How to care for a down jacket - the rules of washing and storage

Down Jacket Care: Read the Label

Information on how to care for a down jacket and what procedures it can survive is contained on the label, which is usually sewn on the inside of the clothes or on a separate tag.

To denote certain manipulations, manufacturers use generally accepted icons, which are divided into 5 categories:

Washing

The laundry icon is represented as a schematically drawn basin of water. Inside the badge is a number - this is the temperature at which the down jacket can be washed without harming the integrity and quality of the filler and material.

1. A basin of water and a temperature of 95 degrees indicated inside indicates that the product can be washed or even boiled without exceeding the specified maximum temperature indicator;
2. A similar icon, but with the number 60 - the usual washing at temperatures up to 60 degrees;
3. Basin with the number 30 - washing at a temperature of up to 30 degrees;
4. The basin, the number 30 and the horizontal line drawn from below mean that it is necessary to wash the down jacket at a delicate mode and at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees;
5. Two features under the pelvis indicate the need for very delicate washing;
6. If the pelvis is accompanied by a hand icon, then you can wash the product only by hand. The generally accepted hand wash temperature is 40 degrees. In this case, the product can not be rubbed with hard brushes and other similar devices, as well as twisted during spinning;
7. Do not wash the product.

Down jackets are most often accompanied by wash badges under the numbers 3, 4, 5 or 7.

Drying

Drying is indicated by a square symbol, inside of which there are vertical or horizontal lines.

1. One vertical line – drying in an upright position. The down jacket can be hung on hangers and left to dry;
2. Drying vertically and without prior pressing. Immediately after washing, the jacket can be hung above the bathroom on hangers;
3. One horizontal line - the product must be dried on a horizontal plane;
4. If there are two strips , you need to dry the down jacket on the plane and do not squeeze it beforehand;
5. If there is a triangle in the upper left corner of the square, then you can dry clothes only in the shade: In the shadow vertically - one vertical line and a corner;
6. In the shade, vertically, without spinning - two lines and a corner;
7. In the shade, horizontally - a horizontal line and a corner;
8. In the shade, horizontally, without spinning - two lines and a corner.

For down jackets with feather filling, vertical drying is a classic option, but the label is still better to study.

Separately, a special drying is allocated, that is, using dryers and drums.

1. Drying at temperatures up to 80 degrees;
2. Delicate drying with a temperature not higher than 60 degrees;
3. Drum drying is prohibited.

Conditions for special drying of down jackets are often found on models that imply professional care in dry cleaners.

Ironing

Ironing is indicated by an iron icon. The number of dots inside the icon corresponds to the number of points on the thermostat of the iron.

• Three points inside the iron - iron at temperatures up to 200 ° C;
• Two points – up to 150 °C;
• One – up to 110 °C;
• Crossed iron - ironing is prohibited.

Bleach

Whitening is indicated in the form of a triangle:

• Empty triangle - you can bleach the product with any bleach;
• Triangle with oblique lines - you can use only oxygen-containing bleaches. Such means are the most delicate;
• Crossed out triangle - whitening is prohibited.

Down jackets are characterized by either a complete ban on bleaching, or delicate with the help of oxygen bleach or stain remover.

Professional cleaning

Professional cleaning of down jackets is one of the safest ways to remove dirt and refresh the product. Many manufacturers advise to give down jackets to the dry cleaner and for this they leave "messages" on the label for workers so that they know what methods can be used.

Professional cleaning can be dry and wet. Dry cleaning is characterized by the letters P and F placed inside the circle.

1. Cleaning using all solvents;
2. Gentle dry cleaning with any solvents;
3. Dry cleaning with the use of hydrocarbon agents;
4. Delicate dry cleaning with hydrocarbons;
5. Dry cleaning is prohibited.

For wet cleaning, the icons have the letter W also placed in the circle.

1. Normal wet cleaning;
2. Delicate;
3. Particularly delicate;
4. Wet cleaning is prohibited.

As you can see, the label says much more about the down jacket than the size or country of the manufacturer. Now that the issue with labels is clear, you can proceed to practice - learn how to properly care for the down jacket - from washing and drying to storage.

How to wash a down jacket in a washing machine

It is logical that it is necessary to wash the down jacket as recommended by the manufacturer on the label - there is a washing regime indicated, and the temperature or - the need to carry the down jacket to the dry cleaner. But there are other subtleties of washing that are not reflected in the labeling.

Preparation

1. Before dipping the down jacket into the drum of the washing machine, make sure all pockets are empty. Small pieces of paper during the washing process will get wet and stick to the surface of the down jacket, and sharp products can tear the fabric, so check the pockets well;
2. Fasten the locks. The teeth of the zipper when the drum rotates can damage the integrity of the down jacket tissue;
3. If there is fur on the hood, it is better to unfasten it;
4. Examine the down jacket for holes. Firstly, after washing, the holes may become larger, and secondly, fluff can come out through them. If you find holes - before washing them should be sewn up;
5. Turn the prepared down jacket inside out.

