Our recommendations: how to wash Columbia jackets
Not all Columbia jackets can be washed; some can only be dry cleaned. There are always tips on caring for the product on the labels sewn to the inside.
If hand or machine washing is not prohibited, you should follow detailed instructions: select the recommended water temperature, spin and dry mode.
Some difficulty may arise when cleaning and drying items with down filling. But in the Columbia product line, jackets with new insulation technologies are increasingly being found, for which washing in a washing machine or by hand is the norm.
Content
Preparing for washing
The label on original Columbia items is usually in the form of a booklet describing manufacturing technologies. The composition of materials and recommendations for cleaning the jacket are indicated on the labels sewn to the back of the product.
The most common designations:
- Basin with numbers inside or without marks - washing in water is allowed. If the icon is empty, there are no temperature restrictions; the numbers indicate the recommended temperature.
- Circle – Only chemical treatment is allowed. Can't be washed.
- Triangle shows the resistance of the fabric to bleaching. The crossed out icon prohibits the use of any type of bleach.
- Square suggests the correct drying mode. Crossed out symbol – do not wring or dry in the machine.
- Iron icon indicates ironing mode. The dots inside indicate the permissible temperature of the iron.
In general, for Columbia brand products washable at 30-40°C using products intended for down jackets, additional rinsing, hand spinning and drying in a straightened state.
Dry cleaning or regular wash?
If the manufacturer indicated only dry cleaning, then there is no need to risk it. This is especially true for products with leather or fur parts. Yes, it will cost more than cleaning it yourself, but buying a new item to replace a damaged one will be even more expensive.
Rules for choosing a dry cleaner:
- Find out the average price for such services in the region. The low price in the chosen place should alert you - high-quality cleaning chemicals cannot be cheap.
- Find reviews about the selected dry cleaner on websites or chat with clients. The ideal option is a cleaning station that has been operating for quite a long time and has many positive reviews.
- If possible, you can dry clean some simpler items and then evaluate the result of the work.
To save money You can purchase a dry cleaning product at the store and treat the product yourself, but this will require at least a little experience and knowledge.
Choice of funds
When washing jackets, the following restrictions on the choice of products should be taken into account:
- washing powder does not completely dissolve in water, does not rinse well, clogs the pores in the fabric, and streaks are possible after drying;
- bleaches of any kind are strictly prohibited for synthetic materials; after bleaching, clothes may lose their shape (shrink beyond recognition).
Jackets made with a membrane do not tolerate washing powder, automatic spinning and the use of an iron. Not dissolved Powder particles clog the pores of the membrane, and at high temperatures it melts and the holes are damaged. Therefore, you should not only iron, but also leave the jacket for a long time near heat sources (heating radiator, heater).
What is the best way to wash? To obtain a guaranteed result, it is advisable to choose liquid gels designed specifically for clothing with down-based filling. You should make sure that they do not contain whitening additives. You can also choose capsules (small bags of gel). It is necessary to select a detergent based on color: for black or colored materials.
Several detergent compositions suitable for down jackets.
| Name | Bottle volume (ml) | Approximate cost (RUB) |
| Domal Sport Fein Fashion | 750 | 350-400 |
| Heitmann | 250 | 400 |
| Woly Sport Down Wash | 250 | 500 |
| Gel "Stork" | 900 | 150-180 |
| "The caress is the magic of the tender" | 1000 | 200-250 |
As an alternative you can use sulfate-free hair shampoo. But you need to take a little, about 75 ml per item, since a large amount of shampoo will be difficult to rinse out (it creates little foam, it is difficult to control the rinsing process).
Self-wash options
As a rule, the top covering of a Columbia jacket does not get very dirty. Simply wipe the dirty areas with a soft, damp cloth. The main contamination appears on internal surfaces:
- cuffs,
- pockets,
- hem.
You cannot use hard brushes or sponges, especially on the outside of impregnated products.
There are several washing options:
- manually;
- in an automatic car;
- processing of individual areas.
