Many people think that washing down jackets is just like washing other types of jackets. However, with this type of jacket, washing it the usual way will cause the down fibers inside to clump together, affecting the warmth and beauty of the jacket and making it deteriorate quickly.
The method of cleaning down jackets without washing can solve this problem. You can limit the number of times you wash the jacket by cleaning the surface of the jacket and storing it properly.
How to clean down jackets without washing
With the following tips, your down jacket will still look new without compromising its quality and aesthetic appeal.
There are several ways to clean down jackets without washing. (Photo: Thespruce)
Use white vinegar and fabric softener
To apply this non-washing cleaning method for down jackets, you need to pour a little white vinegar into a basin, add fabric softener and cold water, and stir. Fabric softener not only protects the down jacket but also eliminates static and prevents dirt from sticking to the washed jacket. The acetic acid in white vinegar can kill bacteria and soften stubborn stains on the jacket. Note that you should not use hot water as it will damage the down jacket.
Pour the mixed solution into a spray bottle, spray the solution evenly on the down jacket, especially in areas with heavy stains.
Use an old toothbrush to brush the areas with repeated stains, scrubbing and wiping until the stains fade. Next, use a soft cloth to gently wipe the entire surface of the jacket. After brushing the down jacket, do not rush to dry it as there may be some residue of detergent left on the surface of the jacket. Use a wet cloth to wipe the surface of the jacket several times.
Hang the cleaned jacket up to dry, note to hang in a well-ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight. This method saves time, effort, and ensures that the jacket stays beautiful and durable.
Use shampoo and white vinegar
Squeeze a little shampoo into a bowl, add white vinegar, and add some clean water, stir well and pour into a spray bottle.
Spray this mixture on the dirty areas of the jacket and use a warm cloth to wipe it away, the jacket will be immediately cleaned. Shampoo can effectively remove stains on the surface of the jacket, while white vinegar helps keep the jacket soft and kills bacteria after it dries.
In addition, you can replace shampoo with toothpaste, which has a similar effect but requires an additional step of washing the jacket.
How to store down jackets to keep them beautiful and durable (Photo: Thespruce)
Tips for maintaining down jackets
Store the jacket in a cabinet or in a room at a temperature of 21-25 degrees C, ensuring a moderate humidity of 45-55%. Down jackets are not suitable for high-temperature places, so when drying, you should not let the jacket come into direct contact with a heat source. Store the jacket in a well-ventilated place. Do not expose the jacket to intense sunlight or direct sunlight. Instead, hang the jacket in a dry, clean, well-ventilated, and shaded area. Do not fold or stuff the jacket into a backpack or closet for a long time. Always keep the jacket from being compressed or tightly squeezed, it is best to hang it on a hanger for storage. Be careful when using it to avoid tearing the jacket as the down fibers will lose their warmth and significantly affect the quality. On humid days, it is best to wrap the jacket in a breathable bag and place it in a dry place. If you find the jacket is moldy, use cotton soaked in alcohol to wipe it clean, then use a damp cloth to dry it.