North Face Jackets have made a name for themselves as one of the warmest and most comfortable jackets.
Some are also windproof and waterproof, which means that you can use them outdoors no matter the condition.
But how exactly do we wash a North Face in a way that would guarantee its durability? This article will give tips on washing the different types of North Face Jackets.
How To Wash North Face Jackets Without Ruining Them
You can usually characterize North Face Jackets by the type of insulation used to make them. Since the company is constantly innovating, we have many types of North Face Jackets.
However, this article will only focus on how to wash three of the most popular types of North Face Jackets.
They include The Fleece North Face Jacket, the North Face Down Jacket, and the Waterproof North Face Jacket.
How to Wash a Fleece North Face Jacket
Fleece jackets are lightweight jackets. The company makes them from polyester synthetic wool, and they are very breathable and can keep you relatively warm.
However, fleece material is delicate, and you need to avoid any damage to the Jacket. You can either hand wash them or use a washing machine.
How to Hand Wash Your Fleece North Face Jacket
Sometimes, the best way to clean a Fleece North Face Jacket is to hand wash it. You will need the following materials:
- Bowl or sink
- Mild detergent
Once you have these materials, follow the steps below to hand wash:
- Fill the bowl with warm water
- Add your mild detergent or dish soap into the water and stir.
- Place the Jacket into the bowl and gently rub the Jacket against your hand
- Repeat this action until the Jacket is stain free.
- Hang on a clothesline to dry.
How To Wash Your Fleece North Face Jacket With a Washing Machine
Sometimes, the manufacturer’s labels allow for washing machines to wash your fleece. You can do this in the following steps:
Step One: Prep the Jacket
Prepping a jacket refers to what you do before placing the Jacket in the washing machine.
For fleece jackets, make sure you remove every material from each pocket. Then turn the Jacket inside out to avoid pilling or lint build-up.
Step Two: Pre-treat the Stains on the Jacket
If there are particularly nasty stains on your Jacket, you should pre-treat them before putting the Jacket into a washing machine.
You can do this by adding a dab of stain remover onto a piece of clothing and using the cloth to rub the stained area gently.
Repeat this action on all stained sites, and wait for at least ten minutes before placing the Jacket in the washing machine.
Step Three: Select a Gentle Cycle and Water Temperature
Use a gentle cycle when spinning your Jacket in the washing machine. Using this kind of setting protects it from damage such as pilling.
Although if your Jacket is heavily stained, you can use a permanent press cycle with a cold rinse. It is better to use a lower spin speed when washing with this cycle.
Always use either cold or warm water when washing your fleece material. Hot water can cause shrinkage.
Step Four: Air Dry your Jacket
Once you are through the washing cycle, place the Jacket on a sturdy hanger or air rack and air dry.
How to Wash a North Face Down Jacket
Down jackets are insulated with several layers of duck or geese feathers. They are incredibly good at keeping the owner warm and protected against cold weather.
A North Face Down Jacket is incredibly delicate and should be washed with great care. Follow the steps below:
Step One: Prep the Jacket
You can do this by simply clearing the pockets of every stray material and making sure you zip up or strap every pocket or velcro.
Step Two: Place the Jacket in the Washing Machine
Remember to use only a washing machine without a center agitator. Top loading machines usually come with a central agitator that destroys the Jacket’s constitution.
Fill the machine with warm water and use a mild detergent or special down detergent. Repeat the rinse and spin cycles until you have removed all soapy residues from the Jacket.
Step Three: Remove the Jacket from the Washing Machine
To do this effectively, scoop the Jacket from the bottom. Lifting it will cause the Jacket to clump together at its base.
Step Four: Drying the Jacket
Unlike the fleece jacket, you can place your Down Jacket in a dryer. But make sure you do this at a low heat setting.
Don’t forget to add tennis balls or dryer balls when drying your Jacket. Failure to do this will cause your Jacket to develop clumps.
Finally, inspect your Jacket every 15-30 minutes to prevent clumping and overdrying. Drying can take as long as two to three hours.
How To Wash a Waterproof North Face Jacket
A waterproof jacket is a type of Jacket that doesn’t allow water penetration no matter how long it stays in the water.
The fabric of a North Face Jacket undergoes several testing before it attains its status as waterproof.
To wash a waterproof jacket without damaging it, follow the steps below:
Step One: Prep Your Jacket Before Placing it in the machine
Prep the Jacket by removing all items from all pockets before zipping them up completely.
Step Two: Put Your Jacket Into a Machine
Place the Jacket in a front loading machine, preferably without a center agitator.
Set the machine on a low spin double rinse setting. Using this setting effectively removes all soapy suds from the Jacket.
Step Three: Add a Little Detergent.
Add a little liquid detergent. Do not use powdered detergents as they damage the fabric.
Step Four: Drying Your Jacket
After washing, move the Jacket to a tumbler dryer at a low setting. Using a low setting will take more time but be patient.
Any attempt to use a higher heat setting will compromise the Jacket’s DWR (Durable Waterproof Repellant).
You can air-dry your Jacket too if you want to reduce the risk of damage. Place your Jacket on a hanger or air rack and place it in an airy space around your house.
Simple Safety Tips To Observe When Washing a Fleece North Face Jacket
We have learned the steps needed to wash our North Face Jackets; now, let us quickly look at some general guidelines for washing your Jacket.
Always Check The Fabric Care Instructions on the Jacket.
Reading fabric care instructions should help you know the laundry method; this is especially important when washing fleece jackets.
Avoid Bleach, Chlorine-Based Detergents, and Fabric Softeners.
These chemicals will damage your jackets irreversibly, so avoid using them.
Avoid Any Washing Machine With A Center Agitator
These sorts of washing machines can ruin the fabric of your Jacket.
Avoid Washing Your Jacket With Other Fabrics
As much as you can, do not wash your Jacket with other fabric; this is due to the high risk that other fabrics (such as cotton flannels and Terry cloth towels) can produce lint.
Lint build-up will ruin the beauty and durability of your Jacket.
Use a Liquid Detergent as Much as Possible.
Powdered soaps can damage the quality of your jackets, so insist on a liquid soap or even a specialized detergent for down jackets.