How to wash a puffer coat without damaging it

How to clean a puffer coat by hand: tips and products 

Washing a puffer coat by hand could seem like a difficult task, but with the right care it is safe and effective for keeping it clean without spoiling the filling. This article is a practical guide to the recommended products and tips:

Products for cleaning a puffer coat by hand:

• Mild detergent (special for technical or delicate garments)
• Mild stain remover spray (optional, for specific areas)

Before cleaning your puffer coat, you should get it ready by fastening the zip and buttons to avoid any snags. Check your coat for any stains. If there are any, apply some mild stain remover spray or a mixture of water and a little detergent. Then scrub it gently using your fingers or a soft sponge and allow it to work for a few minutes.

Afterwards, fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a little detergent for delicate garments and soak your coat in it for 10-15 minutes. Gently press down on your coat so that the water penetrates the material, but avoid scrubbing or twisting it as this could damage the feathers and fabric. Rinse carefully with clean water several times to get rid of any detergent remains.

To drain it, place the coat on some clean towels and gently roll it up in them to absorb any excess water without squeezing the coat. Allow it to dry at room temperature in an airy space, avoiding direct sunlight. Do not use the tumble dryer. Shake and tap your coat every now and again to fluff up the feathers and down to make sure it keeps its volume. Once it has dried, check that the feathers and down are properly distributed in the right places and put your coat away in a dry, airy place.

Washing puffer coats in the washing machine: methods and warnings

Puffer coats require special care when washing them in the washing machine. With the right method you will be able to keep your coat in good condition and leave it puffy.

1. Getting your coat ready: fasten all zips, buttons and Velcro, clean any stains before putting it in the washing machine, and turn the coat inside out to protect the outer material.
2. Washing cycle: use a cycle for delicate garments with cold or lukewarm water (maximum 30ºC) and some mild detergent.
3. Keeping it puffy: add 2-3 clean tennis balls to prevent the feathers and down from sticking together and thus keeping its volume.
4. Drying: tumble dry at a low temperature with some tennis balls, or dry outside on a flat surface, shake and gently knead every 30-60 minutes to fluff up the feathers and down.

Bear in mind the following warnings during the washing and drying process so as not to damage your coat:

• Avoid direct heat from the sun, radiators or the iron.
• Do not use bleach or strong fabric softeners which can damage the feathers and down or stick them together.
• Check that there are no pockets of water left behind to avoid damp in your coat.

Proper drying to keep the down and feathers fluffy

Keeping your coat puffy during the drying stage is key to ensure it continues to keep its shape and keep you warm. Follow these instructions for a perfect finish: 

• Air drying: lay your coat on a flat surface or hang it on a strong coat hanger in a well-ventilated place in the shade. Shake or knead your coat every hour to separate the feathers and down and keep your coat puffy.    
• Tumble drying: if the label says you can tumble dry your coat, place it in the dryer at a low temperature or on a cycle for delicate garments, and add 2-3 clean tennis balls to fluff up the down. Check your coat every 30 minutes and shake it gently to spread out the feathers and down uniformly, preventing them from sticking together.

In either of the two cases, if you notice the feathers and down sticking together after drying, gently knead your coat using your hands to fluff up the down and make sure that it is completely dry before putting it away. This will prevent any mould or damp smells from appearing.

How to get rid of stubborn stains from a puffer coat

To get rid of stubborn stains from a puffer coat, apply some neutral soap or stain remover spray directly on the stain and gently rub it in using your fingers or a sponge. Allow it to work for ten to fifteen minutes and then wipe it off using a damp cloth or rinse in lukewarm water. Repeat the process if necessary, but avoid using too much of the product as this could make the feathers and down stick together.

For oil or grease stains, sprinkle some baking powder on and allow it to work for 30-60 minutes before gently brushing it off. Always test products on a part that is out of sight and make sure you dry your coat well, shaking it to fluff up the feathers and down.