Synthetic laundering question

**ylnfrt** · 08-08-2019, 23:18

I have read numerous threads @ laundering down UQ/ TQ but little if any suggestions on washing a synthetic UQ/TQ. I have two Climashield apex DIY UQ's (2.5 /3.6- both UQ) that I have been alternating using for two yrs now and I am not sure whether to wash by hand or in a machine? Both quilts are 72"x 54" and do not have any quilting to hold the insulation, there for I am worried about tearing up the apex internally? Should I add some tied loop for quilting? what about spacing?

**bluesam3** · 08-09-2019, 03:25

Rab's instructions are

The instructions below are a guide to cleaning our synthetic insulation-filled products.

Hand or machine wash your garment using a non-biological liquid detergent, pure soap or a technical cleaner such as Nikwax Tech Wash. Wash on a gentle 30ºC cycle ensuring all zips and hook and loop fastenings are closed. We advise to run your washing machine without detergent and softeners for one cycle before washing your synthetic garments to ensure the machine is completely clean.

Avoid biological detergent and fabric softeners. Do not dry clean or iron the garment.

We recommend to tumble dry your garment on a low setting to help restore the loft and maintain the garments DWR treatment.

**cmoulder** · 08-09-2019, 05:56

Originally Posted by bluesam3

Rab's instructions are

I would go with those instructions, but definitely hand wash in a bathtub... I cringe at the thought of an agitator machine!

**slugbait** · 08-09-2019, 09:16

A large front-load washing machine will do the job.

**ylnfrt** · 08-09-2019, 13:33

Originally Posted by bluesam3

Rab's instructions are

Thanks for the instructions bluesam3- so basically the same as for down quilts. Now what are your thoughts about adding tied quilt loops to support/ help immobilize the insulation?

**scrope** · 08-09-2019, 15:10

Originally Posted by cmoulder

I would go with those instructions, but definitely hand wash in a bathtub... I cringe at the thought of an agitator machine!

I wash mine using a machine with an agitator but I put it on gentle cycle. The major concern with the agitator is ripping the quilt but I've never had any problems with using it -- it's stronger than you think. Still, if you can, I'd recommend a front loader without an agitator. I'd really recommend a commercial machine because I think home machines are too small because these quilts are rather large.

**ylnfrt** · 08-10-2019, 23:14

Thank you all for the recommendations.

**bbikebbs** · 08-11-2019, 15:16

I washed my DIY quilt in a top loading washer (no agitator) on gentle. Since my wife sewed the climashield to the ripstop on all 4 sides, I wasn't too concerned about bunching inside. I then placed it in the dryer on low with 3 tennis ball size wool balls. Once done, about 60 minutes, I hung it up where it's been since. No issues that I can detect.

Scott