Wash down jackets by machine washing, followed by tumble drying on a low heat setting.
While the provided reference is brief, here’s a more comprehensive guide to washing down jackets effectively, ensuring the down remains fluffy and the jacket stays in great condition:
Washing Your Down Jacket: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Preparation:
- Check the Care Label: Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions on the jacket's care label for specific washing guidance.
- Empty Pockets: Remove all items from the pockets.
- Close Zippers and Fastenings: Zip up all zippers and close any Velcro fastenings to prevent damage during the wash cycle.
- Pre-treat Stains: If there are any visible stains, gently pre-treat them with a mild detergent or down-specific stain remover.
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Washing Machine Settings:
- Use a Front-Loading Washer: If possible, use a front-loading washing machine. Top-loading machines with agitators can be too rough on down.
- Gentle Cycle: Select the gentle or delicate cycle.
- Cold Water: Use cold water to prevent damage to the down and fabric.
- Down-Specific Detergent: Use a detergent specifically designed for down. Regular detergents can strip the down of its natural oils. Nikwax Down Wash and Granger's Down Wash are popular choices.
- Extra Rinse Cycle: Add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed.
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Drying Your Down Jacket:
- Tumble Dry Low: The most crucial step is drying the jacket properly. Place the jacket in the tumble dryer on a low heat setting.
- Add Dryer Balls: Add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer. These will help to break up clumps of down and restore its loft.
- Patience is Key: Drying can take several hours. Check the jacket periodically and manually fluff the down clumps.
- Air Drying (Optional): You can partially air dry the jacket before putting it in the dryer, but ensure it's thoroughly dry to prevent mildew.
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Important Considerations:
- Avoid Fabric Softeners and Bleach: These can damage the down and the jacket's fabric.
- Do Not Iron: Down jackets should not be ironed.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively wash your down jacket, keeping it clean, warm, and in good condition for years to come.
