Outerwear with artificial insulation is a popular item in the winter wardrobe. Warm, light, comfortable things provide great warmth in cold weather and have an attractive appearance. In order for the product to retain its warming functions for a long time and serve for more than one season, you need to know how to wash a jacket on padding polyurethane at home, by hand or in a washing machine. This will eliminate the need to go to dry cleaning and save a decent amount in the family budget.
General rules
In order not to spoil a practical and comfortable winter item, before washing a jacket with padding polyester, it is better to study the label or tag in detail. A respectable manufacturer always indicates which washing and spinning mode can be used, and provides information about restrictions, if any.
It is also better to find out in advance what type of filling is inside: it is better not to expose glued padding polyester to contact with water, as it loses its shape and the item becomes unwearable. Higher quality fillers are easily washed by hand or machine.
A coat or jacket made of padding polyester does not like to be soaked for a long time, so it is better to immediately proceed to the washing mode. Prolonged contact with water can cause the filler to clump and cause streaks.
It’s easy to wash a warm jacket, like a down jacket, in a machine - just select the delicate cycle or the “synthetic” program and a temperature no higher than 40 degrees. A higher rate for an artificial filler is undesirable.
You can often hear the question of whether it is possible to wash several padding polyester items at the same time. Experts do not recommend doing this: if the filler comes out of one product, it can ruin the second. Therefore, it is permissible to clean only one item at a time.
If possible, you should give preference to liquid detergents. The powder is difficult to wash out from the porous structure of the insulation and forms unsightly stains and stains on the surface, which are quite difficult to get rid of.
To avoid fiber deformation, it is better not to use the drying mode.
It is necessary to rinse the item at least three times to allow the detergent to be completely washed out. But the spin should be as gentle as possible, then the padding polyester will not be damaged, will not lose its shape, and lumps will not form.
Washing rules are not that complicated. If you stick to them, then in the new season you won’t have to spend a decent amount on buying new winter clothes.
Is it possible to wash a winter synthetic down jacket?
First you need to figure out what technology was used to produce the filling for the jacket. There are 3 different ways in which padding polyester fibers can be connected to each other:
Glued .
To fasten synthetic fibers using this technology, PVA glue is used. But in order to give it elasticity, manufacturers often add more glue than necessary. Because of this, the product deteriorates when machine washed; The synthetic winterizer clumps into clumps, as the glue simply melts due to high temperatures. In this case, even washing at low temperatures will not help. Such jackets and down jackets can be cleaned only superficially, carefully passing a damp cloth over the top layer of the product.- Needlepunched . This method is more acceptable. The technology consists in the fact that many multidirectional synthetic fibers are chaotically fastened together, and then secured with special needles with jagged tips. Clothes with such synthetic padding can be washed by hand, but do it very carefully.
- Thermally bonded . Synthetic winterizer produced using this technology is usually called “Euro synthetic winterizer.” It is of the highest quality, which is reflected in the price of the product. The insulation fibers are combined using modern heat treatment using polyester. Jackets filled with thermally bonded synthetic padding last the longest and can easily be washed at low temperatures.
Thus, it is strictly forbidden to wash products made from laminated synthetic padding in a machine (it is better not to buy them at all, since they usually do not meet the minimum quality requirements).
Jackets with needle-punched padding should be carefully washed by hand, and to clean clothes with thermally bonded filling, you can use a washing machine, following a certain technology, which will be discussed below.
It is important to always check the label on the product .
The first icon always indicates the temperature at which the jacket or down jacket can be washed. The number on them never exceeds 40°. Next comes a sign informing you whether the product can be bleached and dry-cleaned - the prohibition is indicated by a crossed out triangle.
The third sign - a crossed out circle in a square - means that you cannot dry or wring out clothes in a washing machine.
The image of the iron shows that it can be used for ironing , but on products with padding polyester filling the icon is crossed out or an iron with one dot, which indicates a ban on ironing the product or only the possibility of steaming at low temperatures.
