How to Wash & Refresh Your Down Jacket
Vložit
- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- Washing and caring for your down jacket is an essential step to maintaining its performance. Washing not only removes contaminants, sweat and oils from the outer of the fabric, but increases breathability, warmth and cleanliness. *Please note, this does not waterproof your down jacket, this only restores the water-repellent coating.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:40 - Why should you wash your down jacket?
02:26 - Step 1: The Once Over
03:14 - Step 2: Prepping the Washing Machine
04:21 - Step 3: The Washing Stage
05:31 - Step 4 (Optional): The DWR Stage
06:22 - Step 5: Tumble Dry
07:35 - Step 6: Removing the Clumps
08:34 - Step 7: Airing Cupboard
09:27 - The Finished Product
Wash your jacket using these products: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/pr...
Follow us:
◾️ Facebook: / trekitt
◾️ Instagram: / trekittmountainsports
Sign up to our newsletter: mailchi.mp/trekitt.co.uk/youtube
You went through each step thoroughly and helped me save my jacket after I'd already washed it without tennis balls lol so the fact that each chapter was laid out was so helpful, thanks
Glad it helped!
Great video. Says a lot about Trekitt that you're interested in helping people maintain their gear, and not just sell them a new jacket. Maintaining things seems to be becoming a lost art in the throwaway world!
Absolutely; the last thing we'd want is another jacket to end up on a landfill when a simple wash will do!
Watching from Victoria in Aussie land. Thanks for your excellent videos keeping us going in the lockdowns. Ordered some wash stuff and giving it a go. Thanks for the encouragement and tech of how to do.
Hi Peter and g'day! Thanks for watching.
Excellent, concise and informative video. Wish all CZcams tutorials were like this lol!
Thanks very much!
Fantastic vid. My down jackets will never be dusty again! Thank-You! 🙏🏻
Great info, thanks.
Thanks for sharing, simple technique.👍🏿
You're welcome!
Tip: you can use blow dryer also after machine dry for desire results🙂
thank you
really helpful bro !!!
Some links you might find useful...
Our range of washing and proofing products: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/product-care
If you don't have a down jacket, firstly, what are you doing here? Secondly, you can get one and we'll love you forever: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/jackets/down-filled-jackets
Just bought a rab jacket from your website love it
Brilliant video, thanks! I saw on some website saying using tennis balls might destroy the fabric, is that true? And were you using wool cycle? I need to wash my down jackets.
I've personally used tennis balls and found it worked absolutely fine. We do stock a down washing kit by Grangers which includes little washing balls specifically for this purpose which would most likely work better, though (link below). And that's correct, we did use a wool cycle just to be safe. Kind regards, Harry. www.trekitt.co.uk/36117/products/grangers-down-wash-kit.aspx
What was the name of the tape you put over the hole? Thanks for video as well, very helpful.
It's called Tenacious Tape. We do stock it normally but we're completely out at the moment. Harry
Wow! Thank you
No problem!
This actually works!!!!
Woohoo! Glad that worked out for you.
When you were putting the Nikwax straight in the drum, do you avoid getting it on the jacket i.e. does the undiluted Nikwax damage the jacket if it comes in to contact with it? Could I put it in a plastic wash ball thingy or dies it matter?
Nikwax is pretty gentle stuff and won't harm your jacket if it comes in direct contact with it. Either throw it in or pop it in a washing ball, either works! Harry.
What should I do in replacement of tumble dryer as we don’t have any?
A tumble dryer does make the process a lot easier, but if that really isn't an option you can line dry your jacket on a sunny day and spend more time breaking apart the down clumps that form, but this will be a pretty long process. A hairdryer is another alternative that can help finish off the drying process to get the down as fluffy as possible.
Thank you saved my Columbia jacket 🙏🏽
Good to hear!
Great video bro! My coat label says “do not wash, wipe clean surface only, do not bleach iron tumble dry or dry clean” how do I wash it by not just wiping it? Because say I spill something down it whilst I’m out and I can’t wipe it surely it’s stained and I can’t wash it? Also if I get sweaty in it what do I do if I can’t wash it? Thanks
Hey Dabbsy, if you can send us details of your jacket we may be able to help.
