We can calmly put the down jacket in the closet because summer allows us to lighten up! It would be better, however, to remove it once it has been well cleaned so that it remains smelly and stain-free, as good as new with the return of the cold.
In this sense, it is good to remember that we can also proceed at home, without taking it to the laundry, saving money! To achieve this and keep it always swollen and soft, padded evenly, however, we must know and apply some tricks.
Let’s see which ones!
Wash the duvet by hand
If your duvet is very valuable and very delicate, it is best to proceed with a hand wash .
Pre-treat the most obvious stains with pure Marseille soap : just moisten the mass and rub it on the affected areas . Meanwhile, fill the bathtub or a container with warm water and a neutral detergent or, better, a glass of white wine vinegar and a glass of baking soda. The combination of these two ingredients will ensure perfect hygiene. Don’t worry, the pungent smell of the vinegar will evaporate, but if you also want to perfume your garment, add 5 drops of an essence of your choice. Let it soak for at least two hours, stirring occasionally.
After this time, take it out and, without squeezing it excessively, wrap it in a towel to dry the excess water.
Now spread it outdoors, in an area not directly exposed to the sun’s rays so as not to discolor it. Lay it horizontally, spreading the sleeves. To re-inflate it as it was originally, manipulate it from time to time: open it, tap it, rotate it over and over again to move the feathers, especially if they have concentrated in one place due to gravity.
But this is not the only possible procedure!
Let’s see what to do when you choose to wash it in the washing machine.
In this way, the duvet in the washing machine does not deflate and remains impeccable.
Before placing your duvet in the washing machine drum, look at the label and check that it can be washed this way . Next, remove the fur parts (hood, collar, cuffs) and wash them by hand.
Pre-treat the stains with Marseille soap , proceeding as already explained, and then turn it completely over. Set a maximum temperature of 30°, excessive heat could damage the feathers and filling. Wash it yourself, but in order not to deflate it, place two tennis balls with it. As they roll, they will massage the garment and prevent lumps from forming. Eliminate the spin cycle that would frustrate all your ambitions to keep your garment soft and start the cycle .
When you’re done, you can hang it outdoors as already explained, or, if you have a dryer, take advantage of it . However, keep in mind that you should proceed with caution. Also in this case, a low temperature should be set, the duvet should be kept inside out to accelerate the drying of the interior and protect the exterior. Add some balls of wool to promote perfect distribution of the padding and prevent them from clumping in one place . Every 20 minutes or so, stop the machine and shake the down jacket vigorously to inflate it . Once the cycle is complete, place it on a hanger and leave it outdoors for half a day.
Keep it in the closet waiting for the return of the great cold, but for now, enjoy the summer!