How to wash a jacket in a washing machine: choosing the right temperature, mode and detergent, rules for drying outerwear

So that caring for warm clothes does not play an evil trick on you, you need to know how to wash a winter jacket in a washing machine. Those who were able to successfully cope with this recommend machine washing, and those who were unlucky and had the jacket go to a landfill consider this a risky undertaking. In this article we will look at caring for winter clothes and give clear instructions for manual and automatic washing.

How to wash a jacket in a washing machine

Step #1. Preparing and removing stains.

In order for the washing machine to cope better with contamination, you need to prepare your jacket:

empty pockets of any debris and personal items;
unfasten the hood and fur;
fasten the zipper and buttons;
turn the product inside out.

If there are complex stains on the jacket, for example, greasy stains, then the machine will not wash them. Stains are removed manually using soaking with household chemicals or cleaning using traditional methods.

Step #2. Temperature selection.

Do not wash jackets at high temperatures. When exposed to hot water, the filler crumbles. It is almost impossible to straighten hard lumps. The optimal washing temperature is 30–40°C.

Step #3. Selecting a program.

In order not to spoil the jacket material and filling, it is important to choose the washing mode wisely:

Most automatic machines have a mode that is suitable for washing down jackets and down jackets. If there is no such program, you need to select a delicate mode or set the parameters manually in accordance with the washing recommendations on the label.
Spinning at high speeds is detrimental to outerwear. Mechanical stress creates creases in the material that are difficult to smooth out, and the filler clumps into clumps. The best option is 400–500 rpm.
Don't skip the extra rinse or super wash cycle. If you wash with powder at a low temperature, the particles do not dissolve completely in the water and can leave streaks and white spots on the fabric. Additional rinsing will help completely rinse the product from the fabric structure.

Step #4. Choosing a detergent.

Any product suitable for a specific type of fabric will do. If you don’t want to rinse your down jacket several times, then use liquid (gel-like) products. Do not wash outerwear with powders that contain bleaching particles.

Determining whether it can be washed or not

This question is probably asked by everyone who owns such clothes.
To answer this, look at the product label. If you see a dry cleaning icon, then it’s not worth risking an expensive product. You cannot wash a winter jacket if it has permanent inserts made of fur or leather. Membrane-coated products require special attention.

If there are no special care recommendations, then you can clean your item yourself. But before you begin, you need to find out the composition of the insulation.

Popular types of fillers:

natural fluff;
padding polyester;
polyester;
Thinsulate;
holofiber.

Knowing the padding material is necessary in order to correctly decide on what mode to wash your winter jacket.

How to wash different materials

Care and washing rules depend on the jacket textile and filling. Outerwear is made from different materials, for example, polyester, bologna, membrane or raincoat fabric. And they are filled with holofiber, padding polyester or down. Consider the characteristics of materials to maintain the attractiveness of the item and extend its service life.

Different types of filler

Sintepon.

This is an artificial filler. It is wear-resistant and resistant to mechanical stress, so washing it in a machine will not harm it. But the maximum washing temperature should not exceed 40°C. Place a special laundry ball in the drum to agitate the filler.

But you shouldn’t wring out the padding polyester, otherwise it will form clumps. It is better to gently wring out the jacket with your hands and dry it on hangers in an upright position.

Pooh.

Jackets filled with biodown can also be washed in a washing machine. But it is important to check the manufacturer's recommendations on the label.

For washing, the delicate, wrinkle-free, down jacket or duvet cycles are suitable. To prevent the filling from clumping, add tennis balls to the drum. The water temperature should not exceed 45°C.

You cannot wring out a jacket in a washing machine. It is better to leave a wet item in the bathroom. When the water has drained, hang it on hangers. To prevent wet down from sliding down, shake the jacket periodically.

Different types of fabric

Bolognese fabric.

Jackets made from Bolognese fabric are easy to care for. To get rid of stains, just select a program with a minimum temperature and turn off the spin. Use washing gel, not powder. At the end of washing, rinse the item additionally to avoid streaks and stains.

Leather, leatherette and polyester.

Polyester outerwear is unpretentious. It does not require complex care. Choose a delicate wash mode and a temperature of up to 30–40°C.

Leather jackets cannot be washed in a washing machine. Natural, artificial or modern eco-leather is afraid of moisture and becomes deformed during prolonged contact with hot water. The material may stretch and crack. It is better to promptly remove dirt on the jacket with a damp cloth or soft sponge.

If the lining is detachable, it can be washed separately by hand or in a machine, depending on the type of material.

If you cannot unfasten the lining, then use the instructions:

Fill a basin with warm water and add a little liquid laundry detergent.
Turn the jacket inside out.
Wash the lining carefully so as not to wet the skin too much.
Do not wring out the jacket: leave it in the bathroom to let the water drain.
Turn the jacket inside out and hang it on a hanger to dry. The skin can be wiped with a dry cloth.

Suede.

Suede outerwear requires the most careful care. Follow these simple guidelines:

a suede jacket cannot be washed in a machine - only by hand;
Do not immerse a suede product in water for a long time;
should be washed in cool water no higher than 30–40°C;
Do not use washing powder - only gels or liquid detergents;
Do not use bleaches or stain removers.

Finally, do not forget to treat the suede product with a special impregnation.

Membrane.

Membrane fabric is used to sew ski jackets. It consists of several layers, usually polyester and a membrane film that repels moisture. The membrane is easily damaged, so you need to wash your ski jacket in the gentle wash mode or on the “Synthetics” program, at a temperature not exceeding 40°C. It is better to buy a special detergent or use a gel. The main thing is that there is no chlorine in the composition. To remove stains, rinse the product twice and do not spin.

Detergents

When washing winter jackets, the correct choice of household chemicals is of great importance. Sensitive synthetic insulation fibers do not withstand aggressive influences. Therefore, it is recommended to select drugs with special care.

We offer you a list of proven means:

"Persil Duo-caps". Capsules for an automatic washing machine. They are produced in two types: green - for white linen and blue - for colored fabrics. Start working at 30°. Expensive (600 rubles for 28 pieces), but effective.
Gel "Laska". It removes any dirt well, does not spoil the fabric, is easy to wash, smells nice, and is inexpensive (3 liters about 300 rubles).
Gel "Cotico". Used for sportswear. The final wash requires a double rinse, but it washes well. The price is reasonable: 1 liter - 240 rubles.
Grangers Performance Wash is a washing shampoo. Suitable for membrane jackets. Gently cleanses dirt. Can be used in washing machines. Price is about 700 rubles for 300 ml.
“Vorsinka” is a liquid product for delicate fibers. Prevents the formation of pilling, washes well, and keeps things soft. Price: 750 ml for 130 rubles.

Still have questions? watch this video and everything will become clear.

How to dry a jacket after washing

Drying is one of the most important stages. In order not to spoil the item, remember:

It is better to dry things with down filling on hangers;
You should not hang your jacket on a clothesline, otherwise it will form a crease that is difficult to straighten;
to dry your pockets, turn them inside out;
To prevent the jacket from stretching and deforming, fasten the zipper or buttons when drying;
Shake the jacket constantly so that the filling does not become crumpled;
Do not dry items in direct sunlight, near heaters or radiators.

How to choose the right mode and detergent

The key to long-term wear is proper cleaning, including spinning and temperature.

Wash your denim jacket inside out using a special detergent. Wash program – delicate, spin at minimum speed. It is dried by the hangers, ironed semi-dry, then dried.

Products made of polyester require a gentle cycle, spinning at 600 centrifuge revolutions. To prevent clothes from becoming electrified, add conditioner to the washing powder.

Dermantine items are placed in the drum buttoned up and turned inside out. When washing, it is unacceptable to use products with chlorine and bleaching elements. When cleaning leatherette, detergents for delicate fabrics are preferred. The product should be washed at 30 degrees with minimal spin. If you choose a manual cleaning method, use a solution: mix a little vinegar essence and dishwashing detergent in a small amount of water. Dampen a soft sponge, wipe the clothes, rinse, wrap in a towel and squeeze lightly. Dry inside out, hanging by the shoulders.

Suede outerwear should be cleaned according to the directions on the tag. To avoid damage to the material, first wash the small flap that comes with the kit. The material does not like moisture; brushing is usually sufficient. For machine washing, choose a gentle program with a temperature of 30 degrees with a spin program of 300 rotations.

The jacket is not turned inside out or twisted, but blotted with a soft towel and left in the bathroom on a hanger. You can make things softer with glycerin.

General rules for cleaning jackets of all types

Before you start washing, carefully read the tag. On it, the manufacturer indicates basic recommendations: what temperature and washing method is suitable for the product (manual or machine), whether special cleaning agents can be used.

If there is no tag on the jacket, follow these simple rules:

Do not set the water temperature above 40°C.
Many washing machines have a “Washing jackets and down jackets” program. If not, choose delicate mode.
Use a gel cleaner. The powder may leave whitish streaks on the product after drying.
To avoid streaks, rinse the product twice.
Do not choose intensive spinning for washing - it can damage the fabric of the jacket and also ruin the filling. The best option is a spin speed of 500 rpm.

To avoid damaging your jacket when washing it at home, go to a dry cleaner.

Preparation

The volume and weight of the item being washed is important. A large down coat, which will weigh 10 kilograms after taking on water, should not be subjected to this method of cleaning. The drum of the machine simply cannot “turn” the weight. Information about the permissible weight from the instructions for the household appliance will help here.

Before placing your jacket in the machine, you should check the pockets and remove any hard objects or debris.
Be sure to fasten the zippers! During machine washing, the teeth may become deformed and the lock will become faulty.
Usually the fur on the hood or collar is removed. Just in the interests of washing. It’s worth doing the same with metal, plastic or glass decorative elements - tear them off or unfasten them so that they don’t lose their brightness or rust.
There is an opinion that things should be turned inside out before washing. However, there are no significant arguments to substantiate this statement. You can wash it either way.
There is another secret to cleanliness. Glazed areas: collar, sleeves, greasy stains may not be washed off. Before loading into the machine, these areas can be wiped with dish soap (it degreases well) and, without rinsing, loaded into the drum.

Important! Products with fur or leather inserts cannot be washed. It's better to go to a dry cleaner.

Cleaning individual parts

How to clean a jacket? This question comes up more often than others. After all, outerwear gets dirty quickly, but you can’t wash it every day, it will lose its properties and will become wet over time.

So how to clean a winter jacket? You can completely treat the product with home remedies or professional cleaners, avoiding washing. You can also wash the collar or cuffs separately.

What to clean with? It is better to do cleaning when you have enough time to carry out the procedure. Sometimes it takes a little time for the product to work.

For cleaning, use both regular detergents and some homemade ingredients to remove stains. For example, soda, vinegar, laundry or baby soap, flour or starch, hot water, steam, hairspray, ice and other methods.

How to clean jacket collars at home without washing them from grime:

Ammonia and peroxide are mixed in equal proportions. A cotton swab is moistened in the prepared composition and the greasy areas are wiped.
Pour some water and gel into a basin, beat it into foam. Apply foam to the faux fur and clean the collar using a brush. After this procedure, you need to dry it with a hairdryer.
Dilute the ammonia with water and use a cotton swab to go over the contaminated areas.

For greasy cuffs and pockets, you can use these same home remedies.

Drying the hammer - special attention

The best option for drying jackets is on hangers, in an upright position, in a straightened state. If you don't straighten out the creases in the fabric, it will dry out. You will have to steam or iron the jacket, which is undesirable.

The best place to dry a jacket is on the balcony, not in the sun, but in the shade. No need to use heating devices or hair dryers. After drying naturally, pat the down jacket with a carpet beater to fluff up the down. The jacket will regain its original volume.

Features of jackets of different brands

Each well-known manufacturer is trying to occupy its niche in the jacket market and offer the consumer special products. How to care for jackets from the most popular brands?

IMPORTANT : read the information on the label of the purchased clothing. Save the care instructions. This will extend the life of your favorite expensive items, and you will save on new purchases.

Columbia

If the jacket tag does not have a triangle crossed out by two straight lines, then it is machine washable:

Remove fur trim from clothing.
Empty your pockets of whatever is in there.
Turn the jacket inside out, fasten the buttons and zipper. You can play it safe by putting it in a special laundry bag.
Place 2-3 clean tennis balls in the drum.
Select the appropriate temperature setting. Branded Columbia jacket - wash at 40 degrees.
Buy a detergent for washing down jackets. Their advantages are an antistatic effect and easy rinsing.
It is better to turn off the machine spin.
Dry your jacket in the bathtub. Allow the water to drain completely, then hang it in a shady, ventilated place.

Temperature selection

If you care about the safety of the item, then there is no need to talk about high temperatures when washing. It is better not to install above 40 degrees. For particularly delicate fabrics, 30°C water is preferable.

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Additional Information! Windbreakers designed to protect the body from rain and wind can be made from different fabrics. The composition of the material dictates the choice of washing temperature.

Polyester is a material created artificially from the melt of polyester fibers. It has excellent weather-resistant qualities, durability, does not allow rain and wind to pass through, and does not wrinkle. But in accordance with the nature of its origin, it is afraid of high temperatures. Hot water can “melt” the structure of the fabric, causing the item to become deformed and shrink in size. So in this case, wash at a maximum of 30 degrees.
Nylon is also a synthetic material obtained through chemical manipulation of molecules. It is older and stronger than polyester. Holds paint better. However, it is not resistant to high temperatures: it wrinkles and stretches greatly. Therefore, it is necessary to wash at no more than 40 degrees.
Corduroy and cotton. Windbreakers made from these materials contain natural fabrics. They are warmer and can withstand washing at 60 degrees.

When washing a jacket in a machine, you should carefully study the composition of the fabric: increasing the percentage of natural fibers increases the temperature of the water.

Preparing and removing stains from different types of jacket fabric:

Different types of fabric and innovative materials for the top of jackets require special care. Let's look at the most popular of them.

Reflective jacket

Wash the jacket in a neutral textile gel. The use of detergents with an alkaline effect or chlorine is not allowed. It often happens that washing a jacket collar requires special attention. Treat it and other worn places with foam whipped from an aqueous solution of the gel. Leave for 20 minutes, rub with a sponge. After this, completely immerse the jacket in a cold washing solution for 30 minutes. Hand washing is recommended, allowing water to drain naturally. Machine spinning is prohibited, drying in the shade.

Water-repellent jacket

Various fabrics have these properties - bologna, synthetic fiber raincoat, membrane. Home washing of a water-repellent jacket is carried out in cold (30 degrees) water, a delicate detergent without aggressive components. It is better to take liquid or gel-like household chemicals. Washing powder clogs the pores of the membrane and leaves stains on the raincoat fabric.

Bolognese jacket

Synthetic fabric is unpretentious, water drains from it like oilcloth. Dissolve the detergent in cool water. The usual way to wash a Bolognese jacket is to soak it in a basin, rinse, and drain the water over a bathtub.

Leatherette jacket

Faux leather clothes should be washed in the same way as bologna. A cool soapy solution will wash away dirt, and rinsing several times will remove any remaining detergent. Are the water glass, lining and insulation dry? The jacket can be worn.

Membrane jackets

There is no need to wash membrane items too often. Once after the end of the ski season is enough. Water gradually washes away the special waterproof DWR impregnation. The material does not tolerate detergents containing fluorine, chlorine, or alkali. It doesn't need air conditioning. The membrane does not need to be washed with other and, especially, heavily soiled clothing. White jackets are always washed separately.

IMPORTANT : the porous structure of the membrane quickly becomes clogged with the remains of granular washing powders and dirt. This should be avoided as it is impossible to remove them from the pores.

Jean jacket

Denim is washed at temperatures up to 40 degrees. Hand and machine wash possible. Look for a clue on the product tag. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to keep your item looking like new for a long time. The temperature should not be higher than 40 degrees. The presence of chlorine in the detergent is undesirable.

Before washing, turn the jacket inside out, fasten the buttons and zipper. Amateur washing of a winter denim jacket with a fur lining is carried out according to the instructions on the tag. It is good to add conditioner when rinsing.

Drying a winter jacket

Winter outerwear should be dried correctly, because if you choose the wrong drying method, the item can ruin its attractive appearance, or lose its warming properties. Recommendations for drying a winter jacket:

Do not dry outerwear unfolded. You need to hang it on hangers or on a special hanger. But before that, you need to shake the thing so that the filler falls into place. And during drying, clothes need to be shaken every 2-3 hours.
Under no circumstances should you dry outerwear near heating appliances. Stains and yellow spots may appear on the jacket, which will then be difficult to wash off.
Using a hairdryer or fan while drying is not recommended, but it is still possible. The main thing is not to direct the air flow to the same place; you need to process the jacket completely.

Useful tips

Now you know how to wash winter jackets. Here are some more useful tips to help you keep your winter clothes clean.

If you find a greasy stain on your jacket, you can easily remove it with a vinegar solution. To do this, take one teaspoon each of vinegar and sea salt and dissolve them in a glass of warm water. After the salt has completely dissolved, moisten a cotton pad with the resulting liquid and wipe the resulting stain.

Another way to effectively remove grease stains, as well as traces of sweat, is to use a solution consisting of a glass of water, half a teaspoon of ammonia, and a teaspoon of salt. This method can also get rid of yellow spots formed due to improper drying.

If you need to iron your jacket after washing, do it with a warm iron, the temperature of which is no more than 110 degrees.

If you don’t know what tennis balls are used to replace when washing a down jacket, we will tell you. Some people are afraid to use them for fear of damaging the drum and shortening its life. Instead of felt tennis balls, you can use specially designed tourmaline and magnetic balls. These inventions are expensive, but their high technology makes it possible not only to preserve the integrity of the down jacket, but also to clean the washing machine from scale and various impurities.

Manual

It is difficult to wash a jacket by hand, especially if it is a down jacket. Such products become heavy after being saturated with water and are difficult to remove from the bathroom yourself.

How to wash jackets? First, study the label on the reverse side, it will tell you the correct temperature, drying and ironing method. Then start cleaning.

How to wash a jacket:

Fill the bathtub with warm water.
Add detergent. Dilute it in water, beat into foam.
Place the jacket in the bath and begin removing dust. You can take off your shoes and walk on your clothes with clean feet; this option is better than rubbing the material. It is better not to use this method with white products.
The rinse water will have to be changed more than once.

After the jacket has been washed, start drying. Lay it out on a horizontal surface and use a terry towel to remove all moisture.