Here is how to wash a puffer jacket using tennis balls:
Washing a puffer jacket with tennis balls is a popular method primarily used during the drying cycle to help restore the jacket's loft and prevent the fill from clumping.
Adding tennis balls is an effective way to ensure your down or synthetic-fill jacket dries evenly and maintains its puffiness. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare Your Jacket
- Check the Care Label: Always start by reading the specific washing instructions on your jacket's care label. Most puffer jackets recommend machine washing on a gentle cycle.
- Empty Pockets: Remove everything from the pockets.
- Close Zippers and Fasteners: Zip up all zippers and fasten any snaps or velcro closures. This prevents them from snagging or damaging the jacket or washing machine.
Step 2: Washing
- Use the Right Detergent: Use a detergent specifically designed for down or technical outerwear. Avoid standard laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and bleach, as they can strip natural oils from down or damage water-repellent coatings.
- Select the Correct Cycle: Choose a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine.
- Use Cool Water: Wash in cool or lukewarm water, never hot.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent residue is removed. Detergent left behind can prevent the fill from lofting properly.
Step 3: Drying with Tennis Balls
This is where the tennis balls come in.
- Transfer to Dryer: Gently remove the wet jacket from the washing machine and place it in a tumble dryer.
- Add Tennis Balls: An extra tip: pop two clean tennis balls into the drum. As noted in the reference, they will help to circulate air flow in your garments and prevent the down feathers from clumping together. The bouncing action of the balls helps to break up wet clumps of down or synthetic fill and distributes them evenly as the jacket dries.
- Use Low Heat: Set your dryer to a low heat setting. High heat can damage the jacket's shell fabric or the fill.
- Be Patient: Drying a puffer jacket can take several hours. Check the jacket periodically (every 20-30 minutes) to fluff it by hand and redistribute any remaining clumps.
- Ensure Complete Drying: It is crucial that the jacket is completely dry before storing it. Even slight dampness can lead to mold or mildew. The fill should feel light and evenly distributed, not heavy or lumpy.
Why Use Tennis Balls?
Using tennis balls (or specific dryer balls) during the drying cycle offers several benefits:
- Prevent Clumping: As mentioned, the physical action helps break up wet clusters of down or synthetic fill.
- Restore Loft: The bouncing helps to "beat" air into the fill, restoring the jacket's original puffiness and insulating properties.
- Improve Airflow: They create space between the jacket and the drum, promoting better air circulation for faster and more even drying.
By following these steps, incorporating the tennis ball trick during drying, you can keep your puffer jacket clean, lofty, and warm.
