washing (cleaning) down (feathers)
 

Did a quick search here, ... didn't find
anything on the subject-

I have a very old Sierra Designs down
vest, probably a first edition. I love
it but it has never been cleaned.

I know about tennis balls in a cool drier,
but Honey said, "Don't throw it in the
washer with Woolite, it won't loft again!"
Any suggestions regarding what
cleaning agent to use?

Re: washing (cleaning) down (feathers)
 

I would contact someone at Patagonia. Its in you neck of the woods (Ventura). I bet there is an expert on the staff and I'm sure they will be very helpful.

I was out there in November and couldn't find the store. I think they moved locations but still are in Ventura.

Electric-Amish

Re: washing (cleaning) down (feathers)
 

Sent my down comforter to the dry cleaners, It stunk of chemicals for a day or two but it came out just fine.

Re: washing (cleaning) down (feathers)
 

e-a & SAUM

Thanks!

Have heard of dry cleaning, but that not
every dry cleaner may know how to do it
right.

Honey says Patagonia is still at the
same old location in Ventura, she was
just there to buy some warm stuff for
her daughter. I or she will see what they
have to say about cleaning down. We
have down comforters that need cleaning
too.

dtnwn

Re: washing (cleaning) down (feathers)
 

Re: washing (cleaning) down (feathers)
 

Heh heh, ...
had to look up "Aflac"
we don't have TV

dtnwn

Re: washing (cleaning) down (feathers)
 

I've been using down pillows for 20 years and have washed them in the washer many many times. The down is tougher than the fabric.
Regular laundry detergent does not seem to hurt down.
A clean tennis shoe in the dryer fluffs then up like you wouldn't believe.

Re: washing (cleaning) down (feathers)
 

Thanks RealJack-

I just spoke with Nate at Patagonia.
Nate has cleaned a lot of his own down
gear. He says you can use almost any
laundry detergent, including Woolite.
He also says the dedicated down cleaning
products may rinse out more completely.
He mentioned nikwax

dtnwn

Re: washing (cleaning) down (feathers)
 

Of course:albertein

Down has been around longer than dry cleaning. I'll still be taking the comforter to the dry cleaners though, because it is so large.

Re: washing (cleaning) down (feathers)
 

Having a nice thick coat of down and feathers seems like it would be nice.
But then someone would probably want to chase me down and pluck me. :smile: