Many users are concerned about how well their washing machine will handle light-colored outerwear. Washing a white jacket in a washing machine is possible, but there are a few caveats. You need to prepare the down jacket itself, the washing machine, and select the right detergent before starting the cycle. Let's take a closer look.
Preparing the item for the procedure
The success of an event depends largely on proper preparation of the garment. If the jacket has a fur trim, it should be removed. Belts and straps should also be washed separately.
The first step is to remove the jacket's hood, fur, decorative elements, and lining (if applicable). Next, check the pockets. Be sure to remove all foreign objects from the down jacket: keys, receipts, hairpins, money, etc.
The second step is to inspect the down jacket. The dirtiest areas are typically the cuffs, collar, and pocket area. These areas are best washed by hand using soap suitable for whites.
Before loading the jacket into the washing machine, it is essential to turn it inside out.
You should also fasten all zippers, buttons, snaps, and Velcro fasteners. After this, the garment is ready for machine washing. Next, inspect the washing machine itself.
Is your washing machine ready?
Preparing the washing machine is no less important. It's one thing to wash dark items, but quite another to load the drum with whites. Be sure to check the condition of the hatch seal - it collects dirt that some housewives don't even suspect.
Dirt accumulated in the sunroof seal can irreparably ruin a white jacket. Therefore, be sure to clean the seal with a damp cloth. Turn the seal inside out, wiping every centimeter.
Limescale builds up in the hoses and needs to be removed. Ideally, buy a special cleaning product for washing machines. Run an empty cycle, adding the cleaning solution to the machine. We recommend using the high-temperature "Cotton" setting. This will ensure that the tub, drum, and hoses are completely free of dirt.
How are we going to wash this item?
Choosing a laundry detergent is also important. It will determine the cycle's outcome and the jacket's safety. For outerwear, it's better to use a gel detergent rather than a powder detergent. Unlike granules, liquid doesn't clog the filling and is completely rinsed out.
For washing outerwear, it is better to use gel rather than standard powder.
There are a huge variety of laundry detergents available in stores. Which one should you choose? It is better to give preference to a liquid powder based on active oxygen, without chlorine, phosphates and other aggressive components.
For example, Wash Expert White is ideal for washing a white jacket. It's a powerful, concentrated gel. Its formula is specifically designed for light-colored clothing.
This crystal-white gel concentrate tackles over 100 types of stains. The liquid detergent uses ingredients from German and Spanish companies BASF and IBERCHEM. It's suitable for washing outerwear, children's clothing, towels, delicates, pillows and blankets, and everyday items.
The gel works effectively even in cool water, doesn't settle into fabric fibers, and is completely washed out during rinsing. The thick concentrate is very economical to use. The liquid powder ensures softness and easy ironing. It leaves a weightless, delicate scent on clothes.
Wash Expert White is free of aggressive ingredients. The manufacturer uses anionic surfactants, sodium hydroxide, citric acid, and deionized water as its base.
A 4.3-liter container is enough for 120 washes. The price of such a canister is about $6.30. This isn't a bad price for a gel made using German technology and European raw materials. Housewives note that Wash Expert White truly tackles even the toughest stains, leaving clothes crystal white.
Another product is Green Cat Active gel for down jackets, coats, overalls, and sportswear. This liquid detergent easily and safely removes a variety of stains, even at low temperatures. Suitable for all fabrics, including membranes and wool.
The gel rinses out easily without leaving marks on clothing. This eco-friendly product can also be used to wash sneakers, pillows, blankets, and other items with filling. Green Cat Active contains:
purified water;
APAV and NPAV;
Trilon B;
sodium chloride;
foam neutralizer;
fragrance;
preservative.
In addition to fighting stains, Green Cat Active eliminates unpleasant odors and has an antibacterial effect. The liquid detergent is completely safe for septic tanks and can be used in homes with a separate sewer system.
The cost of a universal laundry detergent gel is approximately $4.20. The bottle holds 3 liters. This amount of liquid detergent is enough for 80 cycles.
You can also use Grass ALPI white gel for washing white fur. This product provides gentle bleaching and prevents graying of garments. Thanks to its unique composition, the gel guarantees gentle and effective tissue cleansing.
The concentrate can be used in water of any hardness. It is suitable for both cold and high-temperature wash cycles. The manufacturer does not impose any restrictions on fabric types; the gel can be used to wash cotton, synthetics, cashmere, denim, and silk.
Grass ALPI white gel is hypoallergenic. It's based on:
purified water;
anionic surfactants;
nonionic surfactants;
enzyme complex;
soap;
polycarboxylates;
flavoring agent;
active oxygen based bleach.
This gel from a German manufacturer has a pleasant, light scent. If your white jacket has heavily soiled areas, Grass ALPI can be used as a stain remover. First, apply the product locally to the stains, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and only then load the garment into the washing machine.
The product also has an antistatic effect. A liter bottle of Grass ALPI white gel costs approximately $3.40. This volume is sufficient for 33 cycles.
Let's start washing
Once you've prepared your down jacket, washing machine, and detergent, it's time to begin the main process. It's a good idea to place a few tennis balls in the drum along with the jacket turned inside out. The balls will prevent the filling from clumping.
It is recommended to purchase special laundry balls with filler - they are sold in hardware stores.
It's important to choose the right washing program. For a jacket, the "Outerwear," "Down Duvet," or "Filled Items" cycles are all suitable. Learn the features of your washing machine, and finding the optimal cycle won't be difficult.
How to start the wash:
place the jacket in the drum;
pour the gel into the powder container;
select a program;
make sure that the temperature does not exceed 40°C;
enable the "Extra rinse" option;
check the spin speed (it is better to set the machine so that it does not exceed 800 rpm);
activate the cycle.
As soon as the machine finishes washing, remove the jacket from the drum, shake it out, and hang it on a hanger. If the filling is clumped, smooth it out with your hands. Decorative elements, fur, and the hood will be reattached once the down jacket is completely dry.
Many users are concerned about how well their washing machine will handle light-colored outerwear. Washing a white jacket in a washing machine is possible, but there are a few caveats. You need to prepare the down jacket itself, the washing machine, and select the right detergent before starting the cycle. Let's take a closer look.
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