Washing a down jacket at home

Winter outerwear filled with feathers or down is the best option for the cold season, providing excellent protection from wind, snow and frost. Today, down jackets are widely popular and in demand due to their comfort, functionality and stylish appearance. During wear, the product may become dirty and lose its attractiveness, so it is important to provide it with proper care.

There are several cleaning options: dry cleaning, washing the down jacket in a washing machine or by hand. Most housewives choose the last two methods, which allow them to save money, clean the product efficiently and maintain its original appearance.

Icons on a down jacket for washing: explanation

The manufacturer is required to place washing signs on the tag - on the down jacket they can comply with the domestic GOST ISO 3758-2014, in force since January 2016, or international standards. Most of the symbols are the same, so the instructions for washing down jackets will not cause any difficulties.

A basin with numbers means machine washable at the indicated water temperature. Hand and basin - hand wash, temperature up to 40 degrees. One horizontal line under the symbol is a soft treatment, two are very delicate.
Bleaching is prohibited - a triangle crossed out with two diagonal lines. Allowed by any reagent - just a triangle. The slanting lines inside it are bleaching without chlorine.
Drying can be done manually, horizontally, vertically, or in a machine drum. The symbols are respectively a square with one horizontal, two vertical lines or a circle inside a square.
Iron with 1, 2 or 3 points - allows ironing at temperatures up to 110, 150 or 200 degrees, respectively.
Only professional dry cleaning of down jackets - the letters F or P inside the circle.

Feedback on dry cleaning of a down jacket

For additional symbols that clarify basic information, read our article Icons on a down jacket for washing: decoding.

Can I wash it at home?

Before you start washing the down jacket yourself, study the label, which indicates what the product is made of .

For the upper, synthetic materials (nylon, polyester, polyamide, leather and eco-leather) that are resistant to external factors are usually used.

Fillings can be synthetic (sintepon, bio-down, membranes, holofiber) and natural (feather, down, wool). The latest varieties should be handled with extreme care and follow the manufacturer’s advice.

The label also gives recommendations for washing, drying, spinning, ironing (certain operations can or cannot be performed). The explanation of the icons on the clothing label is given below:

Hand wash down jacket

This symbol is less common than others on jackets, short coats and coats with down filling. Hence the conclusion - proper washing of a down jacket is only possible in a machine, ideally with front loading. Manufacturers believe that vertical models of household appliances can mechanically damage clothing.

IMPORTANT : a bulky item cannot be properly washed, squeezed, or rinsed by hand. The ideal option is to wash down jackets in the washing machine in accordance with the symbols on the label.

Washing a down jacket in a washing machine

The presence of a basin in the marking is a direct indication of machine washability. Carefully study all the symbols to know what detergent to use and how to dry the item. Prepare a place for drying (horizontal or vertical), since the down jacket needs to be dried quickly after washing, but without a hot hair dryer and not on a radiator. Buy a special product for down filling or gel for delicate washing.

Which washing mode to choose for a down jacket

Even if the symbol declares 40 degrees, experts from the company CHISTIM EVERYTHING advise not to use hot water of 30 degrees C. There are unscrupulous manufacturers in the down jacket market. It is better to wash the item at a lower temperature than to ruin it by not following the basic rules for washing a down jacket.

Is it possible to wring out a down jacket after washing?

It is better to disable the “spin” option. Lightly wring out the down jacket over the bathtub, then wrap it in a large terry towel to absorb the water. If you change 2-3 towels, you can speed up the drying of your clothes. It is especially important to remove excess moisture from a washed jacket when it is cool outside and there is no heating in the apartment yet. Otherwise, the item will take too long to dry, and this leads to dampness, the appearance of mold in the fluff balls and an unpleasant odor.

What spin should you use when washing a down jacket?

If you want to use the spin function, select the lowest speed to reduce the formation of dense clumps of fluff. Read about how to break a down jacket after washing in our article How to restore a down jacket after washing.

