Washing a jacket by hand requires gentle care to maintain its structure and fabric integrity. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Preparing Your Jacket for Handwashing
Before you start, it's crucial to prepare your jacket to ensure an effective and safe wash.
- Check the Care Label: Always consult the label inside your jacket for specific washing instructions. Some jackets, like down or technical wear, may have unique requirements.
- Empty Pockets: Make sure all pockets are empty of belongings like keys, coins, or papers.
- Pre-treat Stains: If there are any visible stains, gently pre-treat them with a small amount of appropriate stain remover before submerging the jacket.
Materials Needed
Gather the necessary supplies for handwashing.
| Material | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large Basin or Tub | Holding water and the jacket | Clean sink or bathtub works well |
| Mild Detergent | Cleaning the fabric | Check if a special detergent is needed |
| Clean Towels | Absorbing excess water | Several large towels recommended |
| Drying Rack/Hanger | Air drying the jacket | Suitable for the jacket's weight |
Step-by-Step Handwashing Process
Follow these steps for a thorough handwash.
- Fill the Basin: Fill a clean basin, sink, or tub with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can damage certain fabrics.
- Add Detergent: Add a small amount of mild detergent designed for the fabric type of your jacket. Swish the water to distribute the detergent evenly. For technical jackets or down, consider using a specialized cleaner.
- Submerge the Jacket: Gently place the jacket into the soapy water, ensuring it is fully submerged.
- Soak (Optional): Allow the jacket to soak for 15-30 minutes for a deeper clean, especially if it's heavily soiled.
- Gently Wash: Swish the jacket around in the water. Gently rub any soiled areas with your hands, paying attention to cuffs, collars, and hems. Avoid vigorous scrubbing or twisting, which can damage the fabric or insulation.
- Drain and Rinse: Drain the dirty water from the basin. Refill with clean, cool water.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Gently press the jacket against the side of the basin to push out soapy water. Drain and repeat the rinsing process multiple times until no suds remain in the water. This is crucial to prevent residue buildup.
- Remove Excess Water: Carefully lift the jacket out of the water, supporting its weight. Gently press or squeeze the water out. Do not wring or twist the jacket, as this can damage fibers or insulation, especially in down or padded jackets. Lay the jacket flat on clean towels and roll the towels up with the jacket inside, pressing gently to absorb more moisture.
Drying Your Hand-Washed Jacket
Drying is a critical step that varies depending on the jacket material.
- Air Drying: For most jackets, air drying is the safest method. Lay the jacket flat on a drying rack or hang it on a sturdy hanger away from direct sunlight or heat. Flip it periodically to ensure even drying.
- Machine Drying Technical Jackets: According to the provided information, for technical jackets, it's actually very important to throw it in a dryer. Any technical jacket should be put in a dryer as this helps reactivate that DWR coating so water beats off a lot better. Use a low heat setting as recommended by the care label, possibly with dryer balls to help redistribute fill in insulated jackets.
Ensure the jacket is completely dry before storing it to prevent mildew.
