it (400-600 rpm) or squeeze out the excess water by holding the jacket upright.

See the collection of men’s down jackets

How to wash a down jacket in the washing machine? Step-by-step instructions

If you are washing a down jacket for the first time, you may be wondering if it is possible to wash a down jacket in the washing machine? It is often believed that hand washing is the only way to go. However, this is not true. You can definitely put your down jacket in the washing machine and save some time. Although it may be tempting to have your jacket dry cleaned, you should not do this. Before washing, make sure you know what kind of filling your jacket has. If it is made of natural down – duck or goose feathers – bear in mind that it tends to clump when wet. The situation is slightly different with synthetic down, such as Primaloft.

1. Before putting the jacket in the washing machine, make sure that all zips are closed. Unfasten the hood, belt or collar, if possible.
2. Turn the jacket inside out.
3. Use a mild detergent for washing down jackets, preferably for washing wool, feathers or down. It is important not to add fabric softener, as it can clump the down.
4. Put a few tennis balls in the drum. This will prevent the down from clumping and matting during the spin cycle.
5. Set the delicate programme for washing down or wool to a temperature of 30-40°C and a maximum spin speed of 600 rpm. Done!

How can I dry a down jacket in a tumble dryer so that it doesn't lose its fluffiness?

Be warned – after you take the jacket out of the washing machine, it may lose its volume. It is completely normal for the down to become flat when it comes into contact with water. How can you dry a down jacket to restore its volume and lustre? You can do this in a tumble dryer or on a conventional dryer. We will discuss both methods below.

1. Transfer the jacket from the washing machine to the dryer immediately after spinning to avoid compacting the down.
2. Select a programme designed for delicate materials – make sure it is safe for fabrics with natural or synthetic filling. Set the temperature not exceeding 60°C to protect both the down and the fabric.
3. Place a few balls for washing down (or clean tennis balls) in the dryer. This will break up the down and make it fluffy again. Put the jacket in the dryer with the balls.
4. Run the dryer on the desired programme. Stop the machine every now and then (e.g. every 30–40 minutes) to check the jacket and fluff the down by hand if you notice any clumps.
5. Once it is dry, make sure the jacket is completely dry to avoid the risk of moisture developing inside the down. If the down is still slightly compacted, you can repeat the drying cycle with balls on a short programme.

If you don't have a tumble dryer, lay the down jacket flat on a conventional dryer. It is important to do this in a well-ventilated room. Once one side is dry, turn the jacket over. This may take a while, but no one said drying a down jacket was easy. Don't worry if your down jacket is a bit thinner at first. It is normal for the insulation to compress after soaking and spinning. The drying time should be sufficient for the jacket to return to its original state. However, if this does not happen, lay the jacket flat and try to gently tap the areas where more down has collected with your fingers. This will help the insulating layer to spread evenly throughout the chamber.

The most common mistakes when washing a down jacket and how to avoid them

There are several mistakes that can be made when washing a jacket that can have tragic consequences. We have prepared a short list of the most common ones:

1. Using the wrong detergent - washing down jackets in regular powder can damage the down. Instead, use mild liquids that will not damage the delicate structure of the down. Avoid bleach and fabric softener.
2. Too high water temperature – too high water temperature can damage the down and reduce its insulating properties. The correct water temperature should be 30 degrees.
3. Too much spin – too many revolutions during the spin cycle can deform the jacket. 400-600 revolutions per minute will be a good choice.
4. Drying at too high a temperature – dry the jacket at a low temperature, preferably with laundry balls (or tennis balls) to help the down regain its elasticity.

How to care for a down jacket? Summary

From the article, you have learned that a jacket can be washed by hand or in the washing machine. A down jacket can also be tumble dried. Regardless of which method you choose, first read the information on the label.

It is worth emphasising that it is not only the washing of the jacket that is important here, but also the way you take care of it on a daily basis, where you store it, etc.

Down jackets are best stored in a dry and airy place. Avoid vacuum bags - filling a down jacket needs space to maintain its insulating properties. It is also a good idea to freshen up your down jacket from time to time. How can you do this? Ideally, you should do it outside. Spread out your jacket in a well-ventilated room, but without direct sunlight. If you notice any slight stains on your jacket, try removing them with a damp cloth. By following all the tips in this article, you will be able to enjoy your down jacket for many seasons to come.