If you only need to clean certain areas, you can hang the product above the bathtub on hangers. It is important that their size matches the size of the jacket, otherwise the product will become deformed in the shoulder area (ugly bulges will appear).
Where to start?
Preparing for washing:
Check your pockets take all the little things out of them.- Unfasten the fur parts. If there is “hanging” fittings, it must be removed or wrapped in a light, plain fabric (so as not to fade).
- Check pockets and lining for the presence of tears or ripped seams. Sew everything up carefully.
- Turn the sleeves and jacket inside out. Fasten everything that can be fastened (zippers, flaps, straps).
- If there is a need and the instructions allow, Treat stains with an acceptable stain remover.
For products of light or white color, regular manual processing of even minor stains will be relevant. If the dirt is not removed as quickly as possible, it will be difficult to return the product to its original appearance in the future.
Dark jackets are more practical in this regard, but it doesn’t hurt to wipe them with a damp cloth in the area of the cuffs, collar and pockets from time to time.
Handwash
The washing container must be large enough so that the product can be completely straightened out. Optimal use of the bath. Soaking for down jackets is not necessary, but is not prohibited. For heavily soiled products, this step is necessary. Stains or particularly dirty areas will need to be treated additionally using the soft side of a sponge or cloth..
After washing, you should hold the jacket over the bath for a while to let the soapy water run off, then start rinsing. You may have to rinse several times until no soap residue remains.
Automatic in the washing machine
You can put the jacket in a special washing net and place 3-4 tennis balls there. They are sold in sports stores. It is advisable to wash old, dirty balls first. If the bag is not in use, there is no need to put the balls in the pockets; just place them in the drum. This is especially true for jackets with down filling - the balls will prevent the stuffing from bunching up.
Sequencing:
- set the mode with the lowest speed, for example, delicate or hand wash;
- the maximum water heating must correspond to the value indicated on the label (usually 30-40°C);
- set the “extra rinse” option or run this mode twice;
- Spin at the lowest speed (no higher than 600) or completely eliminate this operation.
If the spin is turned off, you should wring out the product in the same way as when washing by hand.
Proper washing of the membrane
The Omni-Tech designation indicates the use of a membrane with extremely fine pores, which does not allow moisture inside, but at the same time freely removes evaporation.
The so-called silver membrane (Omni-Heat) does not let body heat escape, which makes such models 20% warmer compared to those made using other technologies.
Washing products with a membrane is no different from washing down jackets, with the exception of the ban on automatic spinning. The membrane deteriorates from such mechanical stress. Soaking is also not recommended. For clothes for the spring-autumn season, you can use the “grandmother’s” method - a basin of warm water and laundry soap. You just have to rinse it very carefully.
Proper washing will not only not damage the membrane, but will also extend its service life. There is only one danger - aggressive treatment can damage the water-repellent layer and thereby worsen or destroy the breathability of the jacket.
That is, attention should be directed to gentle washing of all other fabrics. According to the manufacturer, it is almost impossible to harm the membrane itself.
We bring to your attention a video about the principles of sewing membrane clothing:
Drying down jackets
It is advisable to allow as much water as possible to drain before hanging the jacket to dry. For this Convenient to use on any flat grating surface (for example, a drying rack).
The jacket is straightened horizontally and left for some time over the bath. After this, you can place it on hangers and hang it out to dry. This procedure is especially relevant for down jackets - the filler will not bunch up so much and will not slide down.
Down jackets can also be dried horizontally. For example, on a table covered with a large towel or sheet. This will take much more time, but will have a better effect on the condition of the filler.
During drying The product must be shaken regularly, turning it upside down. If possible, you can change the position of the jacket: first hang it on hangers, then carefully fasten it to the rope by the bottom.
Membrane jackets can be dried either in the usual way (on a line or hangers) or in a machine in a gentle mode. Manufacturers recommend not leaving clothes for a long time near any heat sources or in bright sun, as this can damage the membrane.
Conclusion
The first step when washing any item is to carefully study the information on the labels. If you can wash it by hand or in a machine, the result will largely depend on the chosen product, washing mode and temperature, proper spinning (do not twist!) and care when drying.
