The best way to dry a wet North Face jacket is by tumble drying it on low or no heat, often with dryer balls or tennis balls to help redistribute the insulation.
Here's a detailed breakdown of how to properly dry your North Face jacket, considering different types and materials:
Drying Instructions for North Face Jackets
Before you start, always check the care label inside your jacket. The specific instructions provided by North Face are paramount. Generally, these instructions apply:
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Prepare the Jacket:
- Make sure the jacket is zipped up and any Velcro closures are fastened. This helps maintain its shape.
- If the jacket is dripping wet, gently squeeze out excess water. Do not wring the jacket, as this can damage the fibers or down clusters.
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Tumble Dry on Low or No Heat:
- Place the jacket in the dryer.
- Crucially, use a low or no heat setting. High heat can damage the DWR (durable water repellent) finish and cause the jacket to shrink or melt. Air drying is also an option, but drying in a machine is more effective at recovering loft after washing a down jacket.
- Select a delicate or gentle cycle if available.
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Add Dryer Balls or Tennis Balls:
- Toss in 2-3 clean tennis balls or dryer balls. These help to break up any clumps of down or insulation and speed up the drying process.
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Dry in Short Intervals:
- Dry the jacket for 20-30 minute intervals, checking it in between.
- Fluff the jacket by hand to redistribute the down or insulation. This will help it dry more evenly.
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Repeat Until Dry:
- Continue drying in short intervals, fluffing and checking until the jacket is completely dry. This may take several cycles, especially for down-filled jackets. It's critical that down filled jackets are thoroughly dried.
Special Considerations
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Down Jackets: Down jackets require extra care. Ensure the down clusters are completely dry to prevent mold and maintain loft. Multiple low-heat cycles with dryer balls are usually necessary.
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Waterproof Jackets: For waterproof jackets, low heat is generally safe to reactivate the DWR finish. However, avoid high heat, which can damage the waterproof membrane.
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Alternative Drying Methods: While tumble drying is recommended, you can also air dry the jacket. Lay it flat on a clean surface or hang it on a padded hanger in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. However, air drying down jackets can lead to clumping and take significantly longer.
By following these steps, you can effectively dry your wet North Face jacket and maintain its performance and longevity.
