I have a top loader washing machine that I use for my down jacket. To avoid the issues that you stated, i put my down jacket in a large mesh bag designed to protect delicate clothes while getting washed.
You wanna wash my gear mate 😂. I almost use all those techniques like for like on the jacket but can you do one for a quilt if it’s not the same process. I took a quilt out this week and overheated in it. Woke up a little sweaty and wanted to refresh the quilt. Cheers Justin it’s good the channel goes way beyond just hiking and gear. Your probably the only channel I’ve found that covers all aspects of a hikers life 🫡
Great video Justin. Norwex dryer balls work great, and yes no more chemical dryer sheets. If you want to add a scent, a few drops of essential oils on your ball (dryer balls guys).
I have already ruined my jacket and now theres no puffiness left, how can i restore this, can i repeat the process and wash again will it fix the problem😢
What are your thoughts on vacuum packing down jackets after the winter season? I did it to mine and it became all flat. Would putting it into the dryer on low heat with tennis balls bring the fluffiness back?
Down jackets should be stored like any other down good, uncompressed. If you leave it compressed for a long time it will fluff back up slightly in the dryer, but it'll never be the same.
I would dry it as Justin instructed using the dryer. The mesh bag would really only be for washing especially for those who have a top loading washing machine.
Why tennis balls instead of those dryer balls you can buy? I was looking into getting dryer balls since they are made for this purpose. Any brands to recommend?
Can you do some comparisons between aliexpress ultralight down sleeping bags and other ultralight down gear? Lots of cheap options and I'm curious if any of them are actually ultralight, warm, and genuine.
I used Nikwax and it didn’t clean my shell jacket at all! It doesn’t work. So disappointing. It’s a ski jacket from Peak Performance, 2nd season and it got a bit dirty. I washed it according to all instructions and it looks the same. What’s the point !? So annoying.
love your videos Justin, but just have to make the following cheeky comment. "clean your detergent trays including fabric softner" *proceeds to use clearly dirty washing machine detergent trays* :P
I'll have to take mine to the laundry mat since I have a top loader. Gonna be expensive as I'll have to do a wash cycle to have it clean out any detergent. Then wash it with Nikwax. Then do another wash for a since cycle. Then dry it with dryer balls.
I’m currently drying my down jacket , it’s very clumpy .. have 2 spikey laundry balls inside to help the loft & stomp clumping . Im very nervous right now 😫,,, Over time in the dryer will it gain loft ?
Please don’t use tennis balls. They’re way too heavy and can damage your jacket’s ability to hold the stuffed filling. Purchase some actual soft dryer balls instead. I used tennis balls and now my puffy jacket had teeny leaks of stuffing here and there from its surface
I have always wondered how exactly to manage to wash down coats with out fully wrecking it… very helpful to know! Mine gets very light use but maybe after this season it will be time.
Washing clothing with nikwax waterproofing transforms it into a sweat fest due to it completely ruining any form of breathability your clothing item had.
I had looked into getting the Nikwax down cleaner and also getting their down down waterproofing. You recommend not getting the Nikwax down waterproofing?
@@colt5189 I don't have any experience with using their down cleaner and down waterproofing so I'm hesitant to give you any advice on using those. I just know that I turned my breathable pants effectively into a plastic bag around my legs with the normal nikwax 😅
I didn’t watch this video and my jacket got ruined, i didn’t even wash it or move it, it was just hanging up and then was suddenly ruined like someone had cast a spell on it or something!
I find the wool dryer balls don’t work as well for distributing down. They are too soft. (Although they are great for aiding in drying.) Tennis balls work much better on the down. If you have both, I’d put them both in. If you have to go get one or the other, get tennis balls.
Anyone ever done this using a top loader with NO agitator? All these videos say to only use a front loader, but I have an agitatorless top loader. Seems like it would be just fine….but I’m scared. Lol
Hi there! The agitator is the main issue with using a top loader, so you should be okay. Just keep in mind that down does tend to float, so if you do use the top loader, make sure that the down garment is submerged fully before closing the lid so that the product distributes evenly.