Washing a down jacket with balls

This condition is recommended to be observed by both experienced users and manufacturers of down products. The question arises, where to buy balls for washing down jackets? You have a choice:

buy special balls (magnetic, tourmaline, anti-pilling);
use three or four tennis balls;
put several plastic children's cubes into the drum.

Each housewife has her own vision of which down jacket washing balls are best and why. The main thing is that this condition is met in order to reduce the churning of fluff into clumps.

How many balls do you need to wash a down jacket?

The optimal quantity is 3 balls. Do not start washing if they are missing and there is nothing to replace them with. Set it aside for a day or two, buy some balls. Otherwise, you can ruin an expensive item.

How to replace balls

You will smile, however, judging by the housewife forums, you can replace the ball:

a ball of thread hidden in a sock;
a case from a toy from Kindersurprise;
children's toy - a plastic hedgehog ball.

Washing a down jacket without balls

They say that experienced sellers of down products listen with a smile to customers’ questions about the obligatory laundry balls. They politely recommend:

choose the most gentle program regarding drum speed;
make sure that the down jacket is washed in a washing machine at a temperature no higher than 30 degrees C;
Use a special detergent for down.

Where to buy gel for washing down jackets, what product to choose - check with a consultant in the household chemicals department.

What to do if problems arise

The fluff has gone astray

If you still missed something, and in some places the fluff has gathered into treacherous lumps, this is not a reason to consider the item damaged. We'll tell you how to restore its presentable appearance (this will also be useful to you if you asked the question “Is it possible to wash a duvet in a machine?”, and something went wrong):

The label will tell you a lot about the wash.

Send the already washed jacket for 2-3 delicate spin cycles in an automatic machine. Don't forget to throw tennis balls in there too.
Group the damp down jacket properly and place it in the freezer. Small ice crystals into which the frozen moisture will turn will add volume to the fibers and fluff. But the already dried product after such a “shock” freezing should regain its previous appearance.

No need to set maximum spin speed

There are still divorces

If the stains are due to excess powder or poor rinsing , then wipe the product with a cloth moistened with dishwashing detergent.

If the stains do not disappear, then rinse additionally. If this still does not help, then wash again with less detergent.

If stains are a consequence of damaged fabric paint , then unfortunately nothing can be corrected.

Unpleasant smell

If there is an unpleasant odor after washing, there may be 3 reasons

soaked for a long time
poorly washed
not dried well and the fluff began to deteriorate

In all three cases, there is only one way out: wash it again in compliance with all the rules.

Frequently asked questions about the washing process:

Next, we will answer questions that concern many owners of down coats and jackets.

Do I need to button up my down jacket when washing?

Yes, all buttons and zippers must be fastened. This is done so that when washing and rubbing against the drum they are not damaged, deformed, or fly off. It would be a shame if a good fastener suddenly stops closing smoothly due to damage in a tight drum. It is also better to fasten buttons, especially poorly sewn ones. They can come off with meat.

Do I need to turn my down jacket inside out when washing?

Yes, this is an important condition for quality washing. Those who are interested in how a down jacket is dry-cleaned should know that when cleaning with an organic solvent in the workshop, jackets and coats filled with down are turned inside out. This is needed for:

protecting the upper fabric from wear in a metal drum;
preventing the formation of pellets;
prevention of white stains on textiles after washing.

Is it possible to soak a down jacket before washing?

Down filling does not need to be over-moistened. Then it will take a very long time to dry, which can lead to:

destruction (rotting) of fluff;
unpleasant odor caused by mold;
the need to rewash or dry clean;
If the filling is damaged, and it can simply rot, the clothes will have to be thrown away.

It is recommended to remove difficult stains before washing. Use folk remedies or stain remover. Pay attention to the washing symbols on the down jacket to ensure that you are using a safe, approved cleaning product.

How to shake a down jacket after washing

To return a washed down jacket to its previous volume, fluffiness, and shape, you should carefully fluff the filling and remove all the lumps. Otherwise, it will become damp, a musty smell will appear, and there will be areas on the jacket that are not insulated with down from wind and frost.

