Review of popular gels for washing down jackets, their cost, consumer reviews

A natural down jacket is a very warm winter outerwear filled with down and feathers from waterfowl.

Caring for such items requires careful selection of a washing product and compliance with a number of rules.

In this article, we will look at popular gels for washing down jackets, their features, cost, and consumer opinions.

Regular powder: why is it not suitable?

Due to frequent wear and vagaries of weather, a down jacket may require washing even several times in one season. One of the main points is choosing the right detergent.

It should be taken into account that feathers, which serve as insulation, have a natural fat layer. If you use regular laundry detergent for care, this important fatty layer will be destroyed, which will lead to loss of volume and disruption of the shape of the filler.

Deprived of a protective fat layer, feathers fall off as a result of improper processing, forming lumps and leading to uneven distribution of the filler.

Another disadvantage of using conventional powder is that it is very difficult to rinse out of natural insulation. This leads to unsightly stains on the material after the item dries.

The following are prohibited:

• ordinary washing powders;
• universal gels.

High-quality removal of contaminants and careful handling of the filler when washing down jackets can only be provided by a special remedy.

Top 10 effective liquid products

Preparations for washing jackets and coats filled with feathers and down can be purchased in specialized departments of household chemicals and large sporting goods stores. The formula of such gels actively affects the material of the top and lining, and gently, minimally - on the insulation.

It is better to trust manufacturers who have a reliable reputation in the world market.

Heitmann for products with down and feather filling

The drug is produced in Germany and is available in liquid form in 0.25 liter bottles.

The drug contains:

• APAS – 15%;
• lanolin;
• Non-ionic surfactants – 15%, etc.;
• flavoring;
• preservatives.

The product provides the packing with:

• breathability;
• softness;
• fluffiness.

Heitmann gel is recommended for hand and machine washing. The best result is at a water temperature of +30°C. The consumption of the product is quite economical - 1 bottle is enough to process approximately 10 kg of laundry when machine washed. For manual processing, use Heitmann at the rate of 1 cap per 5 liters. water.

TM Heitmann products are certified for environmentally sustainable washing under the EU Charter.

Shampoo Sport TM Salton

The liquid product package contains 0.25 liters. Country of origin: Russian Federation. The drug has many advantages:

1. Provides high quality washing.
2. Eliminates unpleasant odors.
3. Maintains the breathability of the filler.
4. Prevents down fragility.
5. Maintains the warming properties of insulation.

Prosept Crystal

The preparation for hand and machine washing does not contain phosphates. During the cleaning process the following is ensured:

• preservation of the structure of down and feathers;
• maintaining the water-repellent qualities of the external material;
• antibacterial treatment;
• elimination of unpleasant odors.

Cotico for sportswear

A modern special product in liquid form, Cotico, is intended for washing items for active sports recreation - down jackets and shoes, tents, etc.

During processing, down jackets retain their water-repellent qualities, and persistent dirt and unpleasant odors are eliminated. Cotico does not contain phosphates and is biodegradable.

BioMio Bio-Sensitive

Delicate washing is ensured by a product containing cotton extract. The gel is suitable for caring for silk and woolen items. The product is biodegradable and hypoallergenic. The concentrate provides economical consumption of detergent and high-quality rinsing.

Nordland balm

The balm is available in plastic bottles. The composition contains enzymes and surfactants. The product is suitable for washing membrane materials, impregnated fabrics, thermal underwear and down jackets.

SALTON Sport

Salton CleanTech - a special product based on Feather-PRO technology, ensuring the preservation of the quality of the insulation, reducing the formation of foam and ensuring effective rinsing.

Salton CleanTech is available in liquid form, which makes it easier to dissolve the drug in water. Contains:

• up to 30% surfactants;
• dispersion polymers;
• sodium chloride;
• water;
• flavoring;
• up to 5% nonionic surfactants, etc.

Trekko Down Wash

DOWN WASH is a special product that solves the problem of high-quality washing of jackets with down insulation. The gel not only cleans, but also disinfects the product and also eliminates unpleasant odors. The product gently cleanses fluff without washing away its natural fatty layer. Another plus is the preservation of the water-repellent properties of the impregnation of the outer material of the product.

Grangers Down Wash

The purpose of the product is to wash items filled with natural or artificial down. The drug carefully cleans the insulation and preserves all the qualities of the top coating (color, water-repellent properties, etc.). The composition contains no impurities harmful to health. Recommended water heating temperature - +30°C.

The product is manufactured in the UK. Packaging volume – 0.3 l.

Nikwax Down Wash

Product volume 0.3 l. allows you to wash things without the threat of washing out the impregnation from things. At the same time, the thermal insulation properties of the down are restored and its breathability is maintained.

During the washing process, the insulation is restored and the remnants of previously used detergents are removed. Gel water-based, environmentally friendly - biodegradable.

Features of use

Taking into account all the nuances of the composition of the filling of clothes with down and feather filling, The cleaning procedure should be carefully followed:

1. Do not exceed the amount of detergent per wash.
2. The heating temperature must be adjusted to that recommended by the clothing manufacturer. In most cases - +30°С. This will provide the best conditions for high-quality cleaning of the item without the threat of damage to the insulation.
3. Despite the fact that special gels rinse well, it is advisable to set the “extra rinse” mode.
4. The amount of gel is poured according to the instructions, taking into account the hardness of the tap water.
5. A gel with a thick consistency can be poured directly into the drum.
6. After finishing washing, the item must be immediately removed from the drum.
7. The optimal automatic washing modes are “bulky items”, “delicate wash”.

11 recommendations to help

Expert advice will provide indispensable assistance in care for natural down jackets:

1. Before you start washing and buy a special detergent for this, you need to study the label on the product. It indicates the conditions for washing the item. Some jackets with natural insulation cannot be washed at all.
2. You should not wash a down jacket with natural fur that does not come off, especially if it has a contrasting shade.
3. The fur trim must be unfastened before washing.
4. Before washing, it is important to remember to check the pockets, remove all extraneous items and fasten the zippers.
5. The hood, if it is removable, must also be unfastened in advance.
6. Before the main wash, it is advisable to wash particularly heavily soiled areas (collars, pockets, trims) in advance - moisten them, soap them with laundry soap, and rub.
7. Stains must be removed before the main wash cycle.
8. After washing and drying, it is advisable to treat jackets with a special aerosol for impregnation.
9. Special products for washing down jackets are also suitable for caring for sleeping bags with natural insulation and other things of a similar structure.
10. After washing with a special gel, the jacket must be dried properly. The final result of washing depends on compliance with this rule.
11. If the quality of the down jacket is low - fluff is coming out of the seams or there are other defects, it is better to avoid washing it in an automatic machine. An alternative option is manual processing.

All the most important and useful information about washing gels is presented in given section.

Conclusion

You can wash a down jacket at home in a washing machine or by hand. The use of special products in this case is strongly recommended by manufacturers of winter sports and outdoor clothing. Ignoring this rule may result in the item losing its performance qualities and becoming damaged.