Cleaning a down coat or vest regularly can help extend its lifespan and keep it looking its best. Down insulation can lose loft and insulating ability over time, but with proper care, your down garments can last for years. Here is a thorough guide on how to clean a down coat or vest.
Supplies Needed
- Mild laundry detergent or down wash
- Front-loading washing machine
- Extra-large laundry bags or pillowcases
- Tennis balls (at least 2-3)
- Dryer balls or clean tennis balls (for drying)
Prepping the Down Garment
Before washing, check the care tag and follow any special instructions from the manufacturer. Then, take these steps to prep your down item:
- Shake out the down coat or vest thoroughly outside to remove any dirt, debris, or feathers. This helps washing go smoother.
- Check all pockets and remove any items. Turn the coat or vest inside out.
- Zip up and close any buttons, snaps, or hooks to avoid damage during washing.
- Never wash down with other garments, as the feathers can escape and stick to other fabrics.
Washing the Down
Use a front-loading washing machine for cleaning down, as the tumbling action is gentler than top-loaders. Follow these steps for washing:
- Set the machine to a delicate, gentle, or permanent press cycle. Use cold or warm water, not hot.
- Use a mild powder or liquid laundry detergent made specifically for down. Otherwise use a mild powder detergent with no bleach or fabric softener.
- Place 2-3 clean tennis balls in the washing machine drum. The balls help break up clumps during washing.
- Place the down coat or vest in a large laundry bag or pillowcase. This prevents the down from escaping the baffles. Tie the bag securely.
- Add the bag to the washing machine gently. Do not pack too tightly.
- Use a slow spin cycle, if possible. High spin cycles can damage down.
- Run the full wash cycle. Depending on soil level, a second rinse cycle may help remove more detergent residue.
Drying the Down Coat or Vest
It’s critical to dry down fully to restore loft and insulation. Follow these tips:
- At the end of the wash cycle, remove promptly to prevent mildew. Do not let sit wet for long.
- Dry on a low heat delicate cycle if possible. High heat can damage down.
- Toss in 2-4 clean tennis balls or dryer balls to break up clumps.
- For extra loft, pause the cycle periodically to shake out and redistribute the down filling.
- Once dry, remove promptly and shake vigorously. Hang to finish drying completely.
Do not machine dry if tennis balls are not available to separate clumping down. In that case, lay flat to air dry out of direct sunlight. Fluff and shake periodically as it dries.
Restoring Down’s Loft
If your down still seems flat or clumpy after washing, try these extra steps:
- Use a clothes steamer to provide moisture and redistribute the down. Avoid excess heat.
- Tumble dry again with new tennis balls to further separate and fluff down.
- For stubborn spots, use your hands and fingers to gently break apart clumped feathers inside baffles.
With proper techniques for washing and drying, your down coat or vest can retain fluff and insulation for many seasons to come. Be sure to store off-season down items properly as well, giving room for the down to loft rather than compressing it. With careful maintenance, down can provide warmth and comfort for the life of the garment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Down
What is the best way to wash a down coat at home?
Use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and tennis balls. Wash in a mesh bag, dry with low heat and tennis balls.
How often should you wash a down coat?
Only wash when soiled. For light use, once every 2-3 years is fine. With heavy use or after extended storage, wash more often.
Can I wash down in the machine?
Yes, a front-loading washing machine with a gentle cycle is ideal for washing down at home. Be sure to use a large laundry bag.
What happens if down gets wet?
The down filling can become saturated and lose insulating ability. Dry thoroughly right away by machine or air drying to restore loft. Prolonged wetness can cause mildew in down.
Why does my down coat get flat after washing?
Aggressive washing and drying can compress feathers. Use mild settings, tennis balls, and shake frequently to maintain loft. Steam or re-dry to fluff.
How do you dry a down coat without a dryer?
Lay flat to air dry out of direct sunlight. Shake and redistribute the down periodically as it dries to prevent clumping.
Conclusion
With the proper supplies and techniques, washing your down coats and vests at home can help them last longer and retain their warmth. Always check the care tag for any special instructions. Use a front-loader on gentle with mild detergent, wash and dry with tennis balls, and avoid over-drying. Give your down jackets a fresh start for the season ahead.