Do's and Dont's of caring for a down jacket.

[ILUVSWTAS]

I know its the same principles as a sleeping bag, and I know I could follow the instructions on the label. BUT this doesnt always offer the best results.
I am just after some peoples experiences (good or bad) with washing a down jacket.

Thanks!

[Ent]

Hi

I experimented with my Kathmandu jacket before washing my Mont one. Front loader, dedicated down wash and gentle drying and airing followed by more goes in the dryer and the results where great. In fact, rewarded by a fluffier and warmer jackets. Trick is no over the top temperatures and using a front loader and a dryer that has no knick or cuts in the baffles. Good reason to get a fully stainless steel one as plastic baffles can get knicked by zips and clothing metal wear.

Cheers Brett

[Julafreak]

How do I stop the feathers from escaping?? Its getting worse the more i use it. I have no idea where the receipt is (or else I could take it back to change it).

[tasadam]

How do I stop the feathers from escaping?? Its getting worse the more i use it. I have no idea where the receipt is (or else I could take it back to change it).

Receipt or not, sounds like something to take up with the manufacturer / distributor.
Document where you purchased it, when, how much, how much use it's had, what care it has been given (how many times washed and how, how tightly it is compressed during transit, how it is stored when not in use, etc), as well as what the problem is and when it started. Then take it in to the shop that sold it, otherwise a shop that deals in that brand and see if they will take it up with the wholesaler / company.
Good luck.

[ollster]

I am just after some peoples experiences (good or bad) with washing a down jacket.

2 and a half years and still haven't washed mine... i'll let you know when I do.

[Moondog55]

If it is feathers then they do escape, it is because of the pointed end on a feather, a feather can work its way though even the tightest of fabrics, was it a cheap duvet? Did the label say feather and down or down, I remember from years ago that even the very best down sometimes has some feathers in it if it is machine washed and sorted.

I would wash a down jacket or jumper like I do my sleeping bags, always by hand and only in the heat of mid summer, treat with TX 10 and tumble dry only after the jacket is dry which even in summer can take a week ( if it is a big parka - mine has 700 grams of down in it ) but even my little J&H "Dumper" took 3 days in summer before treating

[Ent]

Hi Julian

Down escaping is just a fact of life with down products and the loss as a percentage of warmth is very small so more a cosmetic rather than functional thing. The lighter the casing the more common the loss. Recommendations are not to pull the down outward as this can cause it to grab the next piece and you get a chain effect. If possible pull the down back into the item and massage the casing to "close' the hole, or if that is not possible just ignore it. If you have holed the jacket then that needs to be repaired. Um? silicon works but a big glug does nothing on the style aspect so await other peoples advice on how to repair holes.

Cheers Brett

[Julafreak]

Its a mountain desgins reactor. Never washed it before and worn it for less than 10 times. Oh well, I give up on trying to prevent it from coming out. Thanks to the embers from the fire, Im now walking around leaving trails of feathers.. (might have exaggerated abit). =D

[corvus]

Its a mountain desgins reactor. Never washed it before and worn it for less than 10 times. Oh well, I give up on trying to prevent it from coming out. Thanks to the embers from the fire, Im now walking around leaving trails of feathers.. (might have exaggerated abit). =D

Julien get a tube of Seam Seal and plug the holes, will look naff but will work,I think you may have holed it carrying logs on your shoulder at Wadleys
corvus

Last edited by corvus on Mon 21 Jun, 2010 8:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Julafreak]

Hmm.. might just do that. yea that might be it too