Hey there, looks like it's time to give your trusty How To Wash North Face Down jacket 700 a proper cleaning. Your jacket has been your faithful companion through many adventures, keeping you warm even in frigid temperatures. But after months of use, it's probably looking a little dingy and starting to lose some of its fluffiness. Don't worry, washing a down jacket is easier than you might think. With the right technique, you can get your jacket fresh and puffy again in no time. In just a few simple steps, we'll have your North Face 700 jacket looking and feeling like new. Time to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
Why It's Important to Wash Your North Face 700 Down Jacket
Your North Face down jacket is an investment, so you'll want to properly care for it to ensure it lasts for years to come. The number one thing you can do is wash it regularly.
Washing removes built-up body oils, dirt and grime that can damage the down fill over time. It also helps restore the loft and fluffiness of the down, so your jacket stays as warm and insulating as the day you bought it. If you're wearing your down jacket often during winter, aim to wash it at least once every 3-4 wears.
The best way to wash a down jacket is on a gentle, low-heat cycle using a down-specific wash. These washes are free from dyes and brighteners that can reduce the water resistance of the jacket. They also contain special down-safe detergents that gently clean the down without damaging the feathers. Alternatively, you can use a mild powder detergent free from dyes and brighteners. Make sure to avoid regular liquid detergents which may damage the down.
It's also important to choose the proper wash cycle. Use the gentle or delicate cycle and avoid the spin cycle. The spin cycle can damage the feathers. Air fluff or tumble dry the jacket on low heat, checking frequently. This restores loft and avoids over-drying. Avoid dryer sheets which damage the water resistance.
By properly washing your North Face jacket, you'll keep it clean, ensure maximum insulation and help it last for many winter adventures to come. Following the care instructions and using a down-specific wash will keep your jacket performing at its best for years so you stay warm and cozy all season long.
Supplies You'll Need to Wash a North Face 700 Down Jacket
To properly wash your North Face 700 down jacket, you'll need to gather a few essential supplies.
Detergent
For down jackets, use a mild detergent that’s free from fragrances and dyes, which can damage the down fill. A technical wash like Nikwax Down Wash is ideal, but a gentle detergent like Woolite will also work in a pinch. Avoid regular detergents, as they’re too harsh.
Large Front-Loading Washer
A large front-loading washer, preferably with an agitator, is best for washing down jackets. Top loaders with a center agitator can damage down fill. Front loaders are more gentle, and the larger size will give your jacket more room. If a front loader isn’t available, use a mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle in a standard washer.
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Tennis Balls (Optional)
Adding a couple of tennis balls to the dryer will help re-loft the down fill, restoring maximum fluffiness. As the jacket tumbles, the balls will beat the fill and improve loft. This step is optional but helps your jacket get back to like-new puffiness.
Low Heat or Air Fluff
Always tumble dry your jacket on low heat. High heat will severely damage the down fill. If possible, use an air fluff or no-heat setting. Low heat for 60-80 minutes is typically enough to dry a jacket. Check periodically and remove while still slightly damp to avoid over-drying.
With the proper supplies and techniques, you'll have your North Face 700 down jacket clean and fluffy again in no time. Be sure to retreat the jacket with a water repellent treatment before heading back outside!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Washing a North Face 700 Down Jacket
To properly wash and care for your North Face 700 down jacket, follow these steps:
Gather Your Supplies
You'll need a few essential supplies: a front-loading washer, mild detergent, tennis balls or dryer sheets, and a large capacity dryer. Avoid using fabric softener which can damage the down filling.
Check the Care Label
Make sure to check the care label inside your jacket for any specific instructions. In general, the 700 down jacket is machine washable on a gentle cycle using cold water. Avoid bleach and dry clean only.
Sort Your Laundry
Wash the jacket separately the first time. Make sure all zippers are zipped and Velcro closures are secured before washing to avoid snags.
Add Detergent
Use a mild detergent, around 2 tablespoons for a medium-sized jacket. Too much detergent won't rinse clean and can damage the down.
Add Tennis Balls
Add a couple of clean tennis balls to the washer drum. As the jacket tumbles, the tennis balls will help break up any clumps in the down filling and keep the filling evenly distributed. Dryer sheets can work in a pinch if you don't have tennis balls.
