Down jackets are not just a fashion statement - with the onset of cold weather they turn into a real necessity. Problems arise only in cleaning these products from dirt. But there are certain tricks that help to cope with the problem, to understand how to wash a down jacket in a machine so that the down does not get lost.
Washing or surface cleaning: which is better?
Washing down items at home is a taboo procedure for many. And they refuse to use dry cleaners because of high prices. In an attempt to extend the service life, owners resort to brushes. But they are not effective. Therefore, it is worth understanding which processing mode is best suited.
Using washing machines has the following advantages:
- Completely removes sweat odors.
- Makes down jackets as fluffy as possible.
- Eliminates any stains, yellowing, or grayness.
Cleaning has slightly fewer advantages, although they still exist:
- Removing fresh stains.
- The procedure requires very little time.
Experts recommend giving preference to washing with a washing machine, which is carried out for down jackets 2-3 times per season. But if the stain appeared quite recently, cleaning also helps to cope with the problem.
Automatic machine: can all down jackets be washed with it?
Any item has requirements for care and processing. Down jackets are no exception in this regard. You should carefully study the label of the clothing to understand whether it can be used in an automatic washing machine. Life is simplified if both manual and automatic washing options are allowed. If the hand wash only icon is displayed, it means that appropriate restrictions have been introduced.
Down jackets can be processed with a washing machine if at least one of the following conditions is met:
- The appearance of a pungent odor of sweat.
- The appearance of stains over the entire surface.
In most cases, manufacturers produce clothes that can be used in automatic washing machines. The main thing is to comply with the conditions and requirements and choose the appropriate mode wisely. The same applies to temperature, the use of suitable means that do not disturb the structure of the material.
Proper washing of down jackets
Clothes will become unusable if the owners do not follow the established rules during processing. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the generally accepted instructions for washing machines in advance:
- The label must definitely have an icon that allows automated washing.
- Automated processing is not suitable when the fluff is always on the outside.
- There should only be one jacket inside the machine. You should not combine this item with other wardrobe items.
With these basic rules, anyone can handle the cleaning process involving a washing machine.
Selection of powder, water temperature
The appearance of the item at the end of the work depends on the selection of the initial washing characteristics for the machine. Otherwise, unpleasant odors appear, the color changes.
Modes suitable for processing down clothes
A special program has been created for each type of clothing:
- Feather.
- Synthetic.
- Down.
"Delicate wash" or "Bio-down" - this is the program that is suitable for most of these items in washing machines. Almost every modern machine has it. Using this mode will prevent the appearance of stains and other similar deformations.
"Washing woolen products" is the best choice in the case of machines that do not have the function specified earlier. It works with the same parameters as delicate processing. Feather or down products will definitely not be damaged.
These modes are supported by the following manufacturers of washing machines:
- Samsung.
- Indesit.
- Bosch.
- Electrolux.
- Beko.
Stains are removed equally on both plain items and those with decorative patterns on the surface.
What products are suitable for cleaning down in the machine?
Special soap solutions are used for washing machines if large volumes are to be processed. It is recommended to refuse to use powder, it often leaves stains on jackets.
Stain removal will be most effective if the following substances are taken:
- Soap, which is suitable for delicate clothes.
- Concentrated gels for rag products.
The products are usually sold in the form of bottles. Without serious contamination, 30-40 ml of liquid is enough.The dosage is increased to 60 ml if serious and pronounced spots are present.
Bottles with this implementation are not equipped with measuring scales. Measurements are carried out using caps with a standard volume of 40 ml. For regular washing, ¾ of this cover is enough. For intensive use you will need at least one and a half containers.
Preparing the down jacket for washing
Preparing a down jacket involves performing the following steps:
- First the pockets are checked. If necessary, they are emptied completely.
- Hoods and any inserts with fur can be unfastened.
- The seams are examined for protruding fluff and holes. The latter are completely sutured, even if they are small. You should completely avoid washing in automatic mode if there are protruding feathers.
- The clothes are turned inside out, all the zippers are fastened. Then the product itself will definitely not be damaged.
Step-by-step washing instructions
In order for the procedure on the washing machine to be successful, the following procedure is applied:
- The zippers are fastened, the jacket is turned inside out.