@@trekitt hello what is the best way to remove stains from a padded jacket I have got some dark blue pen stains on it and not sure how to go about removing them thank you I don't want to use thinner incase it removes the jackets colour too.
Great video - can you do one on Gore Tex products, or less specifically, how to wash technical jackets?
I'd like to have a reliable video on how to wash gore tex 2L vs 3L jackets - the pros and cons of different washing liquids, whether 'soap flakes' actually do as good a job as the technical washes, and when to use wash in re-DWR vs spray on DWR (and the impacts on the 2L vs 3L membrane). Would also be good to have advice on which are the best low heat drying settings on a variety of tumble dryers and combis. I've heard 'synthetic' dry is a good alternative if there's no 'low' setting.
The only hard shell jacket video one I've found to-date is an Arcteryx video based in a forest which seemed a bit simplistic.
As many instructional kit care videos as possible would be appreciated!
Made a note; we'll see if we can get it arranged. Harry
Great video. I have an Arcteryx Atom Hoody. It's synthetic as you know. Do you have any advice on washing and reproofing this? Most grateful.
Hey Roger, follow the same steps as in this video but miss out the 'pulling the down clumps apart' bit. This is a great product which will wash and reapply the DWR in one step: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/product-care/grangers-clothing-wash-and-repel-300ml__39994
Thanks for that. I also have a Mountain Equipment Frontier jacket which I will wash with it. As it's softshell do you think I should reproof that too?
@@burt5057 Pour a little water on it - if it beads and runs off, it won't need a reproof; if the water sinks in, it could do with a top-up.
Thanks again. Wasn't sure if it would work with softshells.
If I have down jacket with goretex can I use the same nikwax detergent?
Yes, Nikwax Down Wash will work on GTX covered jackets. If the outer is heavily soiled you may want to spot clean the outer with neat Down Wash before placing it in the washing machine.
Brilliant
Hi there, can you tumble dry the down jacket when its completely dry or will it shrink?
Hi JJ, there's very little point in tumble drying it dry. If the down is stuck together and the jacket is dry, tumble drying alone won't separate the clumps; it'll need washing and drying again. If the jacket hasn't been washed and it simply needs re-lofting, it'll also need to be washed and dried from scratch. Harry
Hi I don't have a tumble dryer so can I dry it out doors in the sun in summer.
You can, but in all honesty I'd ask a friend if you can borrow their tumble drier, or take it to a laundromat. It will loft far more effectively with less effort this way. Harry
Hello! have a question about stains. I have a microlight alpine that I haven't washed in 2 years. I know it's been a while. I've been scared to do so because I don't know what I'm doing.
I've used this alot, I've accumulated mustard stains, bbq, ranch and oil pastel stains on my jacket. Also I've sweated alot in the jacket. I'm starting to see alot of black down clumps in there.
So my question to you is, will this method of just those two nikwax down products be enough to wash away months of accumulated food stains and sweat?
This stuff has been dried down right on the zipper.
Thank you guys so much!
Hi Dani,
The Jacket that featured in the video was 10 years old or more and had never been washed. The NikWax Down Wash Direct did a very good job of getting rid off of the years of built-up grime, however, for stains what we would suggest is to dampen and pretreat the stain by massaging in a small amount of neat Down Wash Direct into the area and letting this sit for about 15 to 20 mins before starting the washing cycle. This isn't a guaranteed to work but may help with lifting the stain without using harsh detergents that could damage the jacket.
All the best,
Will
Hi, my rab andes is due a clean, will the down wash and proof reproof the pertex outer shell
It will add the DWR (durable water repellent) back to the outer as well as wash the garment. Regards, Harry
What do you do if you don’t have a tumble dryer?
You really do need to use a tumble drier to get the best results, so try your local laundrette, or a specialist cleaning service from Rab or Scottish Mountain Gear. Thanks for watching. Paul.
