How to clean puffer jackets at home? I have a top loader washing machine. But I am scared to put them in the machine as I fear it could damage them.
Check the tags on them on how to wash them. Mild detergent, wash cold, should work for all kinds. I zip them up, remove the hoodies if removable to wash them, and dry them by just hanging them indoor.
I use a dry cleaning kit available at most stores. It comes with a bag and a cleaning sheet. Put it in the dryer for 30 mins.
The Patagonia company's instructions on cleaning a Patagonia down jacket in six steps (LINK), has the following bulleted items on the first step: Lay your jacket out and zip up all the zippers. If your jacket has hook-and-loop tape, fasten it closed. Don't forget to check the pockets for any treasures or love notes you may have forgotten. Place the jacket in your washing machine. One more step that is also useful is to slip your hands into the sleeves, and turn the jacket inside-out before it goes into the washing machine. This way, the jacket's outer surface is not being buffeted (& distressed) within the machine in its wash cycle. And if the jacket were to be machine dried ( Avoid !! Line drying is safer for the jacket), the outer surface of the jacket is protected here as well.
I launder all our winter wear at the end of the season. Haven't had a problem yet. Read the label. Care instructions are important. Down jackets shouldn't be dry cleaned. Faux fur should not be washed — detach the hood trim, if any. Empty pockets, zip up zippers, button up buttons. Wash with mild detergent and cold water, extra rinse. No softener. Then toss them in the drier on low heat with a couple of clean tennis balls. .
Yes just check the tag they have instructions. Only thing I won't put in the dryer a...kind of jackets I usually hang in the backyard to dry.