Tips for cleaning down jackets at home

Many people wonder if it is possible to wash a down jacket with water at home? The answer is yes, just follow the instructions below, you can easily wash a down jacket without damaging it.

Hand wash down jacket

Hand washing a down jacket is a safe method that helps maintain its durability and warmth.

Prepare warm water at a temperature of about 30 - 40 degrees Celsius, soap or neutral detergent, you can use shampoo or shower gel, avoid using strong detergents to protect the feathers and a washing basin large enough to completely soak the shirt.

Use a soft cloth soaked in warm water to gently wipe away stains on the surface of the shirt, then dissolve the detergent in a basin of warm water. Gently place the shirt in the basin, making sure the shirt is completely submerged in water and soak for about 15 - 30 minutes to soften the dirt.

Use your hands to gently squeeze and shake the jacket to remove dirt. Avoid wringing or rubbing vigorously, as this may damage the feather structure.

Replace with clean water and gently rinse the shirt several times until all the suds are gone. Lay the shirt on a dry towel, roll it up and gently press to absorb excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting the shirt.

Then, spread the shirt flat on a ventilated surface, away from direct sunlight, occasionally patting and turning the shirt so that the feathers are fluffy and dry evenly.

Drying can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. To speed things up, use a fan or a hair dryer on a cool setting. Once the jacket is dry, if the down is clumping, gently pat and shake the jacket to loosen it.

Hand washing your down jacket requires patience and care, but will help maintain its quality and longevity.

Washing down jacket in washing machine

To wash a down jacket safely and effectively in a washing machine, you should check the label, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions on washing and preserving the jacket, clean stains on the surface of the jacket with a soft, damp cloth and wipe gently, zip and button the jacket, then turn the jacket inside out to protect the outer surface of the jacket and avoid damage during the washing process.

It is necessary to choose the right detergent. If there is no detergent specifically for feathers, you can use neutral detergent (or shampoo or shower gel) to protect the feather material inside.

Use the "Delicate" or "Hand Wash" cycle on your washing machine. Be sure to wash in cold water only to avoid shrinking or damaging the down.

You can put 2-3 clean laundry balls or tennis balls in the washing machine with the shirt to help prevent the feathers from clumping and maintain their fluffiness.

After washing, place the shirt in the dryer with the tennis balls and select the gentle drying mode. If you do not have a dryer, you can dry the shirt in a cool place, away from direct sunlight, occasionally patting the feathers to make them fluffy and even.

Note, do not use strong detergents as they can damage the material and feathers inside the shirt, do not use fabric softener. Avoid twisting the shirt, this can deform and clump the feathers. Only wash when really necessary, washing too often can reduce the life of the shirt.

After drying, the down jacket should be hung in an uncompressed and airy state to protect the shape of the jacket as well as the porosity of the feathers. Do not put the down jacket with other winter clothes in a vacuum bag because the compressed jacket will damage the feathers.