How to straighten down in a down jacket after washing in a machine:

regularly shaking the product when drying;
manually unraveling lumps of filler;
tapping a jacket hanging on a hanger with a carpet beater;
vacuum cleaner with reverse air supply

How to dry a down jacket after washing

Please note the drying icon on the product label. He will tell you how to dry your down jacket after washing at home. There are:

horizontal drying in an unfolded state away from direct sunlight with natural ventilation;
vertical drying on a hanger under the same conditions;
machine drying in a drum at the lowest speed.

What tools to use

The chemical industry produces special products for washing down jackets in the machine, which are also suitable for bedding. The best choice is gels for delicate care of textiles and down:

with low foaming;
light rinsing;
gently removing dirt without destroying the natural fatty layer of waterfowl down.

Is it possible to wash a down jacket with laundry capsules?

Hidden behind an incomprehensible name is a liquid detergent for washing down jackets in a machine, packaged in soluble plastic capsules. The only difference is that the consumer does not need to measure the amount of gel. The manufacturer did everything for us: 1 capsule - 1 wash cycle. The detergent has no other advantages or special functions. In terms of effectiveness and impact on fabric and fluff, it is completely identical to liquid detergents. Yes, you can wash a down jacket with it in a machine, but you don’t need to expect any special results. The downside is the price, it is 25-50% higher than analogues in bottles.

Is liquid powder suitable for washing down jackets?

Yes, this is the best product for washing down jackets at home. It produces less foam and is easier to rinse. If you wash a down jacket in washing powder, some of it will settle in the down. Repeated rinsing will be required, which means excessive energy and water consumption.

Should I add conditioner when washing a down jacket?

Any components other than detergent make the fluff heavier and cause it to clump more. We do not recommend using conditioner when automatically washing down items at home.

Should I add rinse aid when washing a down jacket?

Choose specialized products for washing down jackets. Their chemical formulas are adapted to the properties of down. This guarantees the preservation of the filler's pomp and removal of contaminants without destroying the fat layer. Rinse aid can make the down mixture stickier. Then you will have to put in a lot of effort to figure out how to fluff the down jacket after washing.

What is the best gel for washing down jackets?

A good gel is one that:

guarantees high-quality cleaning of products without harm to the top and filling;
convenient to use and dosage;
inexpensive for 1 wash.

A good combination of parameters for the positions presented below:

Salton gel is a domestic product for washing jackets and down jackets without chlorine and phosphates. It washes down items efficiently and does not cause sticking or loss of elasticity of the filler.
Hitmann gel is a German detergent with lanolin, which restores the lipid membrane of down and gives a pleasant aroma to perfectly clean things.
Cleantech gel – products Salton (Russia). Washes down jackets at temperatures from 30 degrees. It is recommended to pre-wash dirty areas and stains by hand.

Professional chemical for washing down jackets

The ProfHim brand (Russia) produces products for washing down jackets in a machine and household chemicals for various purposes. Gel for washing down products is characterized by a balanced formula without bleach. It gives things cleanliness, a smell of freshness, and the filler - elasticity and splendor.

Types of down jackets

Down jackets differ in the type of top and filling. They can be made of cotton, synthetics, polyester and membrane, with natural insulation of eider, goose, duck, bio-down (the so-called swan's down), holofiber, padding polyester. Below we will talk about the features, advantages, and washing rules of each clothing option.

Membrane down jacket

High-tech materials with pores are called membranes. They have wind and moisture protection properties. Good air and vapor permeability contribute to the removal of human body secretions to the outside, maintaining dryness and normal cell respiration even during heavy physical activity. The waterproofness of the material is due to the top protective layer.

How to wash a membrane down jacket in a machine? Use:

Special gel for washing membranes (for example, Grangers Perfomance Wash for membrane clothing and thermal underwear, Bionicdry liquid detergent).
Delicate wash program up to 30 degrees C and without spin; and pre-soaking, bleach.
Horizontal drying in a straightened form.

