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Cornell University : Cornell Cooperative Extension
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| Yates Association |
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Caring for Down-Filled Garments and Pillows |
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Down garments can either be washed or dry-cleaned. Whenever possible, down garments should be washed by hand or on the delicate cycle of a washing machine. Use warm water and a mild soap. Special down soaps are available but are not necessary. Just use half as much soap as you would use for a small load. Select detergents without enzymes. Submerge the garment and squeeze it for several minutes to make sure all the air has been pushed out. Handle it gently, and never wring or twist the garment. It should be rinsed several times to make sure all the soap or detergent is removed. A residue from the soap or detergent will cause the down to clump together, and will reduce its insulating ability. Because some water in New York State is very hard, a water softener should be used to prevent a soap or detergent curd from forming and being deposited throughout the garment. Add the softener to the water, then the soap, and finally the garment. It is especially important to lift and support the wet down garment carefully as the weight of the wet filling can strain or tear seams, and even force the down through the fabric. The easiest way to dry a down garment is in a dryer. Use a medium heat setting of 150 degrees F. Add two or three clean bath towels to absorb some of the moisture, and a clean pair of tennis shoes to break up the clumps of down as the dryer drum rotates. It will probably take several cycles to dry the garment completely. Take the garment out and gently knead and loosen the down clumps by hand as the garment drys. Be sure there is no moisture left, because down may mildew. Cornell
Cooperative Extension Yates Association |
