Drying a North Face puffer jacket properly is crucial to maintaining its loft and preventing damage. Here's how:
Using a Tumble Dryer
The most effective method is using a tumble dryer on a low heat setting for an extended period. This gentle approach prevents overheating and damage to the down filling. To ensure even drying and prevent clumping, add a few tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer. This helps break up the down clusters. Referencing a previous guide, “Yes! You can tumble dry on a low setting over a long period of time. Tennis or tumble dryer balls can be added to the dryer to ensure the down does not clump together.”
Air Drying Alternatives
If a tumble dryer isn't available, you can air dry your puffer jacket. This is a gentler method, but takes considerably longer. Consider using a radiator to speed up the process, but ensure the radiator isn't too hot to prevent damage. The reference guide also suggests, "If you don't have a tumble dryer, using a radiator to dry it over will do the trick too."
Key Considerations from Multiple Sources
Several sources recommend additional steps for optimal drying:
- Low Temperatures: Maintain low temperatures throughout the drying process, whether using a tumble dryer or radiator. This is consistently emphasized, for example, "dry with tennis balls in the dryer at no more than 30 degrees C." and "I go for 20 degrees" (low temperature washing and drying).
- Regular Checks: Regularly check the progress to prevent over-drying. Over-drying can damage the fabric and reduce the jacket's lifespan.
- Washing Instructions: Remember to always follow the care instructions provided on the jacket's label.
Troubleshooting Flat Puffer Jackets
If your North Face puffer jacket becomes flat after washing, rewashing and then tumbling drying it on a gentle setting with dryer/tennis balls is often recommended. This is especially helpful in restoring loft and preventing clumping. A reference states, "Rewash and then use the tumble dryer on gentle with dryer/tennis balls."
