Washing down jackets often raises questions: how to make sure that the jacket retains its shape and the filling does not bunch up into dense clumps? One popular method is to use tennis balls, which help to preserve the structure of the down. But what to do if tennis balls are not at hand? It turns out that you can do much simpler: just use clean socks, and the result will be no worse.
Why does the down get dislodged?
During washing, the filling inside the down jacket gets wet and lumps, especially if there is nothing to stir it. This leads to the formation of dense clumps that cause the jacket to lose its insulating properties and appearance. To avoid this, it is important to provide extra movement inside the washing machine that will “break up” the filler and distribute it evenly throughout the jacket.
Why are socks a great alternative?
Unlike tennis balls, clean socks can always be found at home. They are softer, don’t leave a rubbery odor and don’t risk damaging the delicate fabric of the down jacket. Curled socks create the necessary movement in the drum of the washing machine, preventing the down from sticking together and helping to preserve the shape of the product.
How to properly wash a down jacket with socks?
Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the socks. Take 3-4 pairs of clean socks and twist them into tight balls. You can secure the shape with a rubber band to keep the socks from unrolling during the washing process.
- Load the washing machine. Place the down jacket in the drum with the socks. Make sure that the jacket is evenly distributed.
- Select the appropriate mode. Set a delicate wash mode with a temperature of no more than 30 degrees Celsius. A minimum spin (400-600 revolutions) is recommended so as not to damage the filling.
- Use liquid powder. Washing gels are better, as they rinse out easily and do not leave streaks.
- Dry properly. After washing, gently lay the jacket out horizontally, shaking it periodically to distribute the filling evenly. If you have a dryer, you can leave the socks inside the drum for additional “breaking up” of the down.
Advantages of the method
- Cost-effectiveness. Socks are always at hand, and you do not need to buy special accessories for washing.
- Safety. Soft fabrics of socks exclude damage to the lining and outer material of the jacket.
- Simplicity. The method is suitable for all types of down jackets and can be easily repeated at home.
- Efficiency. The jacket retains its shape, and the filling remains airy and evenly distributed.
Clean socks are an easy and affordable way to keep your down jacket in perfect condition after washing. They provide movement in the washing machine drum, preventing the down from sticking, and the result is just as good as more expensive and complicated methods. Try out this quick trick to make washing your down jacket as efficient and safe as possible!