Preparing the product for washing
Before you start washing your padding jacket, you must:
- Check the contents of the pockets so that keys or documents are not washed along with the product.
- Remove fur parts from the hood and pockets, if they can be detached.
- Fasten the product, pockets, buttons, snaps and zippers.
- Check the product for holes. If there are any, they need to be sewn up so that the padding polyester does not come out.
- Remove heavy dirt, if any: remove greasy stains, wash away obvious traces of dirt. Dishwashing detergent can be used to remove grease by dropping it onto the stain and rubbing in lightly. Traces of dirt can be washed away with laundry soap.
- Turn the coat inside out or place it in a special case.
After all precautions have been taken, the jacket can be placed in the drum of the machine.
What powder will we use?
When washing down jackets, you should not use regular powder - specially developed gels are needed. Everyday compositions are not intended for natural filler; they destroy its structure, and leave streaks and stains on the facial fabric. In order not to spoil the item, you should find a product marked “for down products” on the label.
Specialized gel formulations contain special components that remove dirt without harming the fabric and filler. Moreover, they protect the structure of the fluff and preserve its fat layer. There will be no problems purchasing the product - manufacturers offer a wide range of gels and balms for down jackets.
- "Profkhim". It is a domestic gel for hand and machine washing of down products. It is inexpensive and sold in 200 ml bottles, which is enough for 3-4 washes. Thanks to its active composition, the product fights dirt of any severity without damaging the insulation and fabric of the item. But there is a serious “minus” - the liquid has a rather pungent odor.
- "Nordland". A German product designed for washing down sportswear, ski suits and overalls. Effectively removes stains without damaging the filler or facing material. Sold in containers of 750 ml, used sparingly, 75-100 ml per cycle. If the dosage is observed, it does not leave streaks or odor. Suitable for any type of insulation, both natural and synthetic.
- Salton Sport. Shampoo for washing down jackets made of membrane fabric, as well as pillows and blankets. It differs favorably in that, thanks to special technology, it preserves the heat-retaining and ventilation properties of the material, and also delicately cleans down and removes all foreign odors. Due to the presence of a special impregnation, the gel protects clothes from future contamination. Sold in small volumes - 250 ml, which on average is enough for 2-4 cycles.
- "Heitmann Daunen-Waschpflege". An excellent product made in Germany. It is sold in 250 ml bottles costing about 400 rubles, and one package is enough for 5-6 cycles. It has a gel structure and is suitable for all types of washing, including machine washing. Eliminates even old stains, acting gently and carefully. It differs in that after using it there is no need to additionally beat the fluff (the main thing is to follow the rules for cleaning down products).
- "Weasel." The manufacturer offers a number of delicate gels with which you can safely “refresh” your down jacket. The soft formula does not threaten fluff, but does not cope with serious stains. Therefore, before using the product, it is better to pre-treat stains locally, with traditional cleaners, laundry soap or special stain removers.
- "Domal Sport Fein Fashion". An inexpensive but effective gel that is suitable for washing down jackets, sportswear and shoes, and any woolen products. Easily eliminates extraneous odors, washes complex stains without harming fluff and membrane fabric. Additionally, it “beats up” the fibers, making things soft and fluffy. It is found in 750 ml bottles and is consumed in 9-10 washes on average.
All of the products listed are universal, so they are suitable for both hand and machine washing. The main thing is not to pour rinse aid or conditioner into the machine or basin. Remember that they may leave white streaks on the fabric.
Washing and removing stains
Before washing your jacket in the washing machine, you need to carefully inspect it to detect any contaminants that the powder cannot remove. What to do if there are such spots? It is better to treat them before washing.
For this purpose, you can use any means to combat dirt: stain removers, dishwashing detergents, laundry or baby soap. To remove decorative cosmetics, you can wipe the stain with medical alcohol.
For these purposes, the product is applied directly to the stain, after moistening it with water, and left for 15-30 minutes. Then you need to rub the dirt with a soft brush or sponge and rinse the jacket in cool water. After which you can safely turn on the washing mode.
