How to wash a Puffer Jacket in a washing machine?

Depending on the care label, you can either machine-wash or hand-wash your puffer jacket. For a machine-washable jacket, simply turn it inside out. Place it in the washtub and select the gentle wash cycle. Next, add a mild detergent and make sure to use the cold or warm water settings to machine wash it.

What is a puffer jacket?

Style-minded individuals have been drawn to puffer jackets in recent years.

Puffer jackets are typically made from a synthetic fabric such as polyester or nylon and filled with down or synthetic insulation.

Synthetic insulation is much easier to take care of than down-filled jackets.

With synthetic, you don’t have to worry about clumping or breaking apart post-washing.

Whereas, with down, you must take extra care to keep the feathers from matting together.

Most puffer jackets are made with fabric that is quilted to keep you warm and provide insulation.

The quilted fabric also helps the jacket keep its shape over time, making it a great choice for colder climates.

What detergent to use for washing puffer jackets?

It’s always ideal to use a down-specific detergent to wash your puffer jacket or down jacket, as it will cleanse it more thoroughly without disrupting the fluffiness.

With that said, if you don’t have access to any, using regular laundry detergent in small quantities should suffice.

A small amount of laundry detergent shouldn’t hurt the jacket unless the care label says something very specific.

Lastly, it’s important to note that fabric softeners should be avoided when washing a puffer jacket, as they can actually damage the insulation inside the jacket.

How to wash a puffer jacket in a washing machine?

Washing a puffer jacket in a washing machine is generally safe.

But it’s best to check the care label for specific washing instructions and to make sure they can be washed in a machine.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for washing a puffer jacket.

Step 1: Read the care label

Before you put your puffer jacket in the washing machine, make sure to check the care label.

Most jackets with synthetic fill are safe for machine washing.

However, some jackets with down fill cannot be machine washed and can become damaged in the process.

Step 2: Pre-treatment

Start by giving it a good shake, this will help loosen up any dirt or debris that may be clinging to the fabric.

You can use a lint roller or brush it gently with a pet brush to remove loose debris.

If the outer surface of your puffer jacket has turned dirty or if it has attracted stains, simply wipe them off with a damp or wet cloth.

You can also clean the stained surface with a stain remover that is safe for fabrics.

For best results, use a stain-removing solution to pretreat and remove stains before laundering.

Most stain removers are made to work on common stains like coffee, red wine, ink, and grass.

To remove stains from a puffer jacket:

• First, apply the solution directly to the stain.
• Focus on the areas that are more likely to stain, such as pockets, the inner lining of sleeves, and areas around collars
• Use your finger or a Brush to work it into the fabric.
• Next, rinse the affected areas with clean water.

Your puffer jacket is now ready for a final wash.

Step 3: Turn the Jacket inside out

Turn your puffer jacket inside out before throwing it in the washing machine.

This will help protect the fabric and down filling from damage caused by the tumbling action of the machine.

Step 4: Put your puffer jacket in the washer

After pretreating your jacket, it’s time to load it into your washer and ensure there’s enough room in the washtub for agitation.

It’s good if you have a front-load washer to get this task done.

If you have a top loader with a central agitator, then simply make sure the jacket fits and rotates freely during the wash.

To avoid tangling during the wash, you can place the jacket in a mesh laundry bag.

Note: Remember to empty the pockets and zip them over.

Step 5: Pour in some mild detergent

Always use mild or suitable detergent to wash a puffer jacket. Make sure to use a sufficient or minimum quantity.

Step 6: Select the Wash Cycle

Select a gentle wash cycle on your washing machine and use cold or warm water settings.

Next, set the spin setting to low or medium, as this will help prevent damage to the fabric.

Adjust the soil level based on how heavily your jacket is soiled.

Hit the start button and let the machine complete the wash cycle.

Step 7: Dry your puffer jacket

Drying down-filled jackets on low heat prevents the filling from matting.

Synthetic-filled jackets, on the other hand, can be dried on high heat.

Just make sure to refer to the care label before proceeding, as not all manufacturers will recommend high heat for drying.

If you are unsure about the drying process, you can always let it dry naturally over a clothesline or the drying rack.

After the drying cycle is complete, remove your puffer jacket from the washer and shake it gently to help fluff up the fabric.

How to hand wash a puffer jacket?

Some puffer jackets may not be suitable for machine washing. Therefore, you will need to wash the non-machine washable ones by hand.

Here are the steps to hand-wash a puffer jacket safely.

Before you start washing your entire jacket, take a moment to spot-clean any areas that are particularly stained or soiled.

Once you are done pre-treating the jacket, it’s time to move on to the actual washing step.

• Add a small amount of mild detergent to lukewarm water in a sink or basin.
• Put your jacket in the water and move it around gently so the detergent can get into the fabric.
• Allow the jacket to soak for 15-20 minutes
• Work on the jacket using your hands or a soft brush to help remove any stains or dirt.
• Drain the sink/basin and refill it with fresh, clean water.
• Rinse your jacket in this water until all the detergent residues are removed.
• Gently squeeze out the excess water and transfer your jacket to a clean towel.
• Roll up the towel and press it to remove more water.
• Finally, hang your puffer jacket on a flat surface and let it air dry naturally.
• Do not put your jacket in direct sunlight or in front of a heater, as this could damage the fabric.

How to restore the fluffiness of a puffer jacket?

The first step is to wash your puffer jackets by following the care label instructions.

If your puffer jacket is suitable for machine drying, simply turn it inside out and put it in your dryer.

Next, add a few tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer drum along with the jacket.

Finally, run the dryer on delicate settings with the lowest heat possible for about 10 to 15 minutes.

This is one of the best ways to “fluff” up the fabric and restore its luster.

Similarly, if your jacket can’t go in the dryer, turn it inside out and let it air dry naturally.

Later, you can reverse the jacket and ensure even drying on either side.

Air drying is essential to preserve the shape and quality of your jacket.

Make sure to find a shady spot to avoid sun damage.

Additionally, you can use a hair dryer on low settings to blow air over the surface of the jacket for a few minutes and see if that helps.

Lastly, shake it out vigorously or lay it flat on a surface and pat it gently with your hands.

Final Thoughts

Puffer jackets, also called quilted jackets, are heavy coats insulated with down feathers or synthetic fibers and designed to keep the wearer warm in cold weather. These jackets are typically quilted in a diamond pattern.

The jacket gets its name from how it looks like a blown-up balloon.

When you’re not wearing your puffer jacket, store it in a breathable cotton bag or hang it in your closet.

Furthermore, it’s best not to compress it in a suitcase or plastic storage bag.

If you are unsure about the wash instructions, washing your puffer jacket by hand is a great way to keep it looking fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions