How to wash and maintain a down jacket, coat or down coat if you want to keep it for the winter

As fall and winter approach, in addition to dusting off the heater, gloves and blankets, other items we pull out of the closet to wash and have ready for use are jackets, coats, jackets, gloves and blankets jackets, coats and any clothing that will give us a little warmth and protect us from catching a cold when we go outdoors during these inclement cold months.

One of the favorites are those filled with natural or synthetic feathers, as they retain their own warmth and are able to insulate the body from the cold, helping to withstand the drop in temperatures and providing comfort and lightness.

If you have this kind of garments in your closet, you must already know that their cleaning is different from other types of materials, this is because, if not treated delicately, their padded filling could deform, flatten and, in the end, get damaged and lose its aesthetics.

In the past we showed you how to treat and care for wool and cashmere to keep them impeccable as the first day, in this opportunity we tell you how to wash down jackets or down jackets, whether you prefer to wash them by hand or in the washing machine. Do you have a place to write down?

How to wash a down jacket?

The label on the garment indicates the proper way to clean it, the ideal temperature and spin-drying, but the truth is that, according to its internal composition, it varies a little. If they are made with feathers of natural origin (goose, goose or duck) it is essential to be much more cautious and subtle.

If they are made of synthetic polyester fibers (which resemble natural feathers) it is more practical. However, it is advisable to apply certain tricks to ensure that they remain in good condition.

Washing your down jacket in the washing machine:

This procedure is very simple, however, it requires attention and certain indicated measures:

1. The first step is to turn it inside out, close the zippers or Velcro, open the pockets and remove any decorations so that they do not get caught in the machine or other objects when washing.
2. Once this is done, put it in the washing machine.
3. Use special detergent for feathers or delicate fabrics (if not, use neutral soap) to ensure that it is kind to the material and will prevent the feathers from being compressed. The addition of fabric softener is not recommended.
4. Select a delicate wash program, set it with cold water and a long rinse.
5. As for spinning, choose the gentlest spin (limit 400 RPM) so that the coat does not pile up and deform. Also, add other garments (towel or T-shirts) to balance the spin.

Note: Do not use normal laundry detergents, as they may be aggressive, remove natural oils from the feathers and shorten their life span.

Hand wash down jacket

Although this process is a little more laborious and requires more effort than the previous one, it is a good option to ensure that the fibers are treated properly when washing a quilted jacket at home:

1. Turn the coat inside out, leaving the outside exposed.
2. Fill a basin with plenty of cold water and a little detergent for delicate fabrics.
3. Place the duster in the basin and rub constantly and gently over the stains.
4. Soak for 5 minutes and rinse with cold water several times until no trace of soap remains.
5. When finished, roll the garment into the basin forming a “ball”, take it out and gently squeeze it to remove as much water as possible. This will prevent the weight of the water in the feathers from affecting the internal partitions.

Attention! Remember not to squeeze too much so that the feathers do not clump together and do not form balls.

How to dry down jackets after washing

You have two alternatives: outdoors as usual or with the help of a dryer, see how:

Outdoor

1. Spread it completely on a flat surface and carefully roll it up to remove excess water.
2. Then wrap the garment in a towel to absorb excess moisture.
3. Allow to dry in a ventilated area on a flat surface that is not in direct sunlight.
4. Shake every 20 to 30 minutes to allow the feathers to mold as they dry and distribute optimally inside.

Avoid hanging it, as the feathers will pile up in the lower area and it will lose its aesthetic shape.

With the dryer

1. Always choose low speed and cold programs.
2. Place it in the machine in a cotton bag or pillowcase to prevent it from being damaged.
3. A very effective technique to prevent caking is to insert a couple of tennis balls into the dryer drum.
4. Once the cycle is finished, remove the coat or jacket, turn it inside out, put it back in the cover and start a new drying cycle.
5. To finish, take it out and spread it on a smooth area and let it ventilate for 48 hours before storing it.

When the garment is completely dry, make sure that the feathers are distributed and store it in the closet hanging or folded by the seams (without placing anything on it so as not to deform it).

These methods are valid regardless of the type of clothing, i.e., whether it is a sleeping bag, a coat or whatever. And remember: it is not necessary to add softeners or bleach and if your washing machine has a capacity of less than 10 kg, the ideal is to carry out a hand wash.