Last Updated: 2025-02-17
In my last post How to Wear Puffer Jackets In 8 Chicest Ways, I introduced 8 chicest ways for wearing padded outfits in details. Today, I think you will be interested in some practical cleaning methods of these winter essentials. Actually, how often do you wash the down jacket/puffer coat really depends on how dirty it is and how often you use your puffer. However, it's important to clean it periodically because it will help the puffer last longer and perform better. Here are 3 different ways for cleaning, please keep reading.
Understanding Down Puffer Jacket Structure
Before diving into cleaning methods, it's helpful to understand why down puffer jackets require special care. Down puffer jackets are uniquely constructed for warmth and insulation, primarily relying on down feathers and their construction.
Down Feathers are Key:
The core of a puffer jacket's warmth comes from down feathers, the soft, fluffy layer beneath the exterior feathers of ducks and geese. These down clusters are incredibly lightweight and have a three-dimensional structure that traps a large volume of air. This trapped air is what provides exceptional insulation, keeping you warm in cold conditions.
Construction for Loft and Insulation:
Puffer jackets are designed with quilted compartments or baffles. These compartments prevent the down from shifting and clumping at the bottom of the jacket. By keeping the down evenly distributed, these baffles ensure consistent insulation across the entire garment and maximize the loft (fluffiness) of the down. Loft is crucial because it's the air trapped within the down clusters that provides warmth.
Outer Shell Fabric:
Most puffer jackets have an outer shell made of tightly woven fabrics, often treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. This outer shell is designed to be lightweight yet durable, and to protect the down from moisture and wind, while still allowing some breathability.
Why Special Cleaning is Necessary
Because of this unique structure and the delicate nature of down, regular household cleaning methods can easily damage puffer jackets, reducing their warmth and lifespan. The washing methods outlined below are designed to gently clean the jacket while preserving the integrity of the down and its insulating properties. Harsh chemicals, excessive agitation, and improper drying can all negatively impact the down and the jacket's overall performance. Therefore, following specific cleaning instructions is essential to maintain your puffer jacket's warmth, fluffiness, and longevity.
1. Quick-Wash
2. A spot of oil stain can also be removed by a small amount of toothpaste. Apply the toothpaste to the stain and moisten it with water, rub it slowly and rinse it off.
2. Machine-Wash
1. Check the care label first to see whether your down jacket/puffer coat can be machine washed or dried. Then brush off the dirt or mud with a soft damp cloth before washing. Empty all your pockets and close all the zips or velcro. If possible, please turn the jacket inside out.
2. Check your machine: it's best to wash your down coat with front-loading washing machine, never wash it with a top loading washing machine since the center agitator could damage the down or feathers. And maybe the huge static generated by the friction between the two can cause an explosion, if it's serious.
3. Put the laundry liquid: make sure to use the down wash specifically designed for down or technical winter coats. Never use the household detergents and fabric softener, which could damage the down and the resistant coating of the outerwear. Finally, fill only 1/2 the washing machine with clothes.
4. Set the cycle: set a gentle cycle ( or the delicate or wool cycle) at 30 degrees °C and give it an extra rinse to ensure no cleaner residues are left in the down jacket if it's available. At last, skip the spin cycle to protect your jacket from being damaged.
5. Dry the jacket: Don't air dry your down jacket because it will take a really long time and there is more risk of the feathers clumping together. Put your jackets in the dryer and select a low heat setting. Add 4-5 tennis balls or similar into the dryer to pat the jacket, making sure the down will not clump together and helping it to refluff the down. When the jacket is 100% dry, take it out and give it a good shake.
The more detailed washing steps are shown in the below video:
3. Hand-Wash
Hand-washing is the gentlest method, ideal for delicate puffer jackets or for those who prefer a more controlled cleaning process. You can use a clean sink, bathtub, or large basin depending on the size of your jacket.
Prepare for hand-wash: Fill a clean sink, bathtub, or large basin with lukewarm water. Add a down–specific detergent to the water and gently agitate to distribute it evenly.
Soak and wash gently: Turn your down coat or puffer inside out and submerge it into the soapy water. Gently soak your down coat or puffer into the water, ensuring it's fully immersed. If the jacket is heavily soiled, please soak for up to 60 minutes before washing to loosen the dirt. Gently massage the jacket to wash it, paying particular attention to heavily soiled areas like cuffs and collars. Avoid harsh scrubbing or twisting.
Rinse thoroughly and dry properly: Drain the soapy water and refill with clean, lukewarm water. Rinse the jacket thoroughly, gently squeezing out the soapy water. Repeat the rinsing process several times until no detergent residue is visible and the water runs clear. Squeeze excess water gently from the jacket but never wring or twist it, as this can damage the down. Then follow the drying steps in Machine-Wash section above, using a dryer with dryer balls for the best result.
4. Things to Avoid
Detergents & Additives:
- Do not use household detergents, fabric softener, or bleach on your down jacket. These can damage the down and outer shell.
- Avoid using too much detergent, even down-specific ones.
Washing Machine & Cycle:
- Do not wash your jacket in a top loading washing machine with a center agitator.
- Do not overload the washing machine, ensure enough space for the jacket to move freely.
- Do not use the spin cycle or use the lowest spin setting if machine-washing.
Drying & Storage:
- Do not air dry your down jacket for extended periods. Always use a dryer with low heat and dryer balls.
- Do not wring or twist your jacket to remove water.
- Do not iron your down jacket. The heat can damage the down and the outer shell fabric.
- Do not dry clean your down jacket, as the chemicals can strip the down's natural oils and damage the fabric.
- Do not leave your wet down jacket sitting in the washing machine or sink for extended periods, as this can lead to mildew growth. Dry it promptly after washing.
- Do not store your down jacket in a compression bag for long periods. Store it loosely in a breathable garment bag to maintain its loft and insulation performance.
For more caring tips of other winter staples, please head over to:
Post by: morimiss.blogspot.com