Down coat; how to wash at home? Many people have encountered a situation where the down gets lost after washing a down coat. Please don’t be upset; he can get back in shape at home. Find out how! Down jackets with natural down filling are always in fashion, so there is an increasing demand for them. It is perfect for windy and cold weather in frosty winter. Jackets are versatile and practical for everyday wear and outdoor activities. But over time, the down coat needs to be cleaned, like anything else, and after washing, the fur often gets lost in clumps, and it is not an easy task to straighten it out. But it is not so challenging to take care of such products. If you know the right and effective methods, it is possible to return the product to its original condition.
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Preparation for washing a down coat
The easiest method is to machine wash your down jacket. But for the fluff not to be lost and not to be uneven, you need to follow several rules.
- A necessary condition – is the suitable detergent. The main reason why down is glued and released is the use of conventional powder. It is better to use a suitable liquid detergent. Still, the packaging is intended for washing “outer clothes” or “down coats.” They rinse well without leaving streaks. Do not wash items with bleach, stain remover, or fabric softener.
- Prepare your down coat – loosen the brim and collar, fasten the latches and buttons, and seal delicate fasteners with tape. Pack the down coat in a separate bag for washing to better protect the fabric and accessories from damage.
Wash a down coat in a washing machine
- Should wash outerwear on a gentle or delicate cycle. Place 3 tennis balls in the drum to prevent the fluff from stretching after washing. During washing, they will whip the coat and knead the crumbs, which the filler does not stray from. Use soft textile shoes for children instead of balls.
- When washing light-colored items, set the water temperature to no more than 40 ° C, and colored and dark objects – 30 ° C. Cannot wash down coats in hot water; this will lead to the insulation being poured into lumps. The total time of washing should not be more than 100 minutes.
- When a large amount of powder is used or if it is filthy, the product must be rinsed thoroughly, two or three times. If detergent remains, the weight will stick together when drying, and streaks will appear on the fabric on the front.
- Gently squeeze the jacket at no more than 800 rpm. Otherwise, the filler will roll into crumbs.
Features of drying a down coat
So that the down jacket does not stick together and does not lose its heat-resistant properties, you need to take a responsible approach to the drying process. Leave the product in the bathtub to drain all the water if it is still dripping. Shake the jacket and lay it flat on the dryer. Place it near the oven, shake, and turn it every 2-4 hours. Change your position as the moisture will run down, and the top dry faster. Provide good ventilation in the room: slightly open doors or vents. In drafts and wind, the insulation will dry evenly. The drying process will take approximately 2 days. If the down is damp for longer than this time, it will ruin the condition and quality of the jacket.
Do not hang the down coat on the tubes and the heater. Otherwise, the upper material will be deformed. Do not dry the product in direct sunlight either. Leaving a down coat in the bathroom is a big mistake. High humidity, poor ventilation, low air volume, and inability to place the product horizontally – will result in the fluff being knocked off.
Down coat lost after washing – what to do?
Even if all the rules for washing and drying the down coat are followed, small crumbs may still form after the product has completely dried. To do this:
- Fasten the object and hang it on a hanger.
- Whisk the filling using a blanket, a mop handle, or a regular flat stick.
- Hit the product as you kick dust and hit in different directions.
Insulation often falls into the lower hem, in the pocket, and at the cuff. Done right, the jacket will be fluffier, lighter, and warmer.
Down in a down coat – unusual ways to break it down
Use a vacuum cleaner to save the down coat. To do this, put the dried product in a plastic bag and tie it in a knot. Make a hole and insert the tube of the vacuum cleaner into it. Pump out all the air, turn on reverse mode and blow air back into the bag. Repeat the operation several times.
Stripes after washing a down coat
After washing, white or red spots and stains often appear on the outer material of the down coat. They are especially noticeable on light objects. The reason for their appearance is improper washing. To fix this, rinse again without bleach and dry the jacket according to the instructions above.
The most common mistakes when washing a down coat
Several actions lead to crumbs.
- The temperature of the water is above 30-40 degrees.
- For soaking.
- I am using bleach.
- Drying the down coat for more than 48 hours.
- Dry clothes on a towel. It prevents airflow.
- Dry the product on a hanger. In this case, the filler rolls down.
- Dry the jacket in a compressed, not the correct form.
Once you learn how to wash a down coat correctly, you will no longer have problems with its operation and drying. But if you’re still afraid to take care of things yourself, fearing that the jacket will lose its shape or the filler will break, contact a professional dry cleaner.