Float jackets are almost an "inseparable object" for many people in the cold season. However, this is also a type of clothing that makes many people have headaches when washing. The cotton or feathers inside are very sensitive, easily clumped and skewed if handled incorrectly. Hygiene experts recommend that if you want durable and beautiful float jackets, you need to follow a scientific washing process from the first step.
Handling local stains, a step not to be missed
Before washing the entire shirt, it is necessary to prioritize treating stains concentrated in the collar, wrists or oil stains. This is the most easily stained area but also easily damages the shirt if rubbed hard.
Ms. Marla Mock - Chairman of Molly Maid cleaning company (USA) - advises to use mild detergent. "Just drop a few drops directly onto the stain, rub gently with your hands to allow the solution to penetrate deeply, then leave it for about 15 minutes before rinsing with cold water," she said.
For more stubborn stains, Mr. Alessandro Gazzo - an expert at Emily's Maids, a cleaning and laundry service company in Dallas (USA) - suggests using oxygen bleach powder. The powder is mixed with a little water into a thick mixture, applied to the stain and waited 15 minutes before washing the entire shirt. This method helps clean while protecting the insulation structure inside.
Hand washing or machine washing must be gentle
If washing with your hands, after treating the stain, soak the shirt in cold water. In case the shirt is dull, you can soak it with oxygen remover powder for about 30 minutes. Then, mix cold water with a small amount of gentle laundry detergent, put the shirt in, squeeze gently and soak for another 15 to 30 minutes. When rinsing, just press gently to remove excess water, absolutely do not squeeze or twist the shirt because it will clump the inner cotton layer. The shirt should be hung in a ventilated place to dry naturally.
With machine washing, the process also needs to be strictly followed. First, treat local stains as instructed. Then, tighten the entire zipper and bag lock to avoid tearing the fabric. Choose cold water and gentle washing mode, use specialized detergent for thin fabrics. Experts emphasize, do not use fabric rinsing water because softeners will cause cotton or feathers to sag.
When drying, it is necessary to carefully check the label to make sure the shirt is suitable for machine drying. To keep the shirt puffy, you should add two to three tennis balls or specialized drying balls to the drying cage. Continuous collisions help the cotton layer to be loose and porous, limiting clumps. The drying process can be repeated several times to let the shirt dry completely.
Washing life jackets properly not only helps make clothes durable and beautiful but is also a cost-saving way to keep family members warm and safe throughout the cold season.
