What cycle should I use to wash a down jacket in an Indesit washing machine?
Down jackets and coats are no longer hand-washed, entrusting this difficult task to the washing machine. Almost all types of fillers can withstand the power of a washing machine, making it easier for homeowners to care for their outerwear. However, for ideal results, it's best to understand how and how long to wash down items. To avoid damaging your item, you need to choose the right washing cycle for your down jacket in an Indesit washing machine and follow a few related steps. We'll discuss all the recommendations and rules below.
We are looking for a suitable mode
Standard washing is not recommended for down-filled items. Modern down jackets, overalls, ski suits, and parkas typically have a membrane layer and insulation made of synthetic materials, such as synthetic padding, Tensulite, or hollowfiber. These materials are susceptible to deformation and loss of valuable physical properties when subjected to harsh rotation or handling. This means that an incorrectly selected program will deprive expensive items of their inherent thermal conductivity, fiber elasticity, and ability to “breathe.”
To avoid compromising the quality of your clothes, it's essential to thoroughly examine your washing machine model and its features. The most suitable "basic" modes include delicates, hand wash, and cycles for sportswear and synthetics. Specifically, it's recommended to locate the following buttons on the control panel:
"Cotton: at 40 degrees";
"Synthetics: gentle at 40 degrees";
"Wool";
"Sport".
Some Indesit washing machines offer a special program designed for outerwear (including down jackets).
There's no significant difference between these modes. However, it's best to test each one over time and evaluate the wash performance. Adjusting the settings is not recommended, as the system already has optimal wash parameters preset. Keep in mind that down jackets and coats won't withstand high speeds or temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.
Why turn it inside out?
Once you've decided on the temperature and drum speed, load the down jacket into the washing machine. But you can't just stuff it in—you need to prepare it for washing first. The first step is to check all pockets to ensure that a lost coin or key has not pierced the machine's tank. Next, remove all removable elements, trims, brooches, collars, cuffs, and hoods. This is especially true if they have natural fur inserts.
Before washing, turn the down jacket inside out, zip it up and check for any forgotten items.
Be sure to zip up all the zippers and turn the jacket inside out, so the right side is on the inside. This will enhance the washing process and protect the jacket from damage. Firstly, the inner lining, now on top, will allow water and detergent to penetrate more quickly. This is important, as the insulation requires thorough cleaning, and the delicate cycle doesn't last as long. Secondly, turning the jacket inside out hides all metal hardware, rivets, and zippers. All these protruding, hard objects will slam against the drum walls as it accelerates, scratching not only the drum itself but also the fabric.
Why wash with balls?
Experienced housewives on forums recommend washing down jackets with tennis balls. The benefit of these "neighbors" is that the balls bounce around in the drum, preventing the insulation from bunching up and the garment from becoming misshapen. However, there are a few pitfalls:
Suitable balls are hard to find;
Low-quality dyes may fade and stain the down jacket;
Too heavy rounds can damage the drum even at minimum speed.
It is recommended to wash down products with special balls that will protect the insulation from bunching and deformation.
To be on the safe side, we recommend replacing tennis balls with special ones. These are dye-free and made of dense rubber. As a bonus, the balls have ridges and spikes on the sides that will massage the jacket and prevent the insulation from bunching up. Household massage balls will also work.
General recommendations
Machine washing down jackets still remains a risky proposition. But by following simple rules, the risk can be easily minimized. These recommendations include the following.
Check your pockets thoroughly and remove all foreign objects.
Fasten all buttons, zippers and snaps.
Sew up all holes and gaps, otherwise the insulation may leak out through them.
Turn the product inside out.
Select a delicate program.
If there is heavy local contamination, wash the stains first with a gentle stain remover.
Check the settings of the selected mode: heating up to 40 degrees and minimum spin at 400-600.
Use special detergents – delicate gels for washing outerwear.
Add the Double Rinse option or run an additional rinse cycle to remove any remaining detergent from the insulation.
Before washing, carefully read the label of the down jacket, where the manufacturer indicates the composition and basic care recommendations for the product.
If your Indesit washing machine is equipped with a drying function, then automatic drying should be turned off. Down items should be dried only naturally, in the fresh air and in an upright position. It is recommended to periodically knead the down to avoid lumps and deformation.
Down jackets and coats are no longer hand-washed, entrusting this difficult task to the washing machine. Almost all types of fillers can withstand the power of a washing machine, making it easier for homeowners to care for their outerwear. However, for ideal results, it's best to understand how and how long to wash down items. To avoid damaging your item, you need to choose the right washing cycle for your down jacket in an Indesit washing machine and follow a few related steps. We'll discuss all the recommendations and rules below.
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