How to care for a down jacket
How to care for a down jacket
Down jackets always cause a lot of emotions. On the one hand, they perfectly protect us from low temperatures, but on the other hand, they are full of myths about care and washing.
In this article, we will try to dispel some false myths and tell you how to best care for your down jackets so that they serve you as long as possible.
Is the down jacket washable?
Definitely yes! Like other items of clothing, down jackets get dirty over time and start to smell unpleasant. In such a situation, we should not wait, but act immediately.
How to wash a down jacket?
At the very beginning, we need to read the information on the label. It is from there that we will find out at what temperature we should wash our jacket and whether the manufacturer allows the possibility of dry cleaning and the use of a tumble dryer.
It is also necessary to run the washing machine “empty” once before washing to make sure that there are no detergents in the machine that can stain the jacket and stick the filling.
What means to use?
In the case of down jackets, we should give up traditional washing powders and liquids. So what to use? There are special agents available on the market dedicated to washing down jackets and it is them that we should use for washing.
How to dry a down jacket?
If the manufacturer allows the use of a tumble dryer, then in addition to the jacket, we should also put special rubber balls into the device to break down the down. However, if we do not have the possibility to use a tumble dryer, then we should hang the jacket flat in a warm, airy place. During drying, we should break down the down in the jacket from time to time by hand. You should also be aware that in the case of thick jackets, the drying process can take up to several days.
How often should you wash your jacket?
We must be aware that each wash reduces the thermal properties of the jacket because it compacts the fibers inside it. For this reason, we should not wash the jacket too often.
Storage
Proper storage of down jackets is as important as their proper care. It is important to remember not to roll the jackets into a roll, not to crush them or to oppress them in any other way.
It is best to store the jacket on a solid hanger with thick arms. A good solution will also be to additionally close the jacket in a special cotton cover.
It is worth remembering to take the jacket out of the wardrobe from time to time and air it, but we should not do it in full sun because the impact of UV rays on the fibers contributes to their slow degradation. It is therefore best to lay out the jacket in a shady place for a period of 30 to 60 minutes.