Tumble Dry on Low Heat
Move the jacket to the dryer and tumble dry on low heat, checking frequently. Expect the jacket to take 60-90 minutes to dry completely. The tennis balls or dryer sheets should remain in the drum to keep filling fluffy.
Avoid Over-Drying
Remove the jacket from the dryer immediately once done to avoid over-drying. Over-drying can cause damage to the down filling and cause the jacket to lose loft and insulation over time.
Add DWR Treatment (Optional)
For added protection, you can reapply a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment after every few washes according to the product instructions. This will help restore water resistance to the outer shell.
Pro Tips for Drying Your North Face 700 Down Jacket
Once you’ve washed your North Face 700 down jacket, it’s important to dry it properly to maintain its insulation and water resistance.
Use Low or No Heat
Avoid machine drying your down jacket on high heat, as this can damage the down feathers and cause the jacket to lose loft and insulation over time. Tumble dry the jacket on low or no heat. The drying cycle may take several hours to complete, but it’s worth it to preserve your jacket. You can also remove the jacket from the dryer periodically to shake it out, which helps the down fill distribute evenly.
Add Tennis Balls
Add a couple of clean tennis balls to the dryer with the jacket. As the dryer spins, the tennis balls will bounce around and help break up any clumps of down, allowing for maximum loft. This helps the jacket retain its puffiness and insulation.
Avoid Over-Drying
Check on the jacket every 30 minutes or so. Once the outer shell feels dry to the touch, the jacket is done. Over-drying the jacket can cause damage to the down fill and outer shell. It’s best to dry the jacket just until it’s slightly damp. The remaining moisture will distribute evenly as the jacket hangs to air dry completely.
Air Fluff in the Dryer
If your dryer has an “air fluff” setting, use it to refresh your jacket in between washes. The air fluff cycle uses room temperature air to loosen up the down fill and restore loft without the damaging effects of high heat. Fluffing the jacket for 10-15 minutes once a month or so will keep your jacket feeling like new.
Properly drying your North Face 700 down jacket after washing is key to maintaining its high performance for years to come. Using low or no heat, adding tennis balls, avoiding over-drying, and periodically air fluffing your jacket will ensure it remains insulated, water resistant, and as cozy as the day you bought it.
How to Maintain Your North Face 700 Down Jacket Between Washes
To keep your North Face 700 down jacket performing at its best between washes, follow these tips:
Store Properly When Not In Use
When you're not wearing your down jacket, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Down loses some of its ability to insulate when exposed to heat and light. A closet is ideal, but if space is limited, a storage bin or cabinet will also work. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and the jacket is completely dry to avoid musty smells before storing.
Avoid compressing the down by hanging the jacket or laying it flat. Hanging will help the jacket retain its shape best.
Use breathable storage bags that allow moisture to escape. Plastic bags can lead to damage from excess moisture buildup.
For long term storage over the summer, you may want to have the jacket professionally cleaned first. This will remove built up oils and body sweat that can attract moths or other insects during storage.
Air Out and Fluff
When you do take your jacket out of storage, air it out and re-fluff the down before wearing. Down feathers can compress over time and with use, reducing insulation.
Unzip the jacket and shake it vigorously to loosen the down feathers.
Tumble dry the jacket on low heat for 10-15 minutes. The heat and tumbling action will re-loft the down and restore the jacket to like-new condition.
As an alternative, hang the jacket and manually puff up the down compartments. Use your hands to gently squeeze and massage the down through the outer shell.
For stubborn spots, try using a down jacket comb or teaser to loosen feathers. Work slowly and be careful not to damage the outer shell.
With proper care and maintenance, your North Face 700 down jacket will continue to keep you warm for many years to come. Following these best practices between washes will help maximize its performance and ensure you get the most from this high-quality product.
Conclusion
So now you know the proper steps to keep your North Face down jacket clean and performing at its best. Take the time to care for your investment - your jacket will last longer and keep you warmer if you wash it correctly. A little TLC with each wash goes a long way. Next time your jacket needs refreshing, follow these tips and you'll be enjoying the rewards of a clean, fluffy jacket for seasons to come. Stay cozy out there!