What cycle should I use to wash a down jacket in an Atlant washing machine?

There are almost no housewives left who wash their outerwear by hand. Most have entrusted this job to automatic washing machines. Modern washing machines have special programs for washing items with padding.

What's the best washing cycle for a down jacket? What programs are available in modern Atlant machines? Why do some housewives add washing balls to their washing machine along with their jackets? How do you properly dry outerwear? Let's explore the nuances.

Selecting a suitable algorithm

When loading outerwear into the drum, it's crucial to select the correct program on your Atlant washing machine. Spinning items with padding on standard cycles is not recommended. Firstly, this can cause the insulation to clump and secondly, it can damage the top membrane layer.

When the drum rotates sharply during washing and spinning, the filler not only becomes deformed, but also loses its physical properties.

Be sure to check the down jacket's label. The manufacturer lists the garment's composition and care instructions on the tag. It also specifies whether it can be machine washed and at what temperature.

Now you can begin selecting the washing mode. Modern Atlant washing machines don't have a separate program for down jackets. However, this doesn't mean you can't wash a jacket. Belarusian washing machines have similar algorithms.

The following programs are suitable for washing outerwear with filler in Atlant washing machines:

• "Wool";
• "Sportswear";
• "Delicate";
• "Synthetics 40°C".

It is very important to check the program settings. Outerwear with filling will not withstand high speeds and temperatures above 40°C. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the degree and spin speed to the minimum.

The listed Atlant washing machine modes are best suited for washing down jackets. However, you should still consider the jacket's material. If it's a hollowfiber membrane, the "Sportswear" program is ideal. If it's cashmere, the "Wool" program is ideal, and so on.

It's recommended to add an extra rinse to the main cycle. Powder particles are absorbed into the filling, so this step won't harm the down jacket, especially for those with sensitive skin and allergies.

What to do with the spin function

When washing outerwear, don't turn off the spin cycle completely. Removing excess moisture manually will be difficult, and if you don't, the garment will take a long time to dry, and the insulation may develop a damp smell. Furthermore, wet material is more likely to deform under its own weight.

The maximum spin speed for outerwear with filler is 800 rpm.

Why can't I set the speed higher? High speeds can ruin down-filled items. The structure of the filling is damaged, and the down "slips" out of the seams. The insulation clumps together, creating "empty" spaces in the jacket.

Selecting the maximum spin speed will negatively impact not only your down jacket but also your Atlant washing machine. A heavy jacket places significant strain on the motor and bearing assembly. Therefore, spinning outerwear at 600-800 rpm is ideal.

Should I turn my down jacket inside out?

Once you've sorted out and finally selected a washing cycle for your down jacket, don't rush to throw it in the machine. First, check the jacket's pockets—they shouldn't contain any foreign objects. Coins and keys left inside could puncture the washer or clog the drain.

Next, you need to remove any removable decorative elements from the down jacket. This includes the fur, brooches, hood, collar, and cuffs. All this beauty can be damaged during the cycle, and metal embellishments can break off and damage the washing machine.

Next, zip up the down jacket and turn it inside out. The right side of the jacket should be on the inside. This will hide all the non-removable buttons and zippers and prevent them from hitting the drum surface.

Another reason to turn a down jacket inside out is to allow water to penetrate the filling faster. The jacket's interior also requires thorough cleaning. Therefore, don't neglect this recommendation when loading your item into the Atlant washing machine.

An experienced housewife throws balls into the drum

Various women's forums strongly recommend washing outerwear with special balls. What's the benefit of this "neighborhood"? The balls will bounce around inside the washing machine, preventing the filling from clumping. This will prevent the garment from becoming misshapen.

What are the pitfalls of the tennis ball method?

• balls treated with low-quality dyes will give color and stain the down jacket;
• Very heavy balls can damage the insides of the Atlant washing machine even at minimum speed.

However, the balls really do work – they fluff up the down jacket throughout the entire cycle. It's better to buy special laundry balls and add them to the drum. These days, you can find rubber "round balls" that are free of sharp elements, dyes, and odors.

The surface of these special balls has small spikes. They prevent the filling from clumping. Regular, dye-free massage balls are also suitable for washing your down jacket.

Drying a down jacket correctly

Drying your down jacket is an important step. It's just as important as washing it. There are several rules to follow after removing your jacket from the Atlant washing machine:

• Do not place down-filled outerwear in the dryer;
• Do not hang a down jacket on a radiator or other heating devices to dry;
• It is important to ensure that the item is fully conditioned, so the down jacket is hung on a hanger or placed horizontally on a floor dryer;
• It is prohibited to dry outerwear in rooms with high humidity;
• The down jacket should be placed in a dry, well-ventilated area to dry;
• it is necessary to protect products from direct exposure to ultraviolet rays;
• The jacket must be constantly hung and shaken. This will prevent the insulation from clumping and ensure complete drying.
• It's important to ensure the down jacket dries for two days. Otherwise, the filling will rot, develop a foul odor, and stains and streaks will remain on the fabric.
• If you need to speed up drying, use a hairdryer.

There should be a slight draft in the room where the jacket dries. You can’t dry a down jacket for more than two days – the filling will rot and develop an unpleasant odor. Therefore, it is important to monitor the condition of the product.

It's recommended to treat your dry down jacket with a special water-repellent spray. This treatment will provide additional protection, preventing water damage, streaks, stains, and unpleasant odors.

   

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