What to do if you don’t have a local laundromat and don’t have a tumble dryer
@@parmdhillon3984 you beat the jacket up by yourself
My jacket didn’t quite puff up on the right sleeve only. I’m wondering if I should rewash and dry it again. What would you suggest?
I would give it another go, but just make sure the sleeve doesn't turn inside-out during the drying process. Removing the jacket from the dryer frequently and pulling apart the down clumps is arguably the most important bit, so spend plenty of time on that! Harry
Is it okay to use a top-load washer without an agitator?
Hi, I have no experience of such machines, but if it has a gentle cycle then it would be OK. If you are at all in doubt then hand washing is always an option, or send the garment away to a specialist cleaning company.
Hi there. What temperature should the dryer be set on ?
This will depend on the individual garment, we'd always recommend reading the care instructions on the label. If there is no specific temperature there, then we would always recommend erring on the side of caution and using a low heat setting.
I recently bought a second hand yellow north face nuptse jacket, unfortunately it was ordered online so I didn’t get to properly see it before ordering. When it arrived I noticed that you can see brown/black feathers through it and it makes the jacket look dirty and patchy. There’s no refunds on it, but would washing it like so help by any chance?
I'm afraid that washing won't help. The "brown/black" feathers that you can see are exactly that, black and brown feathers showing through the lightweight fabric, the technical term is "grinning". Jackets that use high quality, pure goose down, suffer far less from grinning as the down itself is much whiter. I'm afraid that it's a result of using cheaper feather and down mixtures rather than pure goose down. Paul.
Hi, I have just bought a brown north face puffer off Depop and have seen that it’s kind of got white feathers coming out. Do you recommend putting it in the dryer with 2-3 tennis balls so it allows the feathers to fluff up again and therefore stopping the feathers from coming out?
It's completely normal for down/feathers to poke through the fabric slightly. The best thing to do is to push them back in (don't pull them out!). Drying unfortunately won't help. Harry
@@trekitt oh dear! Thank you for your reply though, it’s very kind of you !
how do you stop down from coming through micro holes on a canada goose jacket?
Push the down back in. As soon as you pull it out, it creates a larger hole and exaggerates the problem.
Question, What do you do when you don't have a tumble dryer or a airring cupboard ?.
Pick a nice warm sunny day and allow the garment to air dry, laid open and flat on a rack if possible. Just like in the video you will need to periodically give it a good shake and break apart the down clumps but doing this every hour or so. This will take considerably longer, but you will still be able to achieve good results if done correctly. Alternatively, you could pop around a friends house and kindly ask to use their tumble drier (socially distancing of course). The other option would be to send you jacket off to be cleaned, Rab, for example, offer a down washing service.
Kind regards,
Harry.
@@trekitt Cant thank you enough for all of your so informative videos! I have one such jacket i was scared to wear since i had to wash it first lol and i never owned a down jacket before so i didnt want to ruin it by washing it incorrectly.
So basicly the washing resedue should be something without bleach or anything that removes oils, right? Can liquid soap also get the job done?
That's correct, bleach will strip the water repellent coatings and degrade the fabrics over time. Pure soap flakes will do the job, but for peace of mind I'd still recommend something specific like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash. If bought it larger quantities (Tech Wash comes in a 5L tub), it only works out around 70p a wash. Kind regards, Harry.
I just bought a tnf nuptse 700 for $100 but it was washed and dried, this saved me like $300
Curious why put the detergent directly in the washer, as opposed to loading bay?
If the tray is washed out properly, it doesn't necessarily matter which one is used.
what should i do if my dryer overheats too much and my down jacket isnt fluffy
If you dry your jacket on too high of heat, it can cause some of the fibers to melt and make it all lumpy from the fibers clumping together. If it’s really wrecked, there’s not a lot you can do. But if it’s somewhat okay, just try washing it again and then redrying it on LOW heat with dryer balls. If your dryer won’t do that, then I recommend going to a laundromat or taking it to a laundry service.