Polyester down jacket

If the top of the down jacket is made of polyester, durable, fade-resistant fabric made of polyester fiber, then there should be no problems with washing and drying. If you follow the manufacturer's instructions on the tag, unpretentious items last a long time without losing their original appearance and properties after washing.

Synthetic down jacket

Jackets and coats made with padding polyester belong to the budget segment of warm clothing. The properties of the fiber quickly deteriorate because the adhesive emulsion is washed away during washing. The filler clumps into clumps and the item loses its heat-protective and aesthetic properties. Be aware that when buying a synthetic down jacket, washing is possible, but the quality of the product decreases.

Synthetic down jacket

Synthetic padding is an improved padding polyester format made from polyester fiber with voids. They give the filler lightness, fluffiness, and moisture resistance. Clothing with such filling keeps you warm, does not get wet, and makes you feel light and comfortable. Home washing of a synthetic down jacket is easy, it dries quickly. Basic rules - washing gel, water maximum 30 degrees, drying in accordance with the label.

Down jacket with holofiber

Another option for synthetic filling for down jackets. It is made from hollow polyester fibers. Lightweight filling in the form of small balls retains heat perfectly. Washing a down jacket with holofiber is carried out in accordance with the symbols on the label:

put only one thing in the automatic machine;
use liquid lint remover;
Choose a delicate wash program with temperatures up to 30 degrees.

Down jacket made from biodown

In structure and physical properties, the filler resembles swan's down. However, if the product says that bio-down or swan's down is used as insulation, this does not mean that it is natural. This is what they call synthetic fluff. Washing the down jacket in the washing machine is carried out with gel on a delicate cycle at 30 degrees.

What to do with defects that arise after the procedure?

It happens that after wet cleaning, the jacket changes for the worse - it becomes shapeless or with fluff sticking out. This is possible if the washing rules are not followed or the wrong mode on the machine is selected.

There is a way out of this situation. If the filler is very crumpled, knead it with your hands and try to distribute it evenly. If this does not help, then wash the product, but according to all the rules and using balls.

It happens that conspicuous whitish stains remain on the fabric (detergent that has not been completely washed off). They are easy to remove after rinsing again.

For productivity, you can additionally go over them with a cleaning brush. Yellow streaks remain from improper drying.

Find out about proper washing of down jackets without streaks and lumps in this article.

If you have difficulty straightening out the fluff, you can read this article, or padding polyester - this publication.

Features of washing down jackets of different brands:

Uniklo - lightweight down jackets with a ratio of natural down to feathers of 9:1 are machine washable on a delicate cycle, with a spin cycle at high speeds. Temperature up to 30 degrees, minimum dose of gel recommended for 1 wash.

IMPORTANT : high-quality washing of a Uniklo down jacket at home and subsequent drying is carried out with 5-6 balls.

Finn, that is, down jackets from the Finnish brand Finn Finn, are washed with a specialized branded balm that provides streak-free care. It is necessary to remove stains and clean problem areas in advance. Then wash one down jacket on a delicate cycle.

IMPORTANT : Finn fFare down jacket - reviews vary online after washing. However, if the manufacturer's instructions are followed, as a rule, no complaints arise.

Flare or, more correctly, Finn Finn - for delicate washing of down jackets, the brand has released a special product DOMAL SPORT FEIN FASHION. Reduce the dosage indicated on the package to the minimum. Manufacturers often indicate the maximum flow rate.

Uniqlo is a brand known for its lightweight, cozy down jackets. A delicate wash at 30 degrees can be supplemented with a high speed spin. How to fluff a uniqlo down jacket after washing, read in the corresponding section of the article (manually, with a carpet beater, or a reverse stream of air from a vacuum cleaner).

Max Mara is washed in the same way as other branded down jackets. Take a gel for down items without conditioners, bleaches, or rinses). Select delicate wash mode (water 30 degrees). Check the marking to see if spinning is allowed. If disabled, disable the option. Remember that washing a down jacket in a machine must be done with balls so that the down is less likely to clump together.

