Care guides for your riding clothes.
Caring for down coats
HOW TO CARE FOR A WARM DOWN COAT OR PADDED JACKETS LIKE PUFFER JACKETS?
For washing your warm jackets with down or padding such as puffer jackets (downproof thermo-quilted), wash them only when necessary.
Today, down is found in the manufacture of puffer jackets, renowned for providing protection against cold that is more effective than that provided by synthetic materials. But how to care for a down puffer jacket in order to extend its lifespan and preserve its warmth? Let's discover together the tips and tricks necessary for the effective care of such a jacket.
HOW TO WASH A DOWN PUFFER JACKET?
It's important to properly clean and maintain your down puffer jacket, as it loses warmth and quality over time. Fortunately, it's possible to wash your puffer jacket to restore its performance. For a stain, favour hand washing on the surface.
Check the labels: before any action is essential as instructions can vary depending on the product. If you can find the programme to use there, that's perfect. Generally, a gentle wash with lukewarm water is a good starting point. Avoid using products containing ammonia or powerful bleaching agents as this can destroy the feather padding.
Do a test: if you don't wish to take any risk of damaging your down puffer jacket before washing, you can use this trick: take a tennis ball and place it in a wash bag with a small amount of detergent. Dilute the detergent solution in lukewarm water before placing the ball in it. Leave the ball to soak for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly.
Put your down jacket in the drum, being careful not to overload the machine to avoid jamming. Place your down jacket in a suitable programme, at low speed before engaging the spin cycle. Important step: when the cycle is finished, don't hesitate to do an additional rinse. Then dry it flat on a ventilated surface.
HOW TO DRY A DOWN PUFFER JACKET CORRECTLY?
Do not put your down jacket in the tumble dryer: this can damage the padding and give it a stiff shape rather than fluffy, which will no longer retain heat properly.
Hold the product as you take it out of the washing machine and hang it in the open air flat or on a wide hanger for a long period. To properly distribute the down in the garment, we advise you to tap it regularly to separate the down well during drying.
Leave it to air dry: Once all the steps are completed, leave it to air freely for a few hours before storing it.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE BEFORE CLEANING OR REPAIRING A DOWN PUFFER JACKET?
You probably know the name of your puffer jacket: it could be a Jott, Moncler, The North Face piece... each brand has their own very specific instructions to follow. It's therefore important to always check the brand's instructions. Indeed, certain materials may require different treatment and a particular temperature.
Be careful with dry cleaning or pressing: make sure there isn't too much ammonia or other powerful products that could cause damage.
Restoration to original: if you feel there are problems and you wish to repair your down jacket, shops and professionals can adapt padding to the original for you. Horse Pilot offers for this purpose alterations and repairs under certain conditions for these riding garments.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH POOR CARE OF PADDED GARMENTS?
Poor care of a down garment can cause premature wear and significant heat loss. Down puffer jackets require careful cleaning. These natural heat accumulators that are feathers crease easily.
Too great a risk: Chemical products that may contain aggressive solvents and that are not suitable for delicate fabrics will irreparably damage the padding. We always recommend mild or organic detergents, if possible special for down, without fabric softener or detergent.
Soaking the down: Too much moisture can also re-soak the down which will no longer fluff up very well because it will be too soft.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PRESERVE ITS WARMTH AND EXTEND THE LIFESPAN OF A DOWN PUFFER JACKET?
Regular care, in order to maintain its original quality, is crucial. This also helps avoid the accumulation of impurities which can lead to a reduction in warmth.
Gentle washing, low temperature (cold water or at a maximum temperature of 30° Celsius) and natural aeration afterwards are in fact the rules to follow to optimise the care of your puffer jacket. Finally, don't forget to store it properly in a dry and aerated place.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO WASH AND DRY A QUILTED JACKET YOURSELF?
Yes, this is entirely possible, but it's important to know the different washing and drying steps well for optimal results. It's therefore advisable to use a professional if you have the slightest doubt about the different steps.
Main advice: always take all necessary precautions before cleaning and repairing your padded garment and check the labels.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PRODUCT, WHAT TECHNIQUES TO ADOPT TO MAINTAIN ITS QUALITY OVER THE YEARS?
Choose your down puffer jacket as carefully as possible; it's good to find out about the quality of raw materials used by the brand you wish to buy. Opt for products with breathable, water-repellent fabrics and with feather padding that can be easily washed and dried. We use at Horse Pilot mainly recycled polyester. Some of our down puffer jackets are now all RDS certified.
The RDS standard - or "Responsible Down Standard" - is a certification that guarantees the monitoring of good practices regarding animal conditions for geese and ducks, throughout the down and feather supply chain.
WHAT ARE THE KEY POINTS OF RDS CERTIFICATION?
- Any removal of down and feathers from live birds (live plucking or moult harvesting) is prohibited.
- Force-feeding is prohibited.
- Respect for the animal, in a comprehensive approach, from hatching to slaughter.
- The animals live in outdoor and indoor spaces that are sufficiently large, comfortable and hygienic to guarantee their well-being.
Regular care, carried out following the same instructions mentioned earlier in the article, is essential to guarantee a long lifespan for your down puffer jacket. Follow these simple tips to extend the quality and comfort of your quilted jacket.
If despite this advice you have other questions, contact us via our form or directly by phone: +33 4 99 54 63 52
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COMPLEMENTARY PRODUCTS
Detergent specially developed for our range of technical clothing. It allows for regular care without damaging the quality of the garment.