@canadagoose

Choosing a product: how to wash a down jacket

For washing down jackets, it is recommended to use mild detergents, preferably in a liquid format - gels for washing, for example. Make sure that there is no chlorine and bleach in the composition, as these components can corrode the thin fabric of the jacket lining or clog the membrane holes.

• For down jackets with a synthepone filler , any detergent, even an ordinary powder, will do, but keep in mind that after rinsing, powders can leave stains on the fabric;
• For down jackets with a down-feather filler , it is better to choose special compositions designed for washing fluff. Such funds preserve the structure of the down filler, and also remove fat secretions that down can give;
• Down jackets with a membrane, regardless of the filler, are also better washed with special products for this category of products. They do not violate the functions of the tissue, and also create a moisture-proof layer.

Gels for washing down jackets are sold in the departments of household chemicals, and on marketplaces, and sometimes in down jacket stores. The most popular are Down Wash, OS gel, Purshat.

How to wash a down jacket at home in a washing machine:

1. Load the down jacket into the washing machine, but do not add other things to this washing cycle - even if the volume of the machine allows, it is better to wash the down jacket alone;
2. Optionally, add special laundry balls or a couple of tennis balls. This is one of the life hacks that will help to avoid knocking down into clumps, although it does not always work;
3. Set the washing mode. The maximum temperature and regime can be seen on the label, but if it is not there, choose "Delicate washing" and the water temperature is not higher than 30 degrees. If the functionality of the washing machine allows, add an additional rinse cycle - this will help to avoid stains after washing, which often remain after the powder on dark jackets;
4. Pour or backfill laundry detergent. In the case of down jackets, it is better to use a special compartment for this, and not to add the product directly to the drum - due to the density and volume of outerwear, it will be difficult for the product to evenly distribute and stretch the product well. The quantity is determined by the manufacturer in the instructions for a particular product based on the temperature and type of washing, the weight of the product. For example, Purshat down jacket gel needs from 50 to 100 ml per washing cycle;
5. Close the drum and start the wash.

@moncler

If there is a strong dirt on the down jacket or coat, before immersion in the washing machine, apply a soapy solution to the stains and leave for 5-10 minutes. After that, the place can be rubbed with a soft brush or immediately sent to the machine.

How to wash a down jacket by hand

Manual washing of the down jacket is a much safer procedure for its quality, but also less effective, since it is difficult to manually clean the product properly. There are two ways to hand wash a down jacket:

1. Vertically;
2. With soaking.

Vertical washing

Vertical washing is suitable if the down jacket just needs to be refreshed when there is no serious contamination.

1. Hang the down jacket on the hangers and hang over the bathroom;
2. With a stream of warm water from the shower, wet the down jacket in the bottom-up direction. Make sure that the water temperature does not exceed 40 degrees;
3. Soap down jacket. For this method of washing, it is not convenient to use dry powder, so it is better to use liquid detergents;
4. With a soft brush or sponge, gently, without pressure, walk along the surface of the down jacket, paying special attention to the sleeves and collar area;
5. With a shower jet, also wash off the foam from top to bottom. You need to repeat this step several times to remove all remnants of the product.

With soaking

This method is appropriate when the down jacket is heavily contaminated and a simple shower rinse will not help.

1. Fill the bath with warm water - no higher than 40 degrees;
2. Dilute in water the right amount of laundry detergent;
3. Soak the down jacket and with pressing movements let it fill with moisture;
4. Leave the jacket to soak for 30-40 minutes;
5. After this time, with a soft brush or sponge, go through the most contaminated areas. Please note that rubbing the down jacket like ordinary things is not recommended. If the stains do not go away, apply a soapy solution to them - preferably from a special soap for washing. Some recommend using laundry soap, but with all its excellent cleansing properties, on white or just light down jackets, it can leave yellow streaks;
6. Drain the water from the bath and rinse the down jacket well under running water. Keep in mind that you will have to do this for at least 7-10 minutes to remove all the foam.

Do not twist the down jacket to remove moisture. Hang it over the bathroom to make the water glass and then move it to the drying site.

How to properly dry a down jacket

1. Turn the washed down jacket on the front side and straighten on the hangers;
2. Hang it vertically away from direct sunlight and heating devices at room temperature;
3. If the fluff is lost, you can straighten it with your hands;
4. It is necessary to dry the down jacket from several hours to 2 days, depending on its density, type of washing, room temperature. The longest down jacket dries after hand washing.

Life hack: to quickly dry the down jacket and break up lumps of filler, use a vacuum cleaner. Remove the nozzle from it, turn on the weakest mode and drive the tube along the down jacket from the inside.

