It's well known that machine washing outerwear requires extreme caution, otherwise the filling can become clumped and ruined. But proper washing alone isn't enough; the item can also be damaged during drying. That's why it's important to know whether you can tumble dry a down jacket, and if so, how to do it properly.
Why is automatic drying preferable?
There are many reasons why experienced housewives recommend machine drying. First, there's the physical effort involved. You'll have to constantly be with the down jacket for a significant period of time (almost a day): fluffing it, crumpling it, shaking it, etc. If you delay even the slightest bit or don't do a thorough job of crumpling it, the down inside will stick together, making it impossible to fix. Typically, such down jackets are sent out of town to be worn away from other people.
Secondly, drying time is crucial. If the item was washed in winter, especially in a humid region, drying it properly will be virtually impossible. You need to make every effort to ensure the down jacket dries within two days. Otherwise, the down inside will become moldy and develop an unpleasant odor.
Drying clothes vertically on lines, as well as drying them on heating devices, is strictly contraindicated! In the former case, the filling will be unevenly distributed inside the garment, causing it to become shapeless. In the latter case, the synthetic fabric will be significantly damaged by high temperatures, making it unsuitable for wear.
Of course, in this case, a dryer is the answer. The main thing is that there are no contraindications for its use.
Important! Keep in mind that after washing, when the down inside absorbs huge amounts of water, the item becomes significantly heavier than before washing. A washing machine with a load capacity of up to 4 kg is unlikely to handle this weight. It is recommended to use a washing machine with a capacity of 5-6 kg.
Unfortunately, not every model has a drying program for down jackets and other similar items. However, if there isn't one, no problem. Simply select the most delicate setting with a low temperature. You can repeat the cycle 2-3 times if necessary. Be sure to close all pockets, zippers, and zippers beforehand, and turn the down jacket inside out. Experienced housewives recommend the following trick: to prevent fluff from clumping, place three tennis balls (soft ones!) in the drum; they will bounce off the walls and knead the filling of your item.
In any case, keep in mind that how a down jacket handles these processes largely depends on its quality. It's impossible to know with 100% certainty the origin of the filler or the lining material, for example. Be prepared for the fact that machine drying won't be perfect, and some imperfections may remain, although this isn't a guarantee!
But don't worry, it's worth a try. High-quality items that have served their owners well for years will likely survive a tumble dryer with flying colors. You don't want to spend the rest of your life wearing a dirty and wrinkled down jacket.
Automatic drying instructions
Before you begin, carefully read the instructions for the procedure again. Your mistake may not be fatal, but it's still worth being on the safe side.
Once the washing machine has finished, remove the garment and place it in a large basin. Since spinning, especially at high speeds, is not recommended for down items, a significant amount of water will remain inside, which could interfere with further drying. Therefore, lay the jacket flat and let it sit for an hour.
Place the item in the dryer drum, and don't forget to add tennis balls if you have them. Set the dryer to a dedicated cycle for outerwear. If you don't have one, try the "Down Duvet" or "Light Air" cycles.
Important! When choosing a mode, consider the temperature and RPM settings. The temperature should be as low as possible, while the RPM should be higher (100 RPM is optimal).
After the machine has finished working, remove the item from the drum and check whether it is dry, damaged, etc.
If you suspect there's still moisture in the filling, you can safely run it through the dryer again, or, if the down jacket is almost completely dry, lay it flat in a well-ventilated area. Within an hour, the excess moisture will evaporate, and the garment will be ready for use again.
It's well known that machine washing outerwear requires extreme caution, otherwise the filling can become clumped and ruined. But proper washing alone isn't enough; the item can also be damaged during drying. That's why it's important to know whether you can tumble dry a down jacket, and if so, how to do it properly.
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