How to Wash Down Jackets in 10 Easy Steps: The Ultimate Guide
Washing a down jacket can be a tricky task to get right if you’ve not tried it before. Using a standard washing machine cycle is not advised as it can damage the integrity of the down feathers used inside the jacket – not something you want if you’ve just splashed a bunch of cash on one of the top-performing down jackets. The material of the outer fabric in most down jackets also makes the washing process difficult. This is usually a technical fabric used to repel water and it can therefore make it difficult for the wet feathers inside to dry effectively.
But fear not! There are other methods to wash these jackets. Below, we explain ten easy steps on how to wash down jackets. The best part is you won’t lose any of your jacket’s quality, and it will be fluffy and warm like new. Let’s begin!
Step 1: Empty All the Pockets
First, you need to check all the pockets. There should be nothing hard like coins that could damage the pocket fabric while spinning. Be aware that hard items can also damage the washing machine. Yes you read that right – we will still be using a washing machine – just not on a regular cycle!
Also, check for any soft items in the pockets, such as receipts or tissues, which could clump up. Sometimes, your searching efforts can proves valuable – you may find some cash – a Brucie Bonus for sure! Consider any monetary finds as a small tip for doing laundry…
Step 2: Dry Brush Your Jacket
Now brush out the down jacket to remove any dirt. Do it thoroughly, both inside and out. Again, make sure to clean out any material that accumulates inside pocket corners. You don’t want the dirt to settle in your washing machine.
Step 3: Add a Handful of Detergent
Open the detergent compartment of your washing machine and add a handful of a standard detergent. You can use soap powder too, but it should be finely crushed. If you need an exact number for the amount, we recommend around 50 grams.
Step 4: Put In the Jacket and Set Your Washing Machine to Silk
Put your down jacket in the washing machine. If you have more advanced options, you can check your washing machine’s instruction manual and set it to the most suitable setting. But if you have a traditional dial button panel, set it to silk. This cycle will wash the jacket with delicacy and not damage it.
Step 5: Let It Spin
Now run the washing machine and leave it for at least 45-50 minutes. This duration will be enough to clean the synthetic outer material and eliminate any smells.
At this point you may wish to add some reproofing liquid and re-run the cycle. This is especially useful if your down jacket is older – the reproofer will help maintain the waterproofing of the outer layer and just generally help repel moisture. If it’s the first wash of your jacket then it probably isn’t necessary.
Step 6: Hang It Out in Shade on a Sunny Day
After it’s done spinning, take out your down jacket and hang it outside. An additional tip is to clean it on a sunny day. However, make sure not to hang it in direct sunlight as this may fade the colors. Keep it in the shade and let the sun’s heat vaporize the water.
Step 7: Wring Out the Bottom of the Jacket
Gravity will pull excess water down, so all the water will drain to the bottom of the jacket. Every 15-20 minutes, you will want to wring this out to remove accumulated water. This step is just to speed up the drying process. You can leave this step out, but you will need to wait longer.
Step 8: Put Your Jacket in the Dryer
After some time, your jacket will no longer be soaking wet but will still be a bit damp. Now you can put it in the dryer. Make sure it is not dripping, however.
You can improve the drying process by using dryer balls. They will remove any static charge that may appear and make the jacket fluffier.
If you cannot get dryer balls, there is a more convenient alternative: tennis balls. They will serve almost the same purpose but are cheaper and more readily available.
However, you don’t have to use either the dryer balls or tennis balls if you don’t prefer.
Step 9: Remove Feather Clumps
Although the dryer will eliminate the moisture in your down jacket, feathers will clump up in this process. So, to keep the jacket in optimum quality, use your fingers to smooth out and remove all the feather clumps after about ten minutes of drying.
Feel for the clumps where feathers are joined together. When you find them, dismantle each by hand. It will keep the down jacket fluffy in the drying process and help you to preserve its quality.
If you use either the dryer balls or tennis balls, those could lead to more clumps. However, clumps will still occur even without them.
Step 10: Repeat Until the Down Jacket Dries
After removing each clump, put the jacket back in the dryer, and run it again for approximately ten more minutes. Repeat the process till it dries. You will need to do this about five to eight times.
It may be tedious, but this practice will ensure the jacket’s quality so you can wear it for a long time. It will also help you to keep the down jacket fluffy and soft. So, in the name of care, you need to be meticulous about removing the feather clumps.
When it dries, you will find your down jacket in the best condition. It will be clean as new and will be puffier. The above methods also don’t fade the color, so you can wear it outdoors.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about how to wash down jackets, you can easily wash your valuable jacket by yourself. It is not a complicated process, but you must be careful. Follow our step-by-step guide and there will be no room for any disasters. You simply have to clean it in the washing machine, rinse and then dry it. The last step may require some effort, but in the end, your down jacket will be in sound condition.
So, happy washing!