Hi. I've washed and dried my jacket - does it need to be freshly washed to go into the dryer or can it be dry when you put it in with the tennis balls? Thanks
Freshly washed ideally. If it's dry the down may have already clumped together and will need another wash & tumble dry right after.
I don’t have the tennis balls any alternate or advice guys ?
You can use anything similar. I'd probably just next-day a couple off eBay for a fiver and keep them for the next time you need to wash it. Harry
Whats the tape called to put over holes?
www.trekitt.co.uk/equipment/repairs/gear-aid-tenacious-tape-max-flex-patch__37544
Can the lumps be fixed completely after drying or not
You'd be better off washing & drying again to get best results. It'll be pretty difficult to pull apart the clumps when dry. Harry
i washed it by myself then put in a tumble drier for 13 mins i didnt realise the settings were high and brought it out to air dry and its lost its puff is there anything i can do
It sounds like the down isn't yet dry enough to loft properly. Pop it back into the drier, on a low setting until the down starts to loft and then hang it up in a dry warm place (airing cupboard) for 24 hours, and it should be fine. Paul.
hi, I don’t have tumble drier and have just washed my 1996 north face jacket and it’s flat and clumpy, what can I do without a tumble drier?
You'll ideally have to wash it again and find a mate with a drier. It can be dried out without but it's difficult and I personally wouldn't attempt it. Failing that, a laundromat. Harry
What suggestion would you recommend to a down jacket that ended up really flat due to not drying properly? Should I wash it again and then follow this video (steps + product use) to restore it to its original condition? Thank you!!
Yup, wash again according to the steps in this video and pay close attention to the 'pulling down apart' stages. The drying process really is the one that makes all the difference. Harry
@@trekitt thank you!! Any additional tips that you might have if the down jacket is waterproof on the outside? I’ve been washing it inside out as recommended on the label instructions
@@kaye295 The process is the same, but you may benefit from using Grangers Down Wash & Repel - this will wash the down but also replenish the water repellent coating.
www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/washing-water-repellency-care/grangers-wash-repel-down-2-in-1-300ml__40003
@@trekitt Hi Harry. Thought I’d ask for more advice on my waterproof down. Took it for a tumble dry today however there are still chunky clumps forming and it’s really hard for me to distribute it evenly to the flat spaces as the outer material is quite firm. Any advice? And will the clumps eventually loosen once it air drys?
@@kaye295 The key is taking it out of the tumble drier every 10-20 mins or so to pull apart those clumps. Pull apart from the inside (if possible) if the outer is too stiff. The clumps will break apart slightly but realistically you'll want to try and get as many out as possible during the drying process.
I live in Argentina, we do not have Nikwax products or anything similar here (an oportunity for business? haha)... anyway, I own an Arcteryx Cerium LT down jacket... is it possible to make the same washing procedure with neutral soap or neutral detergent?
The process will work with most gentle soaps that don't contain bleach/softeners or perfumes. Essentially, just try to find one with the least amount of artificial ingredients.
@@trekitt Thanks!!
Should we dry the down jacket inside out is it any better or is there any harm if we dry down inside out in the dryer
Inside out, or the right way round, either will be fine.
@@trekitt ok thanks
Nobody is saying anything about the tenis balls...what is the purpose of them? What are they helping with the process?
During the washing process, they bounce off the jacket to 're-loft' the down; a bit like giving it a good shake but with far less effort and generally better results. Harry.
Not the sharpest pencil in the drawer eh!?
What’s the stuff you use as your detergent?
Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash.
www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/washing-water-repellency-care/nikwax-tech-wash-1-litre__2467
www.trekitt.co.uk/equipment/washing-water-repellency-care/grangers-performance-wash-1l-pouch__50971
do you have to use the nikwax products or does it not matter
We'd recommend either Grangers or Nikwax. Wouldn't use a regular detergent.
Love the Trekitt videos, more videos like this please (Synthetic, Gore-Tex etc) Also its fantastic when you do product review videos however PLEASE 🙏🏻 if you review say a Atom LT mens, PLEASE can you also do the Atom LT Womens at the same time. (with Hannah not Paul in a women’s jacket!) Keep up the good work 👍
Unfortunately it's quite difficult to have both Hannah & Paul available for filming on the same day, but where possible we will aim to get a Women's video done as well as a Men's; it may just be a week or so apart. Kind regards, Harry.
