The holidays may be over, but winter weather isn’t going anywhere. Especially in Colorado, where some of the heaviest snows hit in the spring!
Need to give your winter wardrobe a mid-season refresh? Now is the perfect time to give your favorite warm layers some extra TLC. But, before embarking on your normal laundry routine, we’re here to help you wash your precious jackets the right way.
Keep reading to learn how to wash a down coat or puffer jacket without risking any damage.
How to Wash a Down Coat or Puffer Jacket
Option 1: Machine Washing Your Winter Coat
Unlike other specialty garments in your wardrobe, machine washing is usually pretty safe for most down coats and puffers. However, there are a few specific steps to keep in mind.
Here are some tips to ensure your winter coat stays damage-free during its wash:
Close any zippers and seal any velcro flaps before washing
Use a mild detergent or down-specific detergent
Select a gentle or delicate cycle
Choose cold water
Do not use fabric softener or bleach
If possible, wash your jacket alone, or with similar materials of similar colors!
You’ll also have the best results with a front-loading washing machine. Top loaders with agitators are usually too rough for this type of material.
If you own a top-loader, don’t worry: you can always visit a local laundromat, like the WaveMAX in Thornton. Read this blog for top tips on making the most of your visit!
Option 2: Washing Your Winter Coat by Hand
Prefer hand washing for specialty garments? Here’s how to wash a down coat or puffer jacket by hand:
Fill a clean bathtub with warm water
Add a dash of gentle or down-specific detergent
Submerge your jacket and gently agitate it by hand
Let it soak for 10-15 minutes
Drain and refill the tub with clean water
Agitate the jacket again
Allow it to soak for another 5-10 minutes
Before moving on to drying, lay your jacket on top of a clean towel, roll them together, and gently squeeze it to release excess water.
How to Safely Dry Your Winter Layers
The machine is the best place to dry your jacket. Here’s how:
Select a low or no heat setting, even if you have to do multiple cycles
Add a few tennis balls or dryer balls (here’s how to make your own dryer balls)
Shake your jacket out between cycles
You can also air-dry your jacket on a hanger if you don't have a dryer. Be sure to jostle the jacket a few times while drying to properly distribute the stuffing!
When to See a Pro
Don’t have time to wash your winter jacket safely? Our team can help with laundry pick-up and delivery. Simply search WaveMAX Laundry near me, or click here to schedule a service.
For more from WaveMAX and our services, head to our website.
