Washing clothes with padding requires careful attention to preserve their shape and loft.
To wash padded garments, always wash them separately and use a suitable program designed for delicate fabrics. You should use a specific detergent for padded garments with a volumising formula, especially if the padding is made of feathers. Keep the water temperature lower than 30°C and the spin speed no more than 1200 tours/min (lower is preferable).
Here's a breakdown of the essential steps based on expert recommendations:
Preparing Your Padded Garment
Before placing your item in the washing machine, ensure all zippers and buttons are closed. Check pockets for any forgotten items. Turning the garment inside out can also help protect the outer fabric.
Washing Machine Settings
Choosing the right settings is crucial for washing padded items like jackets, vests, or sleeping bags.
- Separate Wash: Always wash padded garments alone. Mixing them with other items can damage both the padding and the other clothes.
- Program Selection: Select a washing machine cycle specifically for delicate garments or synthetics. Avoid harsh or vigorous cycles that can compress the padding.
- Temperature: Use cold water or a temperature lower than 30°C. Hot water can damage the padding material and affect its loft.
- Spin Speed: A high spin speed can clump the padding. Aim for a spin speed no more than 1200 tours/min. In fact, a lower speed is better for maintaining the padding's volume.
Choosing the Right Detergent
The type of detergent is key, especially for feather or down padding.
- Specific Detergent: Use a detergent specifically designed for padded garments, particularly those with a volumising formula for feathers. Standard detergents can strip natural oils from down and reduce its insulating properties.
- Avoid Fabric Softener: Do not use fabric softeners. They can leave residue that weighs down the padding and reduces its ability to loft.
Summary of Washing Parameters
For a quick overview, here are the key parameters:
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Garment Load | Wash separately |
| Wash Cycle | Delicate or Synthetics |
| Temperature | Lower than 30°C |
| Detergent | Specific padded/down detergent with volumising formula |
| Fabric Softener | Avoid |
| Spin Speed | Max 1200 tours/min (less is better) |
Drying Your Padded Garment
Proper drying is just as important as washing to restore the padding's loft. Tumble drying on a low heat setting with dryer balls (like tennis balls or specific wool dryer balls) can help break up clumps and redistribute the padding evenly. Ensure the garment is completely dry before storing it.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean your padded garments while preserving their shape, warmth, and lifespan.