Yeah I definitely suggest not using tennis balls. You don’t want burnt rubber all over your precious jacket… they’re tennis balls for a reason. They’re not meant for dryers in high heat!
i saw something recently… A down wash kit that comes with light plastic heat resistant balls with dull spikes Specifically for less banging noise / less beating up the jacket
I have a top loader washing machine that I use for my down jacket. To avoid the issues that you stated, i put my down jacket in a large mesh bag designed to protect delicate clothes while getting washed.
Good idea but drying might be an issue no?
great extra tip! thank you!
You wanna wash my gear mate 😂. I almost use all those techniques like for like on the jacket but can you do one for a quilt if it’s not the same process. I took a quilt out this week and overheated in it. Woke up a little sweaty and wanted to refresh the quilt. Cheers Justin it’s good the channel goes way beyond just hiking and gear. Your probably the only channel I’ve found that covers all aspects of a hikers life 🫡
I just bought my first down jacket and wow that was really informative. Thanks Justin!
I've been using Nikwax Down wash for my Pertex Polartech (Westcomb) hoodie.
This tutorial is short, informative and complete. Saved it for later. Thank you very much! :)
Super helpful thanks Justin! I bought the parka and the mt500 because of you =)
I read jackets (and clothes) can best be washed inside out for multiple reasons. But will the tennis ball effect then still work for puffer jackets?
So, complete and informative. Great work. Thank you
Great video Justin. Norwex dryer balls work great, and yes no more chemical dryer sheets. If you want to add a scent, a few drops of essential oils on your ball (dryer balls guys).
🤣 thanks for specifying
Norwex is a pyramid scheme selling way overpriced items to gullible folks. 😂
Hi, can you use a top load washer that has no center agitator? Also for detergent, can I use the regular Tide liquid ?
NO!!! Do not use anything other than detergent specifically designed for washing down clothing. Tide will ruin your jacket.
Yes on washer NO on soap❤
What kind of tennis balls should we use? Soft tennis or hard tennis?
I have already ruined my jacket and now theres no puffiness left, how can i restore this, can i repeat the process and wash again will it fix the problem😢
The tennis balls and/or dryer balls is the key to bringing back the poofyness.
What are your thoughts on vacuum packing down jackets after the winter season? I did it to mine and it became all flat. Would putting it into the dryer on low heat with tennis balls bring the fluffiness back?
Down jackets should be stored like any other down good, uncompressed. If you leave it compressed for a long time it will fluff back up slightly in the dryer, but it'll never be the same.
Never store your down in a air tight container.
What about those dryer balls that are like a rubber with the spikes on them? Good to use?
Na they are crap and don't do anything. You need to use tennis balls.
@@denskiz1 What's wrong with high quality wool balls?
I would dry it as Justin instructed using the dryer. The mesh bag would really only be for washing especially for those who have a top loading washing machine.
Why tennis balls instead of those dryer balls you can buy? I was looking into getting dryer balls since they are made for this purpose. Any brands to recommend?
Can you do some comparisons between aliexpress ultralight down sleeping bags and other ultralight down gear? Lots of cheap options and I'm curious if any of them are actually ultralight, warm, and genuine.
The other day I saw a video where the jacket was put into a fishnet type bag then put into the washer. Wondering what your thoughts are on that…
When do you down proof?
Great video, does all this transfer to sleeping bags? (or are you planning on making a sb specific one?)
Yes! Just be sure to use a machine that is big enough to distribute the product evenly, and a dryer that has enough space to effectively dry.
How often should you wash your jacket? Can you reuse those tennis balls on the next wash?
Of course you can reuse them
Once a year wash for the Parka, once a year outdoor puffy... for me😊
@@wild-radio7373What kind of tennis balls should we use? Soft tennis or hard tennis?
@@geethanandana6738 soft♡
Well done guide!
Great video, thanks!
What if my down jacket says dont tumble dry
I used Nikwax and it didn’t clean my shell jacket at all! It doesn’t work. So disappointing.
It’s a ski jacket from Peak Performance, 2nd season and it got a bit dirty. I washed it according to all instructions and it looks the same. What’s the point !? So annoying.
Woolite is much better than Nikwax
love your videos Justin, but just have to make the following cheeky comment.
