HOW TO DRY A DOWN JACKET TO AVOID CLUMPING OF DOWN?
Natural down is the highest quality insulation, so clothing filled with it is worn when facing challenging weather conditions. It's no wonder that sometimes a down jacket gets wet or it's simply time to wash it. In such situations, many people wonder how to dry a down jacket without losing its thermal insulation properties. Fortunately, it's not as difficult as it may seem, and you can easily do it at home in your own laundry room. You'll find all the information you need to know about drying a down jacket in our article!
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN FROM THIS POST?
- How to dry a down jacket in your own home?
- In what position should you place a down jacket while drying?
- How to redistribute the down in the jacket after washing?
IN BRIEF
You can safely wash and dry down clothing at home as long as you follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer on the inner label. The most convenient method for drying is to use a tumble dryer on a delicate fabric program or a traditional freestanding dryer. In the latter case, you can lay the garment flat and manually redistribute the down filling every few hours.
PREPARING THE DOWN JACKET FOR WASHING AND DRYING
You may be wondering how to dry a down jacket. All the information regarding washing can be found on the label sewn inside the garment. Follow the instructions meticulously to ensure that the clothing doesn't lose its properties or get damaged. Improper care could void the manufacturer's warranty. Before cleaning a down jacket, make sure to empty all the pockets of forgotten money, tissues, or old receipts! If there are larger, hard-to-remove stains visible on the fabric, try to remove them manually before washing. Then, button up all the buttons and zip up the jacket, turning it inside out.
HOW TO WASH A DOWN JACKET?
We have gathered some important information regarding washing down clothing. First and foremost, avoid using regular detergents or liquids, as they can cause the filling to lose its elasticity. For garments with natural filling, a specialized down detergent is highly recommended, which can be easily found in drugstores or outdoor clothing stores. It's also worth thoroughly rinsing the washing machine to remove any residue from daily detergents by running an empty cycle. Choose a gentle program with a temperature recommended by the manufacturer, usually around 30°C or 40°C. It's advisable to add an extra rinse cycle and spin the jacket at low speed (maximum 600 RPM), following the instructions on the label.
DRYING A DOWN JACKET IN A TUMBLE DRYER
The most convenient and least time-consuming method is to dry the down jacket in a tumble dryer. Not sure if it's safe for your clothing? Look for the symbol on the label, a square with a circle inside, indicating that this method won't harm either the outer material or the natural filling. Transfer the jacket to the tumble dryer right after rinsing and select a delicate fabric program with low temperature and low rotations. Drying at temperatures above 60°C can even cause the feathers to scorch!
HOW TO DRY A DOWN JACKET ON A TRADITIONAL DRYER?
There is another effective and safe method that requires a bit more time and effort. Lay the wet jacket flat, for example, on the floor or on a traditional dryer, placing a towel underneath. Every now and then, shake it, turn it over, and tap it to redistribute the down and prevent clumping. It's best to leave the jacket in a dry and well-ventilated area but not in direct proximity to a radiator or another heat source. Thicker garments may take several days to dry, so before storing the jacket in a closet, make sure the filling is completely dry, as damp down will eventually start to smell unpleasant and won't properly serve its thermal insulation function.
You can find lightweight and durable down jackets at pajaksport.pl. Our products have been tested by professional athletes in the most extreme conditions!
Author: Agata Kliś-Koszykowska