Washing a down jacket at home can be a great way to prepare for colder weather without the hassle of taking it to a dry cleaner. To successfully wash a down jacket, it’s important to use a liquid detergent designed for delicate laundry or a specialized detergent for this type of clothing. Additionally, inserting silicone or tennis balls into the washing machine can help prevent clumping of the feathers.
It’s best to avoid overcrowding the washing machine when washing a down jacket, as it will swell during the washing process, taking up a lot of space. Always wash only one jacket at a time. When choosing a washing program, opt for the one designed for delicate laundry with a water temperature of 30-40 degrees. It’s recommended to wash down jackets once or twice a year, without using a centrifuge.
After washing, it’s important to dry the jacket properly. If air drying, wait for a windy day to help speed up the process and ensure the feathers are distributed evenly. However, this method can take a couple of days if the weather is damp, cold, and windless. If using a dryer, set it to the lowest temperature and include silicone or tennis balls to aid in the drying process. Avoid high temperatures, as they may dry the jacket only on the outside, leaving the inside moist.
While washing and drying a down jacket at home do come with risks, using a centrifuge during washing is not recommended. If the feathers are still clumped after drying, consider using the lowest power dry spin program as a last resort to fluff the feathers. Always be mindful of the potential for damage and take care in the washing and drying process.