Puffer jackets, a staple outerwear during the winter months, can encounter clumping issues as a result of improper washing and drying procedures. This gathering of the filling material not only spoils the appearance but also reduces the jacket's ability to retain heat. Fortunately, this problem can be easily resolved with a few straightforward methods.
The synthetic or natural filling material inside puffer jackets can harden when it comes into contact with heavy water and detergent during washing.
Particularly, high-temperature and fast-spinning programs lead to the filling fibers sticking together. As a result, certain areas of the jacket may appear deflated while others seem more puffed up.
Two simple tools found in any household are sufficient to restore the shape of puffer jackets that have lost their form after washing. The cold air setting on a hairdryer allows the filling fibers to breathe again. To achieve this, placing the blowing end of the device into a sleeve of the jacket and running it for a short time provides an effective start. As the filling material loosens, the volume of the jacket increases.
Subsequently, lightly tapping different areas of the jacket with a wooden spoon, a thin spatula, or a similar tool with a soft surface is necessary. In a short time, the puffiness of the jacket returns and the balance of the filling is largely restored.
One of the most effective ways to prevent clumping in puffer jackets is to apply the correct drying technique. Adding a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls while drying at a low heat in the machine ensures that the filling is constantly moving and evenly distributed.
In situations where machine drying is not an option, laying the jacket flat and gently beating it with your hands yields effective results. Gently spreading the filling material with your fingers puffs up the collapsed areas again. Shaking and airing out the jacket intermittently, on the other hand, prevents the clumping from reoccurring.