Question 1

Should I use a special kind of detergent to wash my puffer jacket?

Accepted Answer

One of the main keys to washing a puffer jacket in the washing machine is avoiding strong chemicals that can break down the waterproofing elements that help keep you and your jacket warm and dry.

“A down-specific cleanser is really going to help you maintain your jacket (we recommend Gear Aid), but a mild detergent—preferably nontoxic and biodegradable—will work too,” Morningstar says.

Make sure to avoid anything containing bleach or fabric softeners, and look for something suited for delicate fabrics.

Question 2

Why is the kind of washing machine important?

Accepted Answer

Top- and front-loading washing machines each use a different type of force to clean clothes. “Avoid top-loading agitator washing machines, which can catch the material and destroy your jacket,” says Morningstar. “You can definitely machine wash your puffer jacket with either real down or synthetic fill, but only in a front-loading machine.”

Question 3

How do you hand-wash a puffer jacket?

Accepted Answer

If you do not have access to a front-loading machine, you can still wash your puffer jacket by hand.

Morningstar recommends “soaking the jacket for approximately 30–60 minutes in lightly warm (not hot) to cold water in a sink or tub, then gently wash the jacket using your down-friendly mild detergent.”

Make sure you rinse your jacket well with cold water and gently squeeze out any excess water, being very careful to not wring or twist as you squeeze to avoid clumping the down insulation.

And you can always spot-wash by hand as needed.

Question 4

Will a puffer jacket shrink if you wash it?

Accepted Answer

Hot water and heat are the enemies of a puffer jacket when cleaning it. So to keep your puffer jacket from shrinking, make sure to always use cold water for washing and low heat for drying.

“This will depend on the materials the jacket is made of, but washing in hot water or drying with high heat could not only shrink your jacket, but could potentially damage it too,” Morningstar says.

So be sure to dry your puffer jacket on the lowest heat setting to help avoid damage or shrinking. “Check the garment every 15–20 minutes to pull apart clumps,” she says. “This process will help ensure that feathers are distributed evenly and the garment is completely dry, which will prevent mold. This process may take a while, but you need to avoid high heat that can damage the jacket shell or down.”

Question 5

Do you need to wash synthetic down and natural down jackets differently?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between synthetic vs. natural down is that synthetic down is a man-made material and natural down comes from ducks and geese. While there are pros and cons to both kinds of down, caring for them is virtually the same.

“Even though real down and synthetic insulation are completely different, their care instructions are mostly the same,” Morningstar says. “You do want to try to avoid compressing a synthetic jacket as much as possible though. Synthetic is more susceptible to cold spots caused by compression.”

Question 6

How do you make a puffer jacket puffy again?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve ever felt cold in your jacket or noticed the down is getting clumpy, Morningstar says the best way to fluff and de-clump a puffer jacket is to throw it in the dryer on the lowest heat setting along with two or three clean tennis balls. In about 20–30 minutes your jacket should be nice and puffy again. You can also do this each time you wash and dry your puffer jacket to help the insulation keep doing its job. [/read] 🎀 You also might like this Gorgeous Lilac Dreams Lace Up Deep V Party Dress <img class=" wp-image-898 aligncenter" src="" alt="pink sugar" width="99" height="99" /> [onsite_messaging data-key="homepage-promotion-wide"] 👉 Extra 10% off Today - Code already added to your cart ALWAYS FREE SHIPPING [spacer height="1px"] Girls Night Out Day Out With Besties Date Night Special Occasions Vacations 🎀   [spacer height="1px"]