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Debate: washing a down bag vs dry cleaning it - which is actually worse?
I was at a group campsite near Asheville last fall when a guy who claimed to hike the AT twice said he never washes his down bag, just airs it out. Another woman jumped in saying she dry cleans hers every season and it's fine. So which method is actually ruining the loft faster, or am I overthinking this whole thing?
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michaelgrant1mo ago
That smell after dry cleaning isn't just chemicals lingering... it's a bunch of solvents breaking down the natural oils in the down itself. The heat from the dry cleaning process can actually melt the tiny plastic coating on some modern water-resistant down treatments too. A friend ruined a $400 bag that way, turned the loft flat as a pancake after two seasons. Washing with a proper down soap and tumble drying on low with tennis balls is hands down better, but most people just don't have a dryer big enough for a full winter bag.
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jessica7071mo ago
@michaelgrant also kills the DWR coating on rain jackets, ruins breathability fast.
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