PRODUCT CARE
The Perfect Down Jacket Maintenance Guide
Product care plays a large role in the practice of conscious consumption and is crucial to extending the life cycle of a garment. Our coats are designed for longevity and, if properly cared for, can last a lifetime. In addition to prolonging a garment’s life span, proper maintenance also enhances its high-performance capabilities. A clean and well cared-for down coat maintains better loft and, therefore, is able to retain more heat. As with most specialty garments, down jackets require extra care in regards to cleaning, drying, and storage. Quartz Co. would like to note that down jackets in the colors ivory and oatmeal require special care when cleaning. Please get your ivory or oatmeal jackets cleaned locally, or sent to a specialist cleaner, to ensure they last a lifetime in their proper color.
HOW TO WASH A DOWN COAT
STEP 1 – PRE-RINSE
After fastening the parka’s zippers and snaps, and removing its fur trim (if applicable). Rub the most noticeable stains with a stain remover as needed. Avoid stain removers with bleaching agents. Rinse the coat without detergent in a front-loading machine. A pre-rinse cycle allows the detergent to penetrate the fabric more deeply to reach the down clusters during the wash cycle.
STEP 2 – LOW TEMPERATURE WASH
Wash the coat at a low temperature, using a short and/or delicate cycle. We highly recommend using a cleaner designed for down, such as Grangers. Otherwise, you can use a mild liquid soap without dye.
*Washing on low temperatures helps to preserve the color and the qualities of the coat.
*The use of a cleaner designed for down or a mild liquid soap without dye prevents the accumulation of undissolved detergent.
STEP 3 – ADDITIONAL RINSE
After the initial wash cycle, rinse the coat again without detergent. An additional rinse cycle ensures that all the detergent has been completely removed from the down. Leftover detergent can reduce the down’s filling power.
STEP 4 – TUMBLE DRY
Tumble dry on low heat using dryer balls or tennis balls. It is possible to use medium temperature drying if your dryer offers this option. Avoid the 'air fluff' option without heat.
Repeat this step at least twice or until the coat is completely dry.
*Even if the exterior of your coat feels dry to the touch after the first drying cycle, the down may remain damp. We recommend at least two drying cycles to ensure the down is completely dry and able to regain its full loft.
*Dryer balls help to distribute the down during drying to prevent clumping.
SPECIAL NOTICES
*Never use bleach or iron your down coat.
*We strongly advise against dry cleaning. However, if you choose to dry clean, we recommend entrusting your coat to a cleaner specialized in down coat care and environmentally friendly practices.
*We highly recommend tumble drying. If you choose air drying, you can lay your coat flat on a drying rack, but you will need to regularly shake and turn it to separate and distribute the down as it dries. This will prevent clumping! Let it dry it in a dry place at room temperature (do not place the coat on a radiator or other intense heat sources like a fireplace...).
*If your coat needs repair, we strongly recommend doing so before washing to prevent pre-existing damage from worsening.
HOW TO MAINTAIN A DOWN COAT'S WATERPROOF CAPABILITIES
All of our down coats are treated with a C6 durable water repellent (DWR) engineered to maintain 90% efficacy after up to 10 washes. If a down coat needs re-proofing, we recommend using Nikwax products. Nikwax waterproofing products come in easy-to-spray packaging, and keep out moisture while maintaining breathability.
HOW TO STORE A COAT
Down coats are seasonal winter garments and, as such, should be stored properly during the warmer months. We recommend washing down jackets following the appropriate method prior to storage. Once the coat is completely dry, place it on a hanger and store away from sunlight.