Reviving overcompressed down

[larrybluhm]

I have found that clean pair of sneakers in the dryer at low heat with the bag does a good job of lofting the down. They are a little heavier than tennis balls and the rubber soles tumbling against the nylon generates some static electricity which also helps the process.

[Jsaults]

down bags for inclusion in the survival packs attached to ejection seats of aircraft flying in northern climes. This was in the late 70s when I was in the outdoor business.

TNF was happy to sell their most expensive bags to the Gummint, but were shocked to find out how they were being packed.

At the time TNF was indeed recommending the sneaker-in-the-dryer trick. As I recall, this was to break up clumps of down after a thorough washing. But it ought to work for fluffing a bag as well. Big industrial dryers are indeed the best nachines. Low or no heat.

Jim

[Shane]

The static electricity comment above has got me thinking. I'm going to try putting the quilt into the dryer on low/no heat and add a few wool socks with tennis ball stuffed into the toes. That should generate a lot of static.

I'll report back on how this works.


S

[Syb]

The static electricity comment above has got me thinking. I'm going to try putting the quilt into the dryer on low/no heat and add a few wool socks with tennis ball stuffed into the toes. That should generate a lot of static.

I'll report back on how this works.


S

Provided you aren't stuck to the ceiling from all that static electricity

Syb

[Shane]

I wanted to report that the static technique for relofting worked very well.

I put the quilt into the dryer with two old rag wool socks with tennis balls stuffed inside and tumbled on no heat for about forty minutes. After that, I added a polar fleece jacket and tumbled for another twenty minutes. when I opened the dryer door, the quilt had completely filled the interior of the dryer space and was lofted like new.


Thanks guys!

[RootCause]

I wanted to report that the static technique for relofting worked very well.
I put the quilt into the dryer with two old rag wool socks with tennis balls stuffed inside and tumbled on no heat for about forty minutes.

Great news, Shane! Did this mean that you didn't wash the quilt first? (Maybe it didn't need washing, just re-lofting?)

[Syb]

That is really great news indeed. Great way to save some $$ while saving up for a cottage UQ/TQ.

Syb

[Shane]

Great news, Shane! Did this mean that you didn't wash the quilt first? (Maybe it didn't need washing, just re-lofting?)

No, didn't wash it, just tumbled in the dryer.

I've got a zero bag I'm going to need to wash, though. Any recommendations for the best detergent?


S

[RePete]

High heat is generally avoided with down. Feathers are a different critter. I will wash my down goods in a commercial FRONT LOADER washer on cold water with a down wash cleanser. Do NOT use detergent! Something like Ivory Snow soap can be substituted if a good down wash is not available. Dry it in a commercial front loader dryer on the lowest heat setting. Throw in some tennis balls for good measure. The reason I recommend a commercial drier is simply for the size. One of those large driers has a lot of room to bounce the down around aiding in the loft recovery.

Please reread. Ramblinrev gives very good information.

[MuseJr]

I've got a zero bag I'm going to need to wash, though. Any recommendations for the best detergent?

I have had good luck with Nikwax down wash on my jackets and old mummy bags. It's kind of expensive but it works so I keep spending the money.