Sustainable Fashion and Beauty Tips For Women: tips for cleaning

How to Wash Down Puffer Jackets

down coat December 28, 2018

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

1. White vinegar + laundry liquid: white vinegar cannot only be used for sterilization and disinfection. But most importantly, the acetic acid can also neutralize the alkaline detergents, making the puffer pieces more fluffy without hurting its internal structure. Mix the white vinegar and laundry liquid in the ratio of 1:1, then dilute with a small amount of water, spray on the surface of the down jacket ( puffer coat) and wipe the stain with a clean towel. Such a quick-wash especially works for a small area of stains.

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.

3. Dish soap for oil stain: For a spot of oil stain, you can also use a tiny amount of dish soap which is designed to tackle grease. Dab a little dish soap on the oil stain and moisten it slightly with water, gently rub the stain, and then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

2. Machine-Wash

The steps of machine-wash are as follows:

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

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How to Care For Leather Jackets

clothes maintenance January 18, 2018

Last Updated: 2025-04-08

As the unisex and cool fashion item, the leather jacket is always favored by the fashion icons and many girls. However, do you really know how to care for it? Keep scrolling down for the answers.

Many people may neglect the essential maintenance and cleaning of their beloved leather jackets, often resorting to simply rubbing with water when a stain appears. But if you aim to preserve your cherished leather garments for the long haul, a mere water-rub or wash will undoubtedly fall short in addressing various potential issues. In your daily routine, make a conscious effort to shield your leather jacket from troublesome stains and potentially harmful acidic or alkaline substances.

Furthermore, for those instances where dust or mud has marked your jacket, a gentle wipe-down with a mixture of water and alcohol can often do the trick. However, when faced with more stubborn culprits like oil or coffee, reaching for a specialized professional leather detergent is the recommended course of action. Always remember to test any cleaning solution on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage.

After your leather jacket gets wet, promptly wipe it dry with a soft cloth. To maintain its suppleness and luster, consider polishing it with a quality leather oil or conditioner when the leather begins to feel dry or look dull, rather than strictly adhering to a two-year interval. Embracing the habit of wearing your leather clothes frequently can indeed be beneficial in keeping the leather soft and preventing it from becoming stiff, but balance this with consistent care.

Avoid hanging your leather jacket in areas exposed to direct sunlight, as this can be detrimental to the leather's color and structural integrity. Given leather's susceptibility to moisture, it's crucial to store your outfits in a shady, dry, and well-ventilated environment, mirroring the storage practices for your winter wool coat. For more details, you can check 8 Tips Of Caring For Wool Coats

Should wrinkles mar the appearance of your leather jacket, entrusting it to a professional dry cleaner for expert attention is a wise choice. Alternatively, you can carefully use a non-steam iron on a low heat setting, always placing a protective layer of oil paper or a cotton cloth between the iron and the leather. Ensure the iron is in constant motion to prevent any risk of scorching.

For minor tears, damage, or the appearance of small cracks, a folk remedy involving egg white suggests applying it evenly over the affected area to act as a bonding agent. However, for more significant damage, seeking professional leather repair services is highly recommended for a lasting solution.

Before stowing away your leather clothes for storage, ensure all stains are meticulously removed. Instead of relying on milk or glycerin for color fixation, consider using a reputable leather conditioner that often contains color-enhancing properties. Store your jacket in a cool, dry place. For added protection against pests, you can include mothballs or other suitable insect repellents. Remember that different types of leather may require slightly different care approaches, so consider the specific type of your jacket for optimal maintenance.

In addition, leather jackets can sometimes pick up unpleasant odors. To remove odors, you can try the following methods:

Air it out: Hang the jacket in a shady, well-ventilated area for some time.

Odor absorbers: Use specialized leather odor-removing sprays, always testing on an inconspicuous area first.

Activated charcoal or baking soda: Place the jacket in a sealed container with some activated charcoal packets or a bowl of baking soda, as they can absorb odors.

Professional cleaning: If the odor is severe, consider seeking professional leather cleaning services.

Finally, please remember that different types of leather (e.g., aniline, semi-aniline, pigmented, suede, nubuck) have different characteristics and require varying care methods. It is recommended that you understand the specific type of leather your jacket is made from before applying any care treatments and consult relevant professional care guides.