Down Jacket Care 101: 9 Things Not to Do with Your Down Jacket

 If you plan on going on a trek in winter, investing in a down jacket is a worthy idea. It helps keep you warm even at 30 degrees Celsius because of its adequate layering. Down jackets have feathers or are down from ducks and geese to warm them. Down is known as an excellent insulator because of the tiny air pockets that trap warm air and retain heat. This way, it keeps you warm. This is the reason down jackets are favorable and comfortable in cold temperatures. However, for the jacket to perform well during the winter, it is crucial to apply proper care.

Furthermore, wearing down is a plus if you are traveling in cold seasons. That is why a down jacket is the best. It is crucial to know that high-quality down jackets come at a price. Therefore, ensure you maintain yours properly.

While at it, here are nine things you must never do with your down jacket to keep its optimal performance and pleasing look.

1. Don’t Wear Your Jacket When It’s Raining

It is important to note that down jackets are not waterproof but splashproof. Therefore, it is a bad idea to wear it when it rains unless you stay indoors. Always wear your down jacket when cold, not in the rain, to avoid losing its fluffiness. If you must wear it in the rain, ensure it is under a raincoat.  

2. Don’t Wear During a Trek

It is not advisable to wear a down jacket while trekking. This is because the coat is warm. Hence, it will make you uncomfortable and sweaty. It could also cause dehydration, something you don’t want while trekking. So, consider layering up fleece jackets and sweaters instead of a down jacket to stay warm. Furthermore, if you wear the jacket when hiking, you must be careful with sharp objects like thorns or branches on the trail. Such things can damage your jacket, ruining its delicate outer layer.

3. Don’t Wash It Frequently

Avoid washing your down jacket every time you wear it. First, down jackets don’t get easily dirty or smelly after wearing them. The more you wash it, the faster you lose the fluffiness and the splashproof feature. Wearing it after several treks is advisable to keep it in good condition.

4. Don’t Ignore Fill-Power Rating

When purchasing a down jacket, it is crucial to consider its weight and fill power. If you plan to wear it during extreme cold conditions, ensure the coat does not have a fill power of less than 550. Ensure the weight is more so the jacket retains more heat. For example, if there are two jackets, one weighing 169gm with 860 fill power and another weighing 310gm with 650 fill power. The second jacket with more weight is the best because it has more down, hence warmer than the first one.

5. Never Give the Jacket for Dry Cleaning

Never give your down jacket for dry cleaning. That is because not many dry cleaners know how to wash such jackets. Don’t take the risk. Instead, clean it yourself and follow the correct procedure. It will help avoid ruining the expensive jackets. If you own a front-loading machine, you can use it to wash the jacket. Avoid using a top-loading washing machine since its central agitator will damage the down and cause it to bunch in one place.

When washing the jacket, close all the buttons and zippers. Then, turn the jacket inside out. Add three tennis balls to your machine to prevent the down-filling from bunching up and ensure re-fluffing later.

6. Never Forget to Dry the Jacket

 Drying the jacket is vital to prevent odor and lumps. Always use a hanger for the coat when you hang it on the cloth line. Additionally, avoid using clips. If you use a dryer, do not be tempted to turn the heat up since it can melt the outer layer of fabric and seams.

7. Don’t Ignore Airing Your Jacket

It is advisable to take the jacket outside occasionally and ensure it gets direct sunlight. Airing the jacket once or twice every month removes moisture. It also makes the feathers fluffier and drier. Always wash your down jacket on a sunny day. Ensure you wash it mainly in the morning to give it ample time to get direct sunlight. This way, the feathers do not collect in one place.

8. Avoid Folding Your Down Jacket

To maintain your down jacket’s quality, never fold it when not in use. Instead, use a hanger with smooth ends and hang it in the corner with no sharp zippers. Apart from preventing damage, hanging the down jacket also distributes the feathers and maintains loft quality. Stuffing down the jacket in a bag for a long time makes the feathers clump together, compromising its insulation property. That is why it is advisable to hang it always.

9. Don’t Use Harsh Detergent

You must never use harsh detergents to wash the down jacket. This is because hard detergents damage the splashproof layer. If possible, buy a detergent designed for cleaning gear like down jackets.

Bonus Point: Precautions When Cleaning or Repairing a Down Jacket

It is important to note that every brand has instructions you should follow. Therefore, always check the instructions before washing your jacket. Ensure you don’t use too much ammonia and other harsh products when cleaning the jacket since they cause damage. If you think your jacket has an issue that requires repair, you can find help from a store.

Remember, improper care of the down jacket causes premature wear and heat loss. So, always clean them carefully and avoid soaking the feathers too long. It causes loss of fluffiness as the feather wrinkles quickly.

Apply Proper Care to Your Down Jacket

Down jackets are an excellent investment for the cold season. However, they require proper maintenance to stay intact and retain warmth. So, maintain it to keep its original quality and prevent the accumulation of dirt and impurities that cause heat loss. The rule of thumb for maintaining a down jacket is to wash it delicately, maintain low temperatures, and provide ventilation. Lastly, remember to keep the jacket dry all the time.