- The product is placed inside the machine. There are also 2-3 tennis balls or other similar round objects placed inside. Then the fluff is more likely not to roll into a ball. The main thing is to make sure that the balls do not fade, otherwise the jacket may be damaged.
- Set the appropriate mode.
The process will begin to remove dust stains. When the program is completed, all that remains is to take out the clothes and check how well the job was done. Then everything is dried.
Spinning is performed independently by the owner if this function does not work for the device itself for one reason or another.
Cleaning grease stains on a down jacket
Such fabrics require special attention.The appearance of greasy stains is typical for jackets worn by children. The following instructions help to most effectively get rid of this problem:
- Preparation of clothing is carried out according to the principle described above.
- Using detergents, grease stains are removed by hand. The effect improves if the surface is simply rubbed and left for a while. Next, all that remains is to wash the product using regular running water.
- Afterwards, you need to set the delicate wash mode of the washing machine, and organize rinsing using the machine. Soap or washing gel will be the best options in this case. The option with other substances is acceptable, but they cause divorces.
White down jacket: bleaching
A yellowed tint or grayness can be easily removed using a procedure such as bleaching. There are several ways to achieve a suitable result.
Snow-white jackets with spots
A simple remedy like “Vanish” will do the trick here. Stains can only be washed by hand. After this, the jacket is left in the treated state for some time. At the next stage, the product is washed using the “Delicate mode”. It is good to add Vanish to the gel that is used as standard.
Dry cleaning staff are contacted if there is an icon that prohibits automatic processing using washing machines.
When grayness or yellowness appears
The first steps in bleaching are filling the basin with water with the addition of a special substance. The down jacket is placed in this composition for 12 hours. Then everything is washed in an automatic machine, into which the same bleach is placed.Depending on the condition of the jacket, the procedure is repeated several times until the desired result is achieved.
Other substances can be used if for some reason you cannot buy bleach:
- Water in a volume of 12 liters.
- Ammonia mixed with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Each substance – three tablespoons.
- Salt – 8 tablespoons.
- Powder.
The ingredients are mixed, then the jacket is placed in them for a maximum of 8 hours. After this, the product is washed in a regular machine.
When using bleach in a washing machine, there is a high risk of streaks. Therefore, you should choose a mode with intensive rinsing. The item should not be kept in the solution for more than 4 hours. Otherwise, the tissue structure is damaged.
About drying down clothes using machines
It is impossible to dry jackets completely in automatic machines. Otherwise, the product loses its shape and ceases to be attractive.
The jacket immediately hangs up, immediately after it is taken out of the washing machine. When the fabric dries, it will take the desired shape.
In addition, the following actions are performed:
- All types of fasteners must be undone, including buttons with locks.
- The jacket is turned right side out.
- When fastened, the correct shape is easier to take.
- The down jacket is hung on a trempel, or clings to the shoulders on a rope. But clothespins leave marks from squeezing, so it is recommended to give preference to option 1.
- To prevent the fluff from gathering into clumps, you need to stir it up with your own hands. Then the cells will look fluffier.
There are other rules that are recommended to be followed during drying:
- The down jacket must not be placed near any heating devices.High temperatures only harm the fluff.
- Horizontal drying is another action that is prohibited. The fluff will start to rot and rot if there is not enough air.
- To fluff up the fluff, shake the down jacket periodically when it dries.
The jacket may become wrinkled when the processing is complete. You cannot use a regular iron for ironing, it will ruin the fabric even more. It is recommended to purchase a steamer that is suitable for this material.
In case of fluff knocking down, an excellent solution would be to use vacuum cleaners without a plastic nozzle. The device is turned on at low power, and it is carried out from the inside. Seals made of fluff deserve special attention during processing.
The use of steamers fixes any effects of washing machines that were achieved as a result of washing and subsequent processing of the item.
Conclusion
The best option is when the down jacket is properly washed in the machine before the end of the season, and then it is sent for long-term storage. The main thing to remember is that moisture spoils the fluff. Therefore, you need to make sure that the product is completely dry. Otherwise, there is a high probability of an unpleasant odor. For airing, it is recommended to hang the product on the balcony, at least for a couple of days. You cannot use cellophane, it will only prevent the fabric from passing enough air. Cotton covers will be the best choice for all clothing owners. Then you can not worry about moths.