Should you choose your mode carefully?
Some people probably think that jackets don't require any special care when cleaning. This opinion is wrong. If you wash a jacket by setting the wrong parameters, you can cause stains to appear on the product, the filling to roll off, and the item to completely lose its appearance.
Many modern washing machines provide programs that allow you to easily remove stains from outerwear. Users of LG washing machines, after loading a jacket into the drum, can start one of the modes: “Duvet” or “Bulky items”. If the second program is stored in the memory of individual models of machines, then the mode for cleaning down products will definitely be found.
Please note that the down jacket will take quite a long time to wash. It is also advisable to set the additional rinse function so that the powder is completely washed out of the fabric
It is important not to overdo it with the drum speed when setting the “Spin”. Its rotation speed should not exceed 800 rpm, otherwise the item may be damaged
As for the washing temperature, it is better to limit it to 40 °C.
You can try running the “Delicate Wash”. This program is convenient because it allows you to set custom washing parameters. You can independently set the water heating temperature and the drum rotation speed during spinning.
Selecting detergents
It is better to wash a down jacket on padding polyester with liquid detergent. Gels, capsules, and washing liquids are suitable for this. They should not contain bleaching components, which destroy the structure of the filler and can damage the fabric.
It is better to avoid dry powder: its small particles become clogged in the folds and pores of the padding polyester and are difficult to rinse out. As a result, white stains may appear on dark products, and yellowish stains on white ones, which are very difficult to get rid of.
When washing by hand, you can use laundry soap. It should also be classic, without bleaches. If you use a cover during the washing process, the risk of damaging the filling and outer fabric is also reduced.
Peculiarities
Sintepon is a non-woven synthetic material used for insulation, which is inserted between layers of fabric of the product. During machine washing, it can become wrinkled, unevenly distributed, tear, and the clothes will lose their appearance. First, you need to study the tag in which the manufacturer indicated the type of outer fabric, as well as the temperature conditions at which washing is possible, the possibility or prohibition of spinning, ironing and other nuances.
Do not neglect this information, it will help keep your item in proper shape and not spoil it.
Legend:
- If you see a basin crossed out by two diagonal lines, then washing is excluded.
- In the case of exclusively hand washing, a basin is depicted with the palm lowered into it.
- A rectangle with three vertical lines inscribed in it means that spinning is prohibited.
- A crossed out rectangle means that machine drying is prohibited.
- A straight line inscribed in a rectangle indicates that horizontal drying is allowed.
- The crossed out iron sign means no ironing.
- The crossed out triangle indicates a ban on chlorine-containing detergents.
If you find that your jacket is covered with membrane fabric, insulated with glued padding polyester, or contains permanent parts made of genuine leather, wool or fur, then, alas, machine washing is contraindicated. After machine washing, your item may fade, shrink, become deformed or stretch.
But don't rush to get upset. The jacket can be cleaned locally using a damp cloth and a small amount of Fairy detergent. If such a jacket has stains and streaks, you can get rid of them using ammonia: dilute 1 tablespoon of alcohol in 200 ml of water.
Proper spinning and drying
Proper washing of a padding polyester jacket without a suitable spinning and drying mode solves the problem only half. How it dries determines whether the padding polyester inside will crumple or not.
To avoid unpleasant consequences, during spinning you need to use the most delicate level, or gently squeeze the product with your hands, and then leave it for a while to drain the remaining water.
The washed coat should be placed horizontally outdoors or indoors with good ventilation, avoiding direct sunlight. If the jacket is quilted, it can be hung on hangers. If there is no stitching, then to prevent the insulation from falling down, it is better to leave the jacket in a horizontal position.
It needs to be turned over periodically and lightly beaten with your hands. This way the insulation will be better distributed inside and take its original shape. It's best to wash your winter jacket when you won't need it for the next few days. The product dries in about two days.
