An Easy Guide on How to Wash A Puffer Jacket

When it comes to protecting yourself against the cold weather, there is not much like the puffer jacket. The warmth and comfort of these jackets are unmatched. But they do get dirty; you spill something on them, go on a mud-filled adventure, or just because of the usual dust and grime. Eventually, you have to wash them. If you want to keep your puffer jackets intact and make sure they last long, you have to make sure you know how to do it right. Here, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to wash your puffer jackets so they stay fluffy and keep protecting you from the cold.   

Things you need

The Detergent: The detergent should be mild and should be specifically designed for synthetic materials, never use bleach or any fabric softener either.

The Washing Machine: The washing machine should be a front loading one. Top-loading machines can damage the jacket's fill.  

The Dryer: It is preferable to tumble dry the jacket at low heat.

Balls: Use dryer balls or tennis balls to keep the fill from clumping    

Towels: You should blot the excess water with a clean towel

Soft Brush: This is optional in case you want to clean certain spots by hand  

How To Prepare A Puffer Jacket For Washing?

Cleaning puffer jackets requires preliminary preparation. It is not enough to simply put the Puffer jacket in the washing machine; the jacket must be prepared in advance:

• Check the care label inside the jacket; it will have important details telling you how to clean the jackets; for instance, some jackets can only be dry cleaned. So follow the instructions.
• Remove all contents from inside and outside pockets.
• Unfasten decorative elements, fur trim, hood and belt. In order to keep the fittings safe and sound, it is recommended to wrap them in cling film.
• It is better to pre-treat the dirtiest areas with a detergent (regular laundry soap will do) and leave for 15-20 minutes. Such dirty areas as for example the lower part of the sleeves, the collar, areas near the zipper, and pockets.
• Turn it inside out and zip it up - this will keep the fabric and fastenings intact.

IMPORTANT! It is recommended to wash the puffer jacket separately from other items. This will improve the removal of dirt from the jacket.

How to wash a puffer jacket in a washing machine

What program to wash on? Each program is designed for a certain type of fabric. in hot water synthetic material loses its basic properties like shape, ability to "breathe". Therefore, it is recommended to wash a puffer jacket with feather filling or other filling using a hand or delicate mode. If there is a mode for wool products, it is better to choose it.

Temperature: It is worth remembering that most synthetic fabrics cannot be washed at temperatures above 40 degrees. Hot water is the first reason why a puffer jacket loses its shape and the fluff clumps. Before washing, carefully study the manufacturer's label. High-quality items have not only labels with care recommendations but also fabric samples for test washing. Therefore, it is better to choose the minimum temperature. You do not need to worry that the quality will deteriorate at low water temperatures. Modern detergents dissolve well and work even in cold water.

Cycles: It is better to set the spin to no more than 400 revolutions. If the filler is natural and not synthetic padding, completely abandon the spin since it will be problematic to straighten the crumpled filler after washing and drying.

Using Balls to Wash the Jackets: To avoid the filler from clumping, it is recommended to use special balls (they can be purchased at any hardware store). Usually, one ball is placed in the side pockets, and two more are simply placed in the washing machine. Special balls can be replaced with improvised balls just make sure if you are using any other round objects, they are clean. You can also use socks with thread or cotton balls inside them.  

Extra Rinse Cycle: It is a good idea to run an extra rinse cycle just to ensure the detergent is removed  

Remove Access Water: After the cycle is complete. Remove the jacket from the machine and gently press the jacket against the side of the sink or a clean surface with a towel so the extra water can be removed.

Tumble Dry: Remember to do this at low temperature, and remove the jacket every 20-30 minutes to fluff it by hand and distribute fluff evenly throughout the jacket. Make sure you dry the jacket completely; otherwise, the dampness will lead to mildew in the jacket.  

Note About Leather jackets

The article focuses on puffer jackets; however, leather jackets would need a completely different approach. Never wash your black leather jacket in a machine. Wipe them down with a damp, clean cloth, then use special cleaners and conditioners to clean them in order to avoid discoloration. Better yet, find professionals to do it. Do not use the methods described above for other puffer jackets with a leather jacket.

Conclusion

It's important to follow these steps to avoid clumping and reduced insulation of your jacket. if you follow these simple tips, your jacket will retain its shape and last long, and you will be ready for any harsh winter.