How To Wash A Down Jacket

There was a time when winter meant having to wear bulky woolen clothes, which had even more weight than the person wearing them. However, these days, many new woolen fabrics have come up, which are so lightweight that you hardly feel that you are wearing winter clothes. One such fabric is down, which provides a lot of warmth and coziness, which being quite lightweight as well. The only problem with the fabric is that it becomes difficult to maintain, especially after you have used a few times. The best way to avoid this is to take proper care while cleaning the jacket. In order to help you out in the task, we have listed tips on how to wash a down jacket.

Washing Down Jackets At Home

Supplies Needed

Commercial Washer
Commercial Dryer
Down Detergent

Instructions

First of all, you need to prepare the jacket, for the washing procedure. Hold it by the shoulders area and shake gently, to get rid of all the loose items, such as dirt and dust. At this stage, you should not try to pre-treat the jacket, as it might harm the fabric.
You will have to make use of a commercial washer, and not the one you normally use at home, while cleaning your down jacket. You will be able to find it at the local Laundromat.
Making use of just water initially, start washing the down jacket on a very gentle cycle. This would help remove the superficial dirt from the jacket. After the washing cycle is complete, take out the jacket and gently squeeze out the excess water from it.
When you squeeze the jacket, check the water that comes out. If the water is clean, it is the time to move over to the next step. If not, you need to continue washing it with plain water, until the water comes out clear.
Now, you need to add 2/3 cup down detergent to your washer. Run the washer for a few seconds, to mix in the detergent. Now, put the jacket inside the washer and again run the gentle cycle. After the cycle is complete, take out the jacket. Don’t worry if it looks a bit odd.
Lay the washed jacket on a clean, flat surface. With the help of a clean white towel, press the jacket gently, to get rid of the excess water. Keep on doing this till the time no more water gets squeezed out from the jacket.
In the next step, you will have to put the jacket in a commercial dryer. Set the dryer on medium heat and let it run for 5 to 10 minutes. After the drying cycle is complete, take the jacket out of the dryer.
Now is the time to fluff the down inside the jacket. For the purpose, place the jacket on a clean, flat surface. Now, use your hands to pat the down all over the jacket.
Again, place the jacket back inside the dryer and let it run for 10 more minutes. Take out the jacket. If it is dry, your work is complete. Otherwise, you will need to keep on repeating the 'drying and fluffing' process.

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