If you need to dry your coat urgently, you can use a fan. It is placed on maximum mode opposite the down jacket, which must be turned over twice an hour. This method is the safest, since neither batteries nor other heating devices can be used.
When drying a jacket, it is not recommended to place towels or other fabric backing under it - they can accumulate moisture, and after drying the padding polyester will have an unpleasant odor. If you follow all the rules, then after washing and drying the product will look like new.
How to avoid white streaks?
Such stains appear due to insufficient rinsing or improper drying. Therefore, to prevent them it is important:
- rinse the jacket thoroughly after washing;
- Ensure good ventilation when drying.
Stagnation of water in the fibers provokes the formation of streaks as they dry. To prevent excess moisture from accumulating, it is better to periodically turn the damp down jacket over and lightly wring out the wet areas.
On dry clothes, stains can be wiped off with a damp sponge, then wipe the area with a dry cloth and allow to dry naturally.
How to straighten the padding polyester in a jacket after washing
No matter how well the jacket is washed, the padding polyester needs to be straightened after washing, as it may become tangled. It can roll up, get into lumps, and lose its shape. To straighten it out, you can try several ways:
- Wash and rinse again, but using special balls - their impacts in the drum can break up lumps of padding polyester.
- Shake the item thoroughly and forcefully - this way you can try to straighten the filler.
- Use your hands to smooth out lumps through the outer fabric and lining. This is quite labor-intensive, but gives good results.
There are other methods you can try to salvage the appearance and performance of your clothing.
Carpet beater
Beating the down jacket with a beater is one possible solution to the problem. In order for the padding polyester not to be compressed and to have more space when straightened, the jacket should be hung vertically on a hanger and beaten vigorously, like a carpet.
Most often, after such manipulations, the filler takes its original shape. If this does not help, then most likely you will have to completely replace the insulation.
Fluff the padding polyester with a vacuum cleaner
You can distribute the padding polyester after washing using a vacuum cleaner. This method can also be used on a damp jacket. The vacuum cleaner should move from places of high accumulation of filler to voids. If the condition of the jacket cannot be restored and the lumps do not break, you will have to buy new clothes or completely change the insulation.
What kind of material?
Sintepon is a non-woven fabric and belongs to the first class synthetic insulators and fillers. It is used as a filler for blankets, bedspreads, pillows, women's and men's clothing, workwear, and children's overalls. This material is even used in newborn discharge kits.
The synthetic filler is lightweight and has a heat-resistant effect, it recovers well after washing and is hypoallergenic.
Outerwear is made using the needle-punched method. Fastening of fibers is carried out mechanically by weaving and fixing on the surface of the fabric with special needles made of fibers having a different direction.
If compared with other methods, padding polyester made using this method will be of higher quality and resistant to mechanical stress.
A cheaper option is glued filler, its particles are joined together with glue. Such clothes look luxurious and elegant, but over time the appearance deteriorates and the filling gets lost.
But a jacket filled with needle-punched or thermosetting synthetic padding is not afraid of either hand or automatic washing.
Winter clothes, with proper care, can withstand frost down to -15 degrees and below. But, speaking about the positive qualities of the filler, we must also talk about the negative ones. Due to frequent washing, the fiber structure may be damaged. This leads to a deterioration in the appearance of the clothes and to the fact that the padding polyester will begin to allow cold air currents to pass through due to the filler clumping into clumps.
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Preventative measures to prevent the formation of filler lumps
Lumps and streaks are common unpleasant consequences of home care. To avoid this, you need to take precautions:
- Wash the product in the cover.
- Use special balls during washing, rinsing and spinning.
- Do not soak the product for a long time.
- Dry in a well-ventilated area.
- Turn and fluff the jacket frequently during the drying process.
- Avoid stagnation of water inside. To do this, it is better not to use towels or sheets as a backing.
If you follow the instructions, washing winter clothes using padding polyester won’t bring much trouble. Properly cleaned and dried, it will delight its owner for many more seasons, warming him in severe frosts.