Outventure produces light, cozy, stylish down jackets with natural down and feathers (70 and 30%, respectively). They should be washed with balls in cool water. Delicate wash mode and a little gel without bleach, conditioner. No need to soak things. Stains are removed with laundry soap before placing in the machine drum.

Washing the Columbia down jacket is carried out in accordance with the markings. If only dry cleaning is allowed, do not break the rules. Or wash your jacket:

in the softest gel;
on a delicate program;
at minimum water temperature;
without spin.

While drying, fluff up the fluff clumps. Below we will tell you how to straighten a down jacket when washing it in a machine.

Preparing for washing

Before washing, having first studied the instructions on the label, remove everything from the pockets, remove the fur trim (on the cuffs, collar or other parts).

Fasten all the zippers and buttons, the hood can be unfastened so that the zipper is not damaged. Inspect the item and get rid of stains.

If there are holes or other damage, you must sew them up or hide them under beautiful patches (labels, rhinestones), or glue them on the inside of the fabric, otherwise fluff or feathers will come out during washing.

How to restore a down jacket after washing

In 99% of 100, even if all washing rules are followed, the filler clumps into clumps. The more often the quilting and the smaller the distance between the seams, the easier it is to restore the volume of the down jacket.

IMPORTANT : on forums, users sometimes write that after 6-8 washes, branded down jackets turn into thin windbreakers. This happens if the manufacturer prohibits washing, and the item is washed in the machine again and again.

Contact a reliable dry cleaner if you want to preserve the properties and beauty of your clothes.

How to fluff and fluff a down jacket after washing

If you follow the symbols on the label, the appearance of the down jacket after washing is an assessment of the manufacturer’s integrity. Don't be alarmed if the fluff clumps together. So washing a down jacket in a machine usually affects the filling. You will have to spend a little time to restore the splendor, softness, and volume of the clothes.

Down jacket rolled into lumps after washing

So, how to fluff a down jacket after washing, what should you do? Thoroughly fluff each lump in the filler with your hands. Shake the jacket at regular intervals during the drying period, which should not take more than 45 hours.

The down jacket became thin after washing

We are often asked how to restore a down jacket to its previous appearance after washing, what to do? Hang it on a hanger and use a carpet beater to thoroughly tap the entire area. High-quality filler will fluff up, and the clothes will gain lost volume. There will be no wind-blown or cold-vulnerable areas without insulation.

The down jacket got lost after washing

You need to shake it often when drying and use your fingers to fluff up the seals in the filler. Then, by the time the coat or jacket is completely dry, it will regain its previous appearance, volume, lightness, splendor, and beauty. Moreover, this applies to products with both natural down and synthetic filler.

IMPORTANT : rinse aids and conditioners should not be used when washing, since the filler then sticks together even more strongly.

The remaining lumps will dry out and become hard. They will stick out through the fabric of the top of the down jacket and spoil the appearance. In addition, this will worsen the heat-shielding properties.

How to fluff a down jacket after washing with a hairdryer

Do you want to know how to quickly fluff up a down jacket after washing? Take a hairdryer with a cold stream of air and point it at the jacket hanging on its hangers. Supplement the air pressure with hand patting and vigorous shaking.

How to straighten a down jacket after washing

You can put a dried down jacket, several tennis or special laundry balls into the drum of the machine, and turn on the drying mode. Read more on this topic in the article How to restore a down jacket after washing.

Stains on a down jacket after washing

The appearance of streaks and stains on a washed jacket causes stress for the owner. After all, we started washing to get a perfectly clean item, and not new stains on it. What to do?

Stains on a down jacket after washing

Spots appear for various reasons:

After washing a down jacket, greasy stains occur due to the destruction of the natural lipid lubrication of the down due to too hot water and aggressive detergent.
Whitish - from poorly rinsed washing powder, incorrect washing mode and too long drying.
Dark, yellow - due to unrefined filler.

How to remove stains on a down jacket after washing is a pressing question for many. You need to buy a good stain remover and spot remove the stains, repeating the cleaning as many times as necessary to remove the stains. If unsuccessful, you should wash the clothes again, observing all the symbols on the tag.