How to Wear a Down Jacket

@snowqueen

In this section, we will not talk about fashionable bows and successful combinations, but about how to care for a down jacket in the process of wearing so that it lasts longer:

• Sushi and ventilate your jacket after each hit under the snow or rain. It is not the best idea to hang a jacket in the closet without letting it dry out - from such manipulations, the fluff cakes, and various bacteria may well develop in a humid environment, especially if the filler is natural, and not sintepone;
• Do not keep the down jacket close to the heating devices. This can harm the quality of the down jacket fabric, as well as contribute to the rapid deterioration of the fluff;
• Take off your jacket in rooms where there is a pronounced smell - in smoky rooms, canteens and cafes, on food courts. Fluff-feather filler perfectly absorbs odors and if it is not removed, you will have to constantly "walk" the jacket on the balcony to eliminate the aroma of tobacco or food;
• Wash the down jacket 1-2 times a season, if you wear a jacket constantly. Even if the down jacket is visually clean - which in a metropolis, of course, is unlikely, then inside the fluff may well lie, greasy.

How to store a down jacket and take care of it in the "out of season"

@baonshop

Let's be honest – in 9 out of 10 cases, a winter jacket in the summer just weighs in the closet in an inverted state, or is packed in a merciless vacuum bag. Guessed? But the storage features do not end there - in order for the down jacket to please you next season, it is important to responsibly treat its storage in the off-season.

• You need to store winter clothes in a dry, cool and dark place. Make sure that the product does not get the sun's rays - this spoils the properties of the fabric and filler;
• Put away only clean things for storage. It is important before cleaning for storage to give the down jacket to the dry cleaner or wash it yourself. And the most important thing is to dry well. It is difficult to describe what a down jacket smells like, which was sent for storage or packed in a vacuum bag without drying;
• It is better to store down jackets on hangers. Yes, vacuum bags are convenient. They save space, allow you not to clutter the closet with winter jackets, but for 8 months of inactivity, the fluff is deformed and it is difficult and sometimes impossible to return it to its normal shape;
• It is advisable to use covers. Fabric storage covers allow air to pass through, but prevent dust from settling on the surface, absorbing odors and exposure to the sun. If there is no cover, we recommend at least turning the down jacket inside out. It is desirable that the cover is in the length of the down jacket - even if it is maxi length.

@ikea

About vacuum packaging. We do not recommend storing down jackets, regardless of the material and filler, in such packages, as this greatly affects both the quality and appearance of the product. But sometimes there is no choice, so take note of 2 important nuances of the use of vacuum bags:

• Use vacuum packaging for storing down jackets only with synthetic filler;
• Throughout storage, periodically open the bag so that the down jacket "breathes", and the filler does not have time to stick much. You can take out the jacket, shake, beat and put it away again.

Cleaning the down jacket in a dry cleaner or laundry room

Entrusting a down jacket to professionals is sometimes the best solution:

• Dry cleaning will save time;
• There is no need to understand the labels and select special products;
• The probability of spoiling the product is lower than with self-washing, although here, of course, there are exceptions.

The main disadvantage of dry cleaning a down jacket is that financial expenses will be required. The cost of professional cleaning depends on the level of laundry, the material, the drugs and devices used, as well as the degree of contamination. In Moscow, for example, for a down coat or jacket you will have to pay from 2 to 5 thousand rubles.

Before sending the down jacket to the dry cleaner, do not forget to check the pockets - and the specialists will do the rest themselves.

Frequent mistakes in the care of down jackets

• Washing too often. Capital washing in a washing machine or with soaking should not be carried out too often - this harms the quality of the filler. Optimally, 1-2 times per season, and if the down jacket is light - only as pollution occurs. The rest of the time, it is better to clean the down jacket locally;
• Washing with ordinary powder. This mistake will be especially critical for membrane down jackets - such a fabric is very capricious. In addition, non-dissolved powder particles can clog the holes, which will lead to a violation of the properties of such a jacket;
• Push-ups and twisting of the down jacket. Such manipulations spoil the filler, and can also provoke tears and scuffs on the fabric,
• Drying on battery. From drying near the batteries, an unpleasant smell appears in down jackets, and yet - such an aggressive effect of heat spoils the fluff-feather filler. Hair dryer, by the way, is also better not to use.

Questions

How to clean a down jacket without washing?

Local contaminants can be removed with a soapy solution, a solution of a laundry detergent, micellar water. Folk methods also suggest using gasoline or a windshield wiper, but we do not recommend experiments - the result of such cleaning is unpredictable.

How to clean a down jacket:

1. Apply a soapy solution to problem areas and leave for 5-10 minutes;
2. With a soft brush or sponge, gently, without pressure, rub the problem areas;
3. Wash off the foam with water from the shower, while not affecting the rest of the down product.

I have a down jacket Add. How to erase it and in general, what are the rules for caring for brand models?

It is necessary to start not from the brand of the down jacket, but from the recommendations that the manufacturer gives on the label, as well as from the rules that we gave above. Most Add down jackets are filled with down and feather, and the main material is polyamide. Such models can be washed on a delicate mode or given to the laundry.

@add_down

What should I do if there are stains on the down jacket after washing?

• Wash repeatedly, but with less or no detergent on the rinse mode;
• Give the product to the dry cleaner;
• If there are few stains, you can wipe them with a weak soapy solution and rinse locally with water.

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