Advice on how to wash down jacket in the washing machine automatic: the choice of the correct mode, tools, drying method

Down jacket is a comfortable winter garment that keeps you warm during the cold season.

Regular cleaning of the down jacket significantly prolongs its life.

However, not everyone knows how to care for the product, including how to wash the down jacket in the washing machine machine.

Some models cannot be treated at home, while many manufacturers allow for washing at home. Let's get into the nuances of this topic.

Deciphering the icons on the label

Each manufacturer sets its own rules for washing. The following icons can be found on down jackets, indicating what you can and cannot do with the product:

• The horizontal line inside the. Indicates drying on the flats.
• Three vertical lines. Dry in a hanging position without wringing.
• Circle inside the square with a dot. Tumble dry at low temperatures.
• Same icon with two dots inside. Tumble drying temperature remains normal.
• Symbol crossed out. No machine drying.

If the down jacket has an emblem with a basin and the symbol 40, then machine drying is acceptable. A picture of an iron crossed out with several lines adds a prohibition on ironing.

Professional down care is indicated by the symbols F and P inside a small circle. A crossed out circle indicates prohibition of professional dry cleaning.

Additional elements include one or more stripes indicating the most delicate washing possible.

Such items should be hand-washed with the addition of conditioners or rinses. In some cases, the water temperature is indicated by dots, so be careful.

Which down jackets are machine washable and which are dry cleanable only

When buying a down jacket, look at the recommendations for use attached in the form of icons. Carefully study the label on the model, showing the composition of the material and fillings.

It also contains requirements for proper care of the down jacket. If you see a picture in the form of a bowl with your hand dipped in it, it means that the laundry may be done only in manual mode.

If you find a basin with a specified temperature, then washing in an automatic machine is allowed.

Before cleaning, determine whether you need to perform a full wash, or you can perform a small treatment. The latter is needed if there are stains on the fabric, stained collar or sleeves.

Timely cleaning keeps the filler in good condition, as manipulation only touches the surface.

Otherwise you will deform the filling, which will lead to its uneven distribution in the fabric.

Preparing the down jacket for washing

Preparing the down jacket is a step as important as the washing itself.

Incorrect actions at the moment of preparation can lead to trouble in the form of white stains on the fabric or deterioration of the quality of the filling.

This will happen regardless of the type of down (biological, tinsulite, feather down, synthetic options). Eventually, the down will simply cease to perform its functions.

As mentioned above, carefully study the labels before washing. After that, clean the pockets and unbutton the hood (fur, if any).

Inspect the down jacket. If it has fat stains, it is better to soak it with special agents and remove them. If there are none, you can proceed to the next step.

Check the integrity of the product. It may be damaged (holes, deformations of the snake, filler, etc.).

Damage must be repaired immediately, otherwise it will become larger after washing. Fasten all locks, zippers, buttons and buttons.

Turn the product inside out and send it to the washing machine.

As you can see, the process of preparing the down jacket for washing is as simple as possible, if you do it carefully and attentively.

What to wash the down jacket in the machine

At the moment there are many different means for washing down jackets. Despite the opinion of most, you can use not only powder, but also other chemicals.

Shampoos for washing

Shampoo for washing down jackets is a kind of gel. Now you can find shampoos for hand washing, perfectly interacting with the fabric of the product.

The disadvantage is the high price, since shampoo is much more concentrated than conventional powder.

Means for delicate fabrics

If the manufacturer recommends washing the down jacket by hand, it is better to buy products for gentle cleaning.

They contain less aggressive substances. Sometimes they add natural ingredients, including fragrances, essential oils, herbal extracts, etc.

Washing sportswear

Many gels are designed not only for down jackets, but also for sportswear.

The fact is that the fabric structure of these categories of things is markedly different from everyday clothing. Thus, it is assumed that the impact on the fabric will be different.

Some manufacturers recommend washing down jackets with products for sportswear.

Bleaches .

Down jacket is undesirable to wash with bleach. The substances in it are extremely aggressive and have a bad effect on the fabric and the filling.

It actively dissolves the fat layer present on the down, which contributes to the thinning.

Capsules

In some cases, laundry capsules are useful. A capsule is a small container filled with a gel.

