Down and Fiberfill

Comforters, sleeping bags, coats, and other cold weather garments are often made with down or fiberfill. Both down--a natural product, and fiberfill, a polyester fill--are effective in keeping out the cold. While cleaning these items is usually not a problem, a garment with poor construction and insufficient quilting can cause the down to shift, lose shape, and become matted.

When purchasing a down or fiberfill garment, make sure that it is well quilted. Preferably, quilting stitches should run both vertically and horizontally with quilting lines about eight to 10 inches apart. Check the strength of the garment's stitching. Poorly constructed garments with loose stitching can allow down or fiberfill to shift.

Check for fullness of the quilted areas. Thicker filling will provide more insulation.

When cleaning, follow the care label. When in doubt, ask us for help. Bulky items such as comforters and sleeping bags are often too large for home washing machines.

For best results, bring these items to us. We have all the necessary equipment to clean them.

Air-drying will not dry down and fiberfill garments completely. For best results, tumble dry at temperatures no higher than 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

To keep a down or fiberfill garment looking its best, clean the garment at least once during its wearing season and again before it is stored. Before storing, repair any tears, snags, or broken fasteners on the garment, to ensure that it will be ready to wear next season.

To prevent fading, moisture, rusting, and mildew, store seasonal garments in a dark, dry area.

Store down and fiberfill items loose, not compressed. Allow garments to breathe--do not store in plastic bags.