Trekitt Hi Harry. Fully understand with the filming 👍 keep them coming and stay safe 🙂
Hi I recently bought a Nike Nocta puffer jacket in collaboration with drake. Two color ways released and I got the yellow one. Apparently whenever water or rain touches the jacket, it gets stained. It either turns dark yellow or blackish. My jacket is coming in soon and I’m not sure what to do if mine gets ruined. Any ideas?
Hi, I suspect the discolouration is due to the face fabric wetting out. You can replace the DWT with any of the products mentioned in the video.
@@trekitt which one would you recommend? I also have seen from people their yellow north face jackets are having the same problems
Nikwax spray on TX Direct or Grangers Performance Repel Plus. Yellow is always a tricky colour with down jackets, especially if the fabric is very light, as it allows "grinning", where you can see the brown pigment of the down/feathers through the fabric.
Can you do the same thing next time with a dirty white thermal puffer jacket?
Unfortunately we don't tend to stock many white outdoor products, but if we find something appropriate then we'll consider it in the future. From the nature of your question we're guessing you have a white puffer that's in need of a wash? The instructions here will be the same, unfortunately white garments tend to get grubbier and show stains easier which can be frustrating.
Sir . Why my down jacket relising cotton parts from inside . Any idea. It's relising little cotton parts from inside . From left arm. 😭
It'll be small pieces of down rather than cotton - these can make their way through the stitching and is perfectly normal. There's really no way to stop it, but if you can, try to push it back in rather than pull it out. Harry
What do you use as pre treatment for the stains like you suggested at the beginning ?
The same product - down wash from Nikwax. Tech Wash also works. Harry
My down jacket says it’s shouldn’t be used in washing machine. Should I just do it by hand ?
The best advice is to always follow the manufacturers advice, so hand washing will be fine.
Hello I have a dare 2b jacket I was wondering if a jacket is puffy and is polyester rather then down is it the same principle or do you need to follow instructions for polyester material.
A second question I have is what is the best way to remove stains without washing the jacket if you just want to use some spray or liquid and a cloth to remove pen marks for example.
It's pretty much the same process with the exception of having to pull apart clumps of down. To remove stains without washing, try putting a little Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash directly onto the stain and wiping in a circular motion until the stain appears less obvious. Make sure to wipe away the detergent after treating, or wash as per the video. Harry
@@trekitt hello I have asked a ebay seller who is selling nikwax tech wash about removing stains they said it is not for that and they said it is to reproof a item
@@atifghafoor6258 Tech Wash is for washing, T.X Direct is for proofing. I think your eBay seller is telling you porky pies.
very good,make it´s
Hi, will spin drying a down jacket damage it. I just bought my first down jacket and it’s expensive. Also will putting my jacket in the sun to help dry it completely harm it since i don’t have a tumble dryer. Thanks!
I haven't personally tried spin-drying, but most companies don't recommend it. Popping it in the sun won't harm it, just make sure to lie it flat to avoid the down falling to the bottom of the baffles. You'll also need to pull apart clumps of down more frequently in order to get the down to loft again. Harry
Is there something you can use instead of tennis balls?
Anything roughly the same size and shape will work, but I wouldn't go putting apples in there. Kind regards, Harry.
@@trekitt loooool love this response
Can I dry my down coat to refluff with out washing??
You can try, but it won't be as effective unfortunately.
@@trekitt dam. Thanks. Should I just take it to a cleaners and let them Handel it? I'm afraid of causing further damage. Can I have confidence with the cleaners that my coat is in good hands?
what if i have a drier that moves too fast, like one found in top lid driers?
Pop your wet jacket down to the laundrette and find a drier with a slower spin speed. Thanks for watching.
How do i wash it without a washing machine ?
