A down jacket is an excellent choice for staying warm and cozy in cold weather. However, the insulation material used in down jackets can lead to unwanted odors over time. The odor-causing bacteria can accumulate from extended use, sweat, and body oils. Here’s what you need to know about down jacket odor and how to get rid of it.
Causes of Down Jacket Odor
The main cause of down jacket odor is bacteria growth on the feathers or down insulation. This can happen if the jacket is not properly cleaned or stored after each use. In addition, if the jacket is not regularly aired out, the bacteria can grow and cause an unpleasant odor.
Another cause of down jacket odor is exposure to moisture. When down jackets get wet, they can take a long time to dry and this can cause the growth of mold and mildew, which can result in an unpleasant odor.
3 Solutions for Tackling a Smelly Down Jacket
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to try and eliminate the stench and rehabilitate yourself with your loved ones and friends.
Solution 1: Air Your Down Jacket
It’s important to properly store your down jacket when not in use. Store it in a cool, dry place and make sure it is not compressed or folded for an extended period of time.
Solution 2: Wash Your Down Jacket
The easiest and most effective solution to down jacket odor is to wash it. Use a gentle detergent and avoid using fabric softeners, which can clog the down feathers and reduce their insulating properties. Rinse the jacket thoroughly and hang it to air dry.
Solution 3: Use Chemicals
If the odor persists, you can try using odor-eliminating products designed for down jackets. These products are available in many sporting goods stores and online.
In Summary
All in all, down jackets are a great investment for staying warm and comfortable in cold weather. However, to stop the stink, regular washing and proper storage are the key to maintaining the quality and performance of your down jacket.
FAQs
Do Down Jackets Smell?
No. Down jackets do not smell. At least, they shouldn’t smell! A down jacket made by a company not signed up to the Responsible Down Standard may have sourced unethical down, which might smell. But generally speaking, down jackets will only smell if you make them smell; just like any other garment.
Why Do Down Jacket Smell?
Down jackets will smell if bacteria are allowed to grow on the feathers. For example if the down is persistently wet for a prolonged period. It’s really important to keep your down jacket dry and properly aired to prevent this from happening.
