How to restore warmth to your down coat?

You love your down coat, but over time, it has lost its warmth and loft? Don't worry! Whether your coat needs a simple refresh or a complete care, here are all our tips to restore its full shine.

The quick tip: drying with tennis balls

After a normal machine wash, simply put your coat in the dryer. But beware, here is the secret: add 2 to 3 clean tennis balls (or dryer balls) with your down coat. Choose a warm air setting for optimal results.

Why use tennis balls?

Tennis balls help restore the loft of your down coat. By bouncing in the dryer, they help loosen the down fibers and break up clumps formed during washing. This allows your coat to regain its original shape and warmth.

Important tip not to forget! Remember to remove the fur (if any) before washing and drying your coat. The fur could be damaged by the heat of the dryer, so it is best to remove it before the drying process.

Why is your down coat losing its warmth?

Down consists of fine feathers that trap air to provide remarkable thermal insulation. However, several factors can impair this ability:

• Loss of loft due to improper washing
• The formation of clumps or lumps that prevent air circulation
• Residual moisture after incomplete drying
• Natural wear over time

Fortunately, proper care can make all the difference!

The complete guide for optimal care

1. Preparation before washing

Before washing your down coat, take a few precautions:

• Always read the care label for specific recommendations
• Empty pockets and close all zippers and snap buttons
• Remove removable elements like the fur hood or belts

2. Machine washing

Most modern down coats can be machine washed:

• Use a delicate cycle at 30°C (cold or warm water)
• Choose a special down detergent or a mild detergent, without softener or bleaching agents
• Add your famous 2 to 3 clean tennis balls into the drum right from the wash
• Perform a double rinse to remove all traces of detergent

3. Drying: the crucial step

Drying is the most important phase to restore fluffy and warm down:

In the dryer (recommended method):

• Use the gentle or low temperature program
• Add your 2 to 3 tennis balls again
• Plan for several cycles (2 to 4 hours depending on thickness)
• Take the coat out every 30-40 minutes to shake it and redistribute the down
• Make sure it is completely dry before storing it (this is essential!)

In the open air:

• Lay the coat flat on a clean towel in a warm, airy place
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Turn it over and shake it regularly
• Drying can take several days depending on ambient humidity

Daily care to space out washes

To preserve the freshness of your coat between washes:

• Air your coat regularly on a wide hanger
• Avoid wearing it in heavy rain
• In case of stains, clean locally with a damp cloth and mild soap
• Store it in a dry place, never in an airtight plastic bag

Expert tips

• Use a sturdy hanger to avoid deforming the shoulders
• Avoid dry cleaning, unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer
• Never iron directly on the down
• If there is an unpleasant odor after washing, it means the drying is not complete: run another drying cycle

Off-season storage

When winter ends, store your coat in a breathable fabric cover (never plastic), hung on a wide hanger. Avoid compressing it in a box or vacuum bag, as this could permanently damage the down.

Conclusion

With these simple tips, your down coat will regain all its original warmth and comfort. The tennis ball trick is really the key to bringing your favorite coat back to life! Enjoy winter warm and stylish with a coat that will accompany you for many seasons.

How often should a down coat be washed?
Washing once per season is usually enough, except in case of stains or persistent odors.

My coat lost its fluffiness after washing, what should I do?
Run another machine drying cycle with tennis balls and shake it regularly. Incomplete drying is often the cause of the problem.