Down jackets have long been known for their warmth and comfort, but if your down jacket has started smelling like a wet dog, it can be an unpleasant experience. Let’s explore the common causes of this foul odor and find out how to get rid of it.
Wet Fabric
One of the most common reasons why a down jacket may start to smell like a wet dog is because of wet fabric. When down jackets get wet, the insulation in them starts to break down, which can lead to bacteria growth that produces the offensive odor. To prevent this from happening, make sure you always check the care tags on your jacket before washing or drying it.
Mold & Mildew
Mold and mildew are also potential culprits when it comes to your down jacket smelling like a wet dog. These fungi tend to grow in warm and moist environments, so if you've stored your jacket away without properly drying it after wearing it in the rain, these organisms could be causing the musty smell. To avoid this issue altogether, make sure you hang up your coat after use and allow time for all moisture to evaporate completely.
Detergents & Deodorizers
If there's already an existing odor coming from your down coat, then using detergents or deodorizers may help get rid of it. One option is to soak your coat in a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts cold water for at least 30 minutes - this will neutralize any lingering smells on the fabric fibers. You can also try using baking soda or natural deodorizing sprays that are specifically designed for athletic wear or outdoor apparel.
Professional Cleaner
In some cases where more serious odors persist despite attempted home remedies, taking your down coat to a professional cleaner may be necessary. They will likely use special cleaning agents that are tailored towards getting deeply embedded odors out of fabrics such as modern synthetic materials used in apparel today. This should be done every six months or so depending on usage and environment conditions experienced by the garment while in use.
Dos and Don'ts for Avoiding Smell In Down Jacket Like a Wet Dog
If your down jacket has started to smell like a wet dog, it can be an unpleasant experience. Understanding the common causes of this odor and following some simple dos and don'ts when using (or storing) your coat, can help ensure you don’t experience any more foul smelling surprises. Let’s explore these guidelines in further detail.
Dos
Do check the care tags before washing or drying your down jacket to avoid having wet fabric cause bacteria growth that produces an offensive odor.
Do hang up your coat after every use and allow time for all moisture to evaporate completely to prevent mold and mildew from forming inside it.
Do use detergents or deodorizers such as white vinegar, cold water, baking soda or natural sprays designed for athletic wear when trying to get rid of existing odors on the fabric fibers.
Do take your down coat to a professional cleaner every six months or so depending on usage conditions if more serious odors persist despite attempted home remedies.
Don'ts
Don’t forget to inspect your down jacket after every wear - this includes checking for any damage, tears or discoloration as well as ensuring that it is completely dry before being put away in storage.
Don’t store your coat in a dark and damp place - doing so will create an environment where mold and mildew may thrive, leading to foul smelling odors over time.
Don't use harsh chemical cleaners on the fabric surface of your garment - this could potentially cause discoloration or shrinkage that will make it difficult to wear comfortably again.
Don’t try washing it with hot water - doing so could damage the insulation inside the material and reduce its ability to keep you warm in chilly weather conditions.
Conclusion
If your down jacket is starting to smell like a wet dog there are several potential causes behind it ranging from wet fabric to mold and mildew growth - along with other factors such as detergents or deodorizers being used on the fabric fibers over time. If none of these remedies work then taking it to a professional cleaner would probably be your best bet for getting rid of any stubborn odors for good!