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 – LOCAL WASH
After fastening the jacket’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.
STEP 2 – LOW TEMPERATURE WASH
Wash the jacket (alone) at a low temperature, using a short and/or delicate cycle. We highly recommend using a cleaner designed for down, such as Grangers.
*Washing on low temperatures helps to preserve the color and the qualities of the jacket.
*The use of a cleaner designed for down prevents the accumulation of undissolved detergent.
STEP 3 – ADDITIONAL RINSE
After the initial wash cycle, you could rinse the jacket 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 jacket is completely dry.
*Even if the exterior of your jacket 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 jacket.
*We strongly advise against dry cleaning. However, if you choose to dry clean, we recommend entrusting your jacket to a cleaner specialized in down jacket care and environmentally friendly practices.
*We strongly advise tumble drying for optimal results. Air drying is not recommended, especially for heavier down jackets. If you have to opt for air drying, lay your jacket 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 jacket on a radiator or other intense heat sources like a fireplace...).
*If your jacket needs repair, we strongly recommend doing so before washing to prevent pre-existing damage from worsening.
HOW TO MAINTAIN A DOWN JACKET'S WATERPROOF CAPABILITIES
All of our down jackets are treated with a C6 or C0 durable water repellent (DWR) engineered to maintain 90% efficacy after up to 10 washes. If a down jacket needs re-proofing, we recommend using Grangers 2 in 1 Down Wash & Repel.
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.