You can handwash a down jacket, it just takes more effort to get it looking good but is totally feasible. A good sunny day is your friend here as we're guessing you'll also be without a tumble dryer to dry your down jacket afterwards.
1. Grab your marigolds and head to the sink (or bathtub, bucket or a friendly giant's cupped hands)
2. Give the jacket an initial rinse in lukewarm water, making sure all zips are closed and pockets are free of snacks, drain the water and refill with clean water
3. Use the recommended amount of down wash and agitate thoroughly in the sink making sure to give the jacket a good soak
4. Drain the water and rinse thoroughly
5. Give the jacket a good wringing to remove excess water and then hang it out to dry on the line
6. Periodically head out and start breaking apart the down clumps in the jacket to help it dry and redistribute the down
7. Enjoy the sunshine
8. Repeat step 6 until the jacket feels dry and lofted (this can take a lot longer than you'd think if air drying)
9. A hairdryer can be used to finish the drying off if there are any stubborn bits and to get the down really well lofted again
10. Remove your marigolds and question why it took until step 10 to take them off
@@trekitt thank you very much this will be very helpful and efficient🤞
30 ° but how long
Most machines have a pre-built setting for delicates. It's usually a couple of hours.
How do I remove some puff lol ? My is way too puffy I look like hulk
Try not to get too angry, you wont like me when I'm angry.
@@trekitt 😂😂
Bro i just put my moncler on the washing machine and its completly flat and it cant restore back
It will loft back, just follow the drying steps above (tumble drier with some tennis balls, periodically taking it out to pull apart the down clumps). Harry.
I put in in the tumble dryer high heat without tennis ball and its dry now.. can i still put it back in the tumble dryer even if its already dry?
@@Mmm-xk3bb If it's still flat after being dried, you may have to start from the beginning and wash it again. The key with drying these jackets is to use a low heat in the tumble drier for a longer period of time, periodically taking the jacket out, pulling the clumps of down apart and repeating until it lofts back up. The tennis balls will also help quite a bit.
dont use down if moisture management is a concern
Fair point. Thanks for watching.
I have a north face down jacket and I want to make dry it and make it puffy. The only thing is I don’t know which option I need to chose on my dryer (heatpumpdryer).
I have the following options:
1. Cotton:
(1)extra dry, (2) cupboard dry, (3) iron dry
2. Synthetic:
(1) extra dry, (2) cupboard dry, (3)iron dry
3. Wool
4. Quick dry
5. Outdoor clothing
6. Sportswear
7. Hot air
8. Cold air
Can someone help me? Thanks a lot. I appreciate it !!
We used the 'wool' setting while washing as it's gentler than your traditional cycle. When drying, we had the temperature set to a low heat, frequently pulling it out to pull apart the clumps. Don't be tempted to leave it in there drying for too long as it could melt the fabrics. Harry
What if I didn’t use the tennis balls?😅
Will still work just not as effectively.
Tbh once you wash your down jacket at home it’s never the same again that’s just facts but you need to wash your clothes no matter what
Jamie, it's all in the drying! Thanks for watching.
this is HANDS DOWN the best tutorial. a lot of other ones wanna have you throw your jacket in the dryer with a couple tennis balls and call it a day..
but that extra step in which you take it out to tear apart clumps and redistribute it by hand makes ALL the difference. paired with the tennis balls, makes for the best results possible.
my second hand vintage North Face nuptse jacket went flat after washing it and improperly drying, I thought it was done for.. even thought maybe some of the down got lost in the washer lol.
it took all afternoon but i finally got it to look and feel brand new. it’s tedious, it takes time, but you either do it, or do it right.
Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated! Also glad you managed to save your jacket; down is pretty tough stuff but it does require a decent amount of effort, as you've rightly pointed out. Kind regards, Harry.
@Emiliano Terrell yup, been using instaflixxer for months myself :)
@Emiliano Terrell yup, I have been using instaflixxer for years myself =)
@Emiliano Terrell yea, have been watching on InstaFlixxer for since december myself =)
@Emiliano Terrell yea, have been using InstaFlixxer for since december myself :)