You are probably thinking of a washing machine obviously? Yes of course, but many people do not use the correct laundry products alongside the machine resulting in the jacket becoming damaged and even making all the feathers clump together by becoming damp. (We recommend Grangers down wash).
STEP 1: Prepare and remove excess
Before you begin you want to empty all the pockets and make sure nothing extra is attached to the jacket (e.g Keychains, badges etc).
STEP 2: Check your labels
You must check if your jacket can actually be washed inside a washing machine; you can do this by checking the inside label. Check out our blog post on what the different symbols on clothing labels mean. Also, It should say which temperature is best for the puffer jacket and what other settings you can wash it in. If your jacket label says you can not use it in the washing machine do not fear we have a way to clean it without needing one.
STEP 3: Cold water warm cycle
Ok, so your Jacket is ready and safe for the washing machine. You want to select a gentle cycle ( similar to a cycle you would use for wool). Once this is selected you want to choose a low heat. It is important to only use cold water. Using hot water will ruin the feathers and cause them to clump together making the jacket flat and not as insulating. Cold water keeps them nice and fluffy. ENSURE you skip the spin cycle as this will damage the puffer.
STEP 3: Cold water warm cycle
Ok, so your Jacket is ready and safe for the washing machine. You want to select a gentle cycle ( similar to a cycle you would use for wool). Once this is selected you want to choose a low heat. It is important to only use cold water. Using hot water will ruin the feathers and cause them to clump together making the jacket flat and not as insulating. Cold water keeps them nice and fluffy. ENSURE you skip the spin cycle as this will damage the puffer.
STEP 4: Rinsing
Once step 3 is complete you now need to rinse your jacket, you want to do this until there is no cleaner left on the jacket. If you are unsure if it is fully cleansed just add some extra time to the rinse cycle to be sure.
STEP 5: Kneading
Almost there, the final step is to knead all excess water out of the jacket. Once you have fully drained your jacket you’re done!
METHOD 2: HAND WASHING
If your jacket is not washing machine safe this is the method for you.
STEP 1: Prepare and remove excess
Prepare the jacket and remove any accessories or items in the pockets or attached to the jacket.
STEP 2: Washing for up to an hour
In either a bathtub or sink (whichever works best for your puffer). You must fill it up with WARM water, this is very important. Hot water will ruin your puffer. As the water is filling add some down cleaner ‘NIKWAX DOWN PROOF’ would be an example. Allow the jacket to soak for up to an hour.
STEP 3: Kneading and wringing
Once you have left your puffer to soak for up to an hour take it out of the water and cleaner solution. Begin rinsing it, you must knead the water out gently and then squeeze the water out. It is IMPORTANT that you knead the jacket evenly or it will clump the feathers together when you wring the jacket you must do it with force or this can cause the feather to then become stuck together.
DRYING
METHOD 1: USING A DRYER
STEP 1: Place into drying machine alone
So now drying, as said in the previous steps you want as much water drained out of the puffer jacket. Once you are satisfied with your draining job you need to place it in the drying machine alone. This is because if any other clothes are in with the puffer jacket it will crush it.
STEP 2: low heat and tennis balls
Set your machine on the lowest temperature you have. Using three tennis balls inside the washing machine allows any clumps or feathers stuck together to break apart. They bounce around inside the drying machine, which also dries the puffer jacket quicker. Set a timer for 30 minutes.
STEP 3: CLUMP BREAKING AND RESULTS
When your timer is up the next step is to massage the puffer jacket to ensure that absolutely no clumps have formed and if so to break them apart (the tennis balls won’t 100% break them all down).
Repeat this process every 30 minutes until completely dry.
Then leave to dry for an extra 3 hours whilst repeatedly massaging the puffer jacket every 30 minutes.
METHOD 2: AIR-DRYING
STEP 1: Hanging
To dry your puffer jacket as effectively as possible you need to find an area which is humid. A moist area will make the jacket smell and you will be back to square 1.
STEP 2: FLUFFING
Every 30 minutes shake the puffer jacket and massage. Dry for 5 hours. Repeat every 30 until 5 hours is up.
Ensure no moisture is left.
WRITTEN BY JUDE CLUETT
References:
https://www.anacondastores.com/adventure-centre/travel-adventure/how-to-wash-a-puffer-jacket
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Wash+and+Dry+a+Patagonia+Down+Jacket/27442
https://www.ariel.co.uk/en-gb/how-to-wash/how-to-do-laundry/fabric-care-labels.
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/475340935670157200/
https://www.northwestoutlet.com/blog/how-to-wash-a-down-jacket/