Tips to Maintain Your Down Jacket

Tips to Maintain Your Down Jacket

Here are the best tips to clean and maintain your winter jackets and keep them in tip-top shape for years to come.

Down has the highest warmth-to-packed size and the warmth-to-weight ratio of popular materials used for fabrics. A quality jacket made from down can last for decades. The only catch here is that – you should know the right maintenance techniques.

Worry not, here in today’s post, we give you the lowdown of washing, maintaining and caring for your down winter jackets.

Winter Jackets see a Lot of Use

Winter jackets have a lot of use, especially during the cold winter months. You are likely to wear your favourite jackets, day in, and day out, at least for 3-4 months of the year. If you love outdoor winter activities like trekking, skiing, mountaineering, then your jacket is sure to pick up dirt, dust, and sweat.

Without the right care, your jacket is likely to lose its loft – the property that provides you with insulation and warmth. Mishandling the jacket not only makes it lose its insulation but also leads to other issues like lumps and unevenness. A lumpy jacket, not just scores low on style but fails to keep you warm.

Don’t worry. Taking care of a down jacket is pretty simple, and with the right techniques, you can keep this essential winter outerwear in perfect condition.

How to Clean Winter Jackets?

It can be either machine or hand washed. However, the condition for washing varies depending on the product type. Make sure to check the product label for wash instructions.

Most winter jackets can be machine washed, provided you follow the right instructions. Avoid using harsh detergents that contain bleach. A mild detergent that you use for washing your delicates (innerwear) is the preferred choice.

Do’s:

  • Machine or hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent.
  • Skip the spin cycle.
  • Close all zippers and Velcro tabs before washing. Pull out the pockets before washing.
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of detergent.
  • You can wash it along with a couple of clean tennis balls. This helps to spread the down feathers evenly.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t use bleach, fabric softeners.
  • Don’t soak.
  • Don’t dry clean.
  • Don’t allow the wet jacket to stay crumpled.

How to Dry Wet Winter Jackets?

Once the jacket has been washed, remove it and lay it flat to dry on a clothing rack. Don’t wring the jacket. During the drying stage, gently fluff up the down. Don’t let it dry directly under the sun. Instead, place it away from the sun in a well-ventilated spot. It takes around 2-3 hours to dry a lightweight winter jacket completely.

How to Deal with Stubborn Stains?

Your winter jacket can get dirty, especially when you have been engaged in strenuous outdoor activities. If you notice stains or spots on your jacket, here’s a simple deep clean technique to remove it. Make a diluted solution of mild detergent and water. Spray this solution on the stained spot and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, wash as usual.

How to Store your Winter Jackets?

Make sure that you clean your jackets before you put them away, at the end of winter. Don’t stuff or compress your jacket in a small space, as it can cause the down features to clump into lumps. Don’t wrap it in plastic; instead cover the jacket in a light paper, to protect it from dust and exposure to light.

Take Good Care of Your Jacket

A high-quality winter jacket is an investment for several winters. Make sure to follow the washing and maintenance tips mentioned above, and keep yours in top-notch condition for several years.

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