Sometimes the composition includes not only cleaning agents, but also conditioners, rinses, etc. Thus, the capsule contains everything.

If the label states that the down jacket can be washed with the addition of conditioner, you can buy just the capsules. They have a concentrated liquid solution, which prevents white stains.

The disadvantage is the cost - capsules are quite expensive compared to other products of the same category.

On what program can be washed down jacket

Mode for voluminous things

This option is ideal for voluminous models. It is laid in many modern models of washing machines.

It is designed for things that absorb a lot of liquid. The duration of washing is at least one hour and no more than two hours.

The LG washing machine manufacturer calls this option "Bulk Washing Mode". In general, the name does not differ too much from one company to another.

This mode uses a large amount of water, so take this into account before washing.

Hand wash.

This mode allows you to wash any items neatly and slowly. They are subjected to the least deformation, which is important in the case of a down jacket.

Hand wash is similar to the option "delicate items", but still different. The temperature is between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius.

In this case, the washing machine consumes more water than in normal modes. This avoids excessive friction on the drum.

After washing, the down jacket will not be deformed.

Some manufacturers have included the option of setting the manual washing mode (reduce/increase the number of revolutions, reduce/increase the temperature, etc.). Choose what you need in your case.

Manual washing is provided in every modern model of washing machine.

Down comforter

You can also try the "down comforter" mode, which is gentle on things. The option is designed for washing things that contain down or similar elements (sintepon, etc.).

The lowest temperature (30 degrees Celsius) keeps clothes in pristine condition. The minimum operating time is 40 minutes or more.

LG models have the ability to customize the mode by plugging in the "crease-free" or "intensive" function.

If you have a soak function, turn it on before the main wash. The process will take less time than if it were done manually.

Down jacket spin

Not all down jackets are spin-able. If there are no contraindications to spinning on the label indicated, it can be done.

Never select the half-load option, even if the down takes up a smaller portion of the drum.

The more water the better. Clothes absorb a lot of liquid, and this should not be prevented.

Washing with a lot of water minimizes the likely risks of tearing the fabric.

What to do if the filling is crumpled

If you find lumps inside the down jacket after washing, you can move the filler yourself.

To do this, lay the product on a horizontal surface, and then carefully feel the fabric. Slowly smooth out the down.

Then you should leave the down until it is completely dry (horizontally or vertically). Do not forget to shake the clothes periodically to avoid new lumps.

Quite an interesting way to avoid lumps is the tennis ball method. During washing, it is enough to throw a few tennis balls in the machine and turn on the mode without rinsing.

The optimal number of balls is three.

It is desirable not to wring the down washed in this way. Just hang it in an upright position.

What to do when washing streaks

If you find white streaks, do not panic. These are detergent residues that can easily be removed.

Try filling the sprayer with clean water, splashing it on the spots and wiping them off with a dry rag. The method will perfectly cope with surface stains.

It is desirable to use a rag made of soft materials: cotton, microfiber.

If the first method does not help, you can use dishwashing detergent. Dissolve a teaspoon of the detergent in a glass of water, wet the cloth and gently wipe the dirty spot.

There are also special cleaning cloths. Their main advantage is that they do not leave any residue behind.

However, keep in mind that only specialized products are suitable - simple wet wipes not only will not remove the dirt, but will leave new streaks.

In some cases, a second wash is also required if you are dealing with grease stains or stale dirt. In any case, you need to achieve a complete cleanliness of the product.

Drying the down jacket.

First of all, you should take a look at the labels. Depending on the manufacturer, choose vertical or horizontal drying.

Many recommend choosing the vertical option, but it is not suitable for when the coat has been washed by hand. For machine washing, the vertical method of drying should be preferred.

Direct sunlight and drafts should be avoided during drying. Try not to let the temperature exceed 25 degrees Celsius.

If the weather outside is freezing, you can shake the jacket from time to time in the cold and indoors. This way the product will gain more freshness.

Keep the garment away from the heating device, sun and open fire.

Now you know more about down jacket care rules. Try not to stretch the product, clean it regularly from dirt, and then the thing will serve you for a long time!

Useful video

In this video there are some more useful tips for washing down jacket: