Learn how to wash puffer jackets. They are exceptional outerwear with surprising versatility and industry-leading durability. Under the right conditions, these jackets can last upwards of a decade.
However, these jackets are not completely impervious to wear and tear, especially if you often wear them hiking. Sure, you might not have many issues at first, but you will see a downgrade in the looks of your puffer jacket outfits as it gets dirtier by the day. Luckily, most of these issues can be mitigated by washing your puffer jacket on time.
That said, puffer jacket washing is not as simple as just chucking them into the washer with other clothes and calling it a day. Instead, you have to practice a lot of caution and learn how to wash a puffer jacket the right way.
If you don’t know what the right way of washing a puffer jacket is, this puffer jacket guide is for you.
What To Expect In This Article?
How To Clean A Puffer Jacket
Puffer jackets are an essential part of men’s winter fashion. They are also expensive. Hence, it is important to care for them and maintain them regularly. There are two key ways to wash your down jacket, hand wash, and machine wash. Both of these methods are equally valid and have their pros and cons. Let’s discuss them individually so you can better understand how to clean a puffer jacket.
Machine Wash A Puffer
Machine washing different types of jackets is convenient. Sure, you have to do a lot of prep work beforehand but the time and effort required are nowhere near washing them by hand. You also can’t wash other outerwear like a full-grain leather jacket or quilted jackets in the machine, only the puffers.
However, the thing that you’re giving away for convenience when machine washing your puffer is safety. Yes, you can make it safe but the risk is never as low as a manual hand wash.
That said, the time and effort savings of machine washing outweigh its negatives, especially since most of these negatives can be dealt with before you even start the washing process.
Safety Precautions For Machine Wash
Following these steps will provide a better wash, while also keeping your precious puffer safe.
Detergent
Do not choose a harsh, grime-cutting detergent for cleaning your puffer jacket. It will destroy the water-resistant coating on the jacket and ruin the jacket permanently. Don’t pick a detergent with any bleaching chemicals as well, as they will affect the color and roughen up the fabric. Instead, look for detergents that are soft, and offer a conditioning element.
Water Temperature
Room temperature is the ideal water temperature for puffer jackets. Washing with warm or even hot water might not destroy the jacket’s fabric, but it will affect how the detergent behaves, and its effects on the jacket. So, stay on the safe side and always pick the cold wash option on your washer.
Mesh Bag
One of the biggest threats to snow-compatible puffer jackets during a machine wash is the physical agitator. Rubbing against this surface is meant to remove all dirt and grime, but men’s winter jackets like puffer jackets can get damaged by it.
There might not be an issue on the first wash, but you will start seeing wear after a few. The perfect solution to this problem is a mesh laundry bag. These flexible containers let the water and detergent through without any issues while protecting your jacket from physical agitator damage.
Hand Wash A Puffer
The biggest benefit of washing your windbreaker jacket by hand is safety. You get to choose the washing pace and intensity manually, so there is little to no risk of damage. You can also regularly inspect the jacket and stop washing if it’s cleaned already and don’t have to get it through the complete wash cycle.
The biggest downside of hand washing your puffer jacket by hand is that it is very time-consuming and kind of difficult. It is different when you’re washing a thin cloth as it can be handled pretty easily. A down-filled jacket, on the other hand, doesn’t fit in your hands very well and can cause muscle fatigue in your fingers.
Step By Step Guide To Washing Puffer Jacket
Now that you understand the basics, it’s time to learn how to wash a puffer jacket from start to finish.
Dusting
The first step of washing your puffer jacket is to remove any loose dirt from its surface with the help of a brush, long before it touches a single drop of water. Using an old toothbrush can work, but it will take a long time. So, use a soft laundry brush instead. You’d be surprised by the amount of dirt that just falls off during this dusting session.
Machine Check
The next step is to check the machine. Make sure it is cleaned on the inside, there are no other clothes in there, and that the water is set to cold. This step might seem unnecessary but remember that caution is the only thing keeping your jacket safe here.
Use this step to clean off and then refill the detergent compartment as well. Make sure you’re pouring the right soft detergent and not the one you use for regular laundry that can soften a leather jacket with its harshness.
Set The Cycle
Most modern washers have dedicated settings for different types of materials. Look for a setting labeled, gentle, wool, or something similar and select that.
Wash
Put in the jacket and start the machine. Don’t interrupt this cycle if you’ve done all of the previous steps correctly. If you’re still worried about this step, putting the jacket in a mesh bag might ease your worries.
Dry
Once the wash is complete, it’s time to dry the 90s party puffer jacket, and learning how to dry puffer jackets is just as essential as washing them properly.
Now, you might think that you should air dry your puffer jacket as you do with men’s lightweight jackets, but that is not the case. Air drying will not only take a long time, but it might also form noticeable clumps – ruining the jacket’s consistency. Instead, tumble dry your puffer at low heat.
Don’t be tempted to turn up the heat to accelerate the process as that will only make the situation worse. Once you feel zero moisture when pressing down on the jacket, you’re good to wear it again.
How To Shrink A Puffer Jacket
Washing men’s puffer jackets is one thing but learning how to shrink a puffer jacket all by yourself is difficult and has a high chance of ruining the quality of the outerwear. Therefore, many people seek professional assistance instead of doing it themselves. But if you learn how to shrink a puffer jacket correctly, you can save yourself a lot of money. Below, we have explained how to shrink a puffer jacket correctly so if you want to attempt it yourself, you can.
Dry On Low Heat
The first thing you should understand is that the process is slow and you must not be tempted to speed it up, regardless of how confident you are about the process. Now, take your clean puffer jacket or coat put it in the dryer, and keep the heat low. Let the puffer run for a couple of cycles on low heat. The idea is to be careful because the puffer jacket is made of synthetic materials that are sensitive to heat. Thus, to avoid the jacket from being subjected to any damage, you should run it on low heat. Always read the care instructions and guidelines provided with the jacket before putting it in the dryer. Washing a puffer jacket at home is still something you can risk but shrinking a puffer jacket can be tough.
How To Make A Puffer Jacket Puffy Again
If you know how to wash a puffy jacket, you can easily learn how to make a puffy jacket puffy again and de-clump the puffer. You can make a puffer jacket puffy again by putting the puffy jacket in a dryer on low heat along with three clean tennis balls. Make sure you put it on the lowest heat possible and let it run a few cycles for about 30 minutes. Adding tennis balls to the dryer will keep the jacket in shape by bouncing back and forth. By following this carefully, you can make the puffer jacket puffy again.
Can You Put A Puffer Jacket In The Dryer?
Are you wondering if you can put the puffer jacket in the dryer? Well, if you’ve read this guide, you must already know that heat damages the fabric of the puffy jacket. But the trick here is simple: keep the heat low.
Only Tumble Dry On Low Heat
Yes, you can put a puffer jacket in the dryer but keep in mind that you can only tumble dry on low heat. Men’s soft shell jackets can be sensitive so make sure you stick to the care guide and instructions.
FAQs
Yes, you can machine wash your puffer jacket. There are a few risks involved but they can be turned into nonissues with proper preparation and procedures.
After washing a puffer jacket you can dry tumble dry it on low heat.
When you’re washing a puffer jacket, you must remove all the gim and dirt first. The next step is to close all the zippers and pockets. Now turn it inside out and start washing.
No, you cannot wash puffy jackets with any detergent you want. Well, you can, but you shouldn’t. This is because certain high-power detergents can cause permanent damage to both the fabric and the filling. The same rule applies to men’s windbreaker jackets because of the fabric and materials.
You can tumble dry it on low heat. Make sure you add three tennis balls to keep their structure intact.
Yes, you should sip all the zips and pockets. And pull the jacket inside out.
You should tumble dry on low heat after washing the puffer jacket.
Ventilation is an ideal way of doing it. Make sure you hang the puffer jacket and let it air dry properly to refresh its appearance and feel.
Yes, you can wash down jackets with ease. Just make sure to use down-compatible soaps and detergents.
The only way to shrink puffers quickly is to wash them in hot water with the longest wash cycle. Do not add any detergent or soap; just your jacket and water.
No, you should not wash puffer jackets every month as it is plain overkill. Just follow the right procedures on how to wash a puffer jacket in the washing machine once a year and you’re good to go.
Final Words
Many people don’t realize the need to wash their puffer jackets and then complain when the jacket looks decades old with only a few years of use. The folks who do know about washing are often worried about ruining their expensive and beloved jacket. And that’s it folks, this was all you needed to know about washing puffer jackets and keeping their puff alive. You can continue reading and learn what to wear in snow.
