Outerwear gets dirty no less than everyday clothes, but it is very difficult to care for it.
Many people are afraid to machine wash their jacket, thinking that it will lose its shape. In reality, everything is not so scary if you follow a few rules.
Experts from the dry cleaning industry suggested which jackets can be washed, how to do it correctly and how to dry them later.
Which jackets are machine washable?
- The first thing to do is look at the care label. A crossed out basin means washing is prohibited, dry cleaning only. Basin with hand – can be washed by hand. Basin with a number inside – machine washable, the number indicates the temperature.
- If the tag is lost, evaluate the material. Do not wash natural or artificial fur, leather or suede. If the jacket has at least inserts made of these materials, even if washing is allowed, it is better not to risk it and take the item to the dry cleaner.
- It is also worth remembering that a wet jacket becomes heavier. If your machine has a small drum, it may not be able to handle the load.
How to properly wash a jacket in a machine
1. Preparation
- Before loading the jacket, turn out the pockets, unfasten the fur, straps, belts, and decorative parts.
- Treat stains with laundry soap or stain remover.
- Close all zippers, buttons and Velcro.
- Turn the jacket inside out or use a special laundry bag.
2. Selection of detergent
- Liquid gels or capsules are better for jackets as they wash out better than powder.
- Avoid chlorine or bleach powders unless your jacket is white. For colored and dark items, you will need a product for colored fabrics.
3. Water temperature
- Down jackets should be washed at a temperature not exceeding 30 °C. Water that is too hot can damage the fabric or filling.
- Read the tag on the product carefully.
4. Mode selection
- If the machine has an “Outerwear” mode, then you should select it.
- Delicate fits most jackets.
- Hand washing is also suitable, choose the minimum speed.
- It is better to set the spin no higher than 600 rpm. For down jackets, you can turn it off altogether.
5. Loading into drum
- Wash your jacket separately from other items. To prevent the filler from clumping, add 3-5 tennis balls or special laundry balls to the drum.
- If the balls are colored, soak them in bleach to prevent staining the fabric.
How to dry a jacket
- It is best to dry on hangers in a ventilated area.
- If the dryer is horizontal, you need to place the item at an angle so that the water drains.
- Do not place the jacket on a radiator or dry it in the sun.
- Shake down jackets periodically while drying so that the down does not clump together.
- If the label indicates that machine drying is allowed, turn on the delicate cycle.
Don't be afraid to machine wash your jacket. Check the label, select the soft mode and the appropriate remedy. And then your jacket will remain clean, fresh and like new – without dry cleaning and extra costs.