"clean your detergent trays including fabric softner"
*proceeds to use clearly dirty washing machine detergent trays*
:P
I'll have to take mine to the laundry mat since I have a top loader. Gonna be expensive as I'll have to do a wash cycle to have it clean out any detergent. Then wash it with Nikwax. Then do another wash for a since cycle. Then dry it with dryer balls.
Awesome, thats the exact sams Decathlon jacket (colour and all) that i need to wash. It currently smells like sasquatch taint
Love your cap - what brand and where u got it from?
This would work for down sleeping bags as well, right? Thank you!
Yes! Just be sure to use a machine that is big enough to distribute the product evenly, and a dryer that has enough space to effectively dry.
So conclusion is: if you don't have dryer - better to give your equipment to professional laundry
Can I wash 5 down jackets at one time using a mesh bag ?
Too many
Many thanks!!
Here in the UK you get plastic dryer balls with you Nikwax down washing liquid.
Why wash only one down jacket at a time?
2 max tbh
@@AlteredVisionedHey, FYI: Woolite is a much better detergent for down than Nikwax.
I’m currently drying my down jacket , it’s very clumpy .. have 2 spikey laundry balls inside to help the loft & stomp clumping . Im very nervous right now 😫,,,
Over time in the dryer will it gain loft ?
What happened
I have ruined my Italian jacket with this instructions!
I get better results drying on high heat rather than low
Good info 👍🐿️
Best couples gear
we dont have a a dryer and does it work with the washing machin spin dry and put some balls inside
Please don’t use tennis balls. They’re way too heavy and can damage your jacket’s ability to hold the stuffed filling. Purchase some actual soft dryer balls instead. I used tennis balls and now my puffy jacket had teeny leaks of stuffing here and there from its surface
addidas have the tennis balls instuctions on their coats labels with feathers
What about just putting some other clothes in the dryer to act in a similar way?
I have always wondered how exactly to manage to wash down coats with out fully wrecking it… very helpful to know! Mine gets very light use but maybe after this season it will be time.
Washing clothing with nikwax waterproofing transforms it into a sweat fest due to it completely ruining any form of breathability your clothing item had.
I had looked into getting the Nikwax down cleaner and also getting their down down waterproofing. You recommend not getting the Nikwax down waterproofing?
@@colt5189 I don't have any experience with using their down cleaner and down waterproofing so I'm hesitant to give you any advice on using those. I just know that I turned my breathable pants effectively into a plastic bag around my legs with the normal nikwax 😅
I didn’t watch this video and my jacket got ruined, i didn’t even wash it or move it, it was just hanging up and then was suddenly ruined like someone had cast a spell on it or something!
I find the wool dryer balls don’t work as well for distributing down. They are too soft. (Although they are great for aiding in drying.) Tennis balls work much better on the down.
If you have both, I’d put them both in. If you have to go get one or the other, get tennis balls.
Clean tennis shoes 👟👍🏼
Anyone ever done this using a top loader with NO agitator? All these videos say to only use a front loader, but I have an agitatorless top loader. Seems like it would be just fine….but I’m scared. Lol
Hi there! The agitator is the main issue with using a top loader, so you should be okay. Just keep in mind that down does tend to float, so if you do use the top loader, make sure that the down garment is submerged fully before closing the lid so that the product distributes evenly.
Any update on how this went? I have the same type of washer. Thanks in advance.
It's recommended to put your jacket inside a mesh bag to protect it.
I didn't understand how and how many balls.
What happens if you don't use tennis balls?
p.s....i love you Justin xoxo 😘
bad idea . it will never loft to the same level prior to washing .
I can tell ur getting bored doing this full time 😂💀
not even a little bit!
Yeah I definitely suggest not using tennis balls. You don’t want burnt rubber all over your precious jacket… they’re tennis balls for a reason. They’re not meant for dryers in high heat!
it's low heat pal, the balls just get warm not scorching hot
Dry at a low heat, if the balls burn the jacket will be destroyed anyway 😂
I used tennis balls and never had problems you say.
i saw something recently… A down wash kit that comes with light plastic heat resistant balls with dull spikes Specifically for less banging noise / less beating up the jacket
You still have time to delete your comment cause you're completely wrong!
This instructions have ruin my jacket!!!
This old hat really you have made this video how about something original.
You show me yours, I'll show you mine