CORNELL LAUNDRY

MONEY SAVING COUPON Fabric Care Tip #101

How to Clean Down Jackets and Parkas

Jackets & Parkas

Machine Washing
Zip up all the zippers, attach all Velcro® and turn your garment inside out. Wash in a front-loading machine only, using cold water on a gentle setting. Use a minimum amount of a mild powder soap or special down soap (available at outdoor stores). Use at least two rinse cycles to get all the soap out of the garment.

Drying
When moving your garment from the washer to the dryer, do so carefully by carrying it from the bottom. Tumble dry in a large commercial dryer on low heat. The dryer must be large enough for the garment to flop freely around. Drying could take several hours and your garment should be checked often to make sure it is not overheated. As it dries, look for clumps of wet down and gently shake to redistribute the down.

Professional Cleaning
Your down garment should be professionally washed because the chemicals used are harmful to the fabrics and filling and will severely reduce loft and thermal efficiency. Trust the cleaning of your down jacket or parka to the Cornell Laundry…folks who specialize in cleaning outdoor products.

Do-it yourself cleaning no-nos:

  • Do not use a top-loading washing machine (the agitator will destroy the channels).
  • Do not use liquid soap or detergent.
  • Do not use strong soap or detergent.
  • Do not use your home dryer (they have been known to melt holes in the fabric).
  • Do not lift your garment from one end when wet (lift the entire thing all at once from underneath).
  • Do not dry in the sun (the UV will damage the nylon).

More Fabric Care Tips:

MONEY SAVING COUPON