White down jacket with yellow spots after washing

A snow-white down jacket requires frequent dry cleaning or washing. If you wash an item instead of the organic solvent treatment recommended by the manufacturer, yellow spots may appear on it. This is how the filler reacts to water.

You can remove yellow stains on a white down jacket after washing with a short exposure to a chlorine-containing bleach, for example, “Belizna”.

IMPORTANT : not every fabric can withstand such an aggressive agent. Study the markings before you start trying to remove yellowness so as not to completely ruin your jacket or coat.

TIP: following the recommendations for caring for light and white clothes is a prerequisite for their long service life.

After washing, the down jacket began to stink - what should I do?

An unpleasant odor appears due to low-quality filler, which begins to rot when wet. This happens if chicken down, rather than waterfowl, was used in the production of clothing.

The second reason why a down jacket smells after washing is because it takes too long to dry. Dampness inside the filler stimulates the formation of colonies of fungus and mold. Clothes take on a musty smell. Professional dry cleaning or repeated washing with deodorization will help get rid of it.

How to dry the product

You should dry your down jacket at home in a vertical position. Turn the product right side out and hang it on suitable hangers. It is best to place it in a place with good air circulation, while ensuring that there is no direct sunlight.

If you know how to properly wash and dry a down jacket, it will last a long time without losing its aesthetic appeal and warming functions. A washed down jacket should not be placed near radiators or other heating devices. High temperatures destroy the structure of down and lead to loss of heat-preserving properties.

To ensure against the formation of lumps in the filler, periodically shake the product and knead it by hand until completely dry.

How to clean stains on a down jacket if washing is prohibited

How to wash a down jacket if washing is prohibited? Follow the manufacturer's instructions to take care of your favorite jacket. In addition to washing, there is also dry cleaning of down jackets - a gentle method of care. Dry cleaning of clothes with courier delivery and removal to the workshop is a popular service in the capital. The cost of the service is affordable for most Muscovites.

How to clean the collar of a down jacket without washing?

The simplest effective solution:

take a clean sponge;
moisten with cold water;
lather with laundry soap, beat it into foam and clean your collar, greasy places, stains with it;
Be careful not to over-wet the fabric.

The second method is a stain remover, for example Vanish. The spray in a convenient bottle with spot distribution is economical and effective.

TIP : Check clothing care guidelines to ensure you select the correct stain remover.

The fur collar should be cleaned dry - with soda, salt, baby powder, starch. Sprinkle the fur, rub with a clean sponge or brush, leave for 30 minutes, thoroughly shake off the cleaning agent or vacuum.

Dry cleaning a down jacket at home

Remove fresh stains immediately:

Fatty ones - sprinkle with table salt, baking soda, talcum powder.
Dirt - foam from laundry soap or a solution of dish soap (2-3 drops), 1 teaspoon of ammonia and half a glass of cool water.
Both are stain removers.

How to refresh fur?

If it is artificial, then it is enough to rinse it in a solution of water and detergent . Do not apply excessive force, just rinse lightly.

After this, rinse under running water. Do not comb wet fur, but wait until it dries slightly.

The natural edge cannot be wetted under any circumstances . To refresh, you can treat it with table vinegar, after moistening a cotton swab with it.

You can find detailed instructions on cleaning fur on a down jacket at this link.

Washing a down jacket with steam

Steam generator, steam cleaner - different names for the same device. It generates steam by heating clean water with a heating element, and removes it outside through a nozzle with a nozzle. Steam under pressure has a temperature of up to 135 degrees. Washing a down jacket at home with steam removes all types of dirt. It is important that the outer fabric and down jacket filling can withstand high temperatures.

Cleaning a down jacket with a steamer

A steamer can generally freshen a jacket, but steam will not remove greasy stains. It is used for delicate general cleaning and disinfection. The steam jet nozzle should not be held close to clothing. Cleaning a down jacket with a steamer is a good alternative to washing.