How to Wash (and Dry) Your Down Jacket the RIGHT Way ✔️

If you’ve found this blog post, chances are your down jacket is looking like it’s seen a bit too much action lately…

Nevertheless, for many folks the prospect of washing their down jacket can seem pretty darn daunting.

They often run in the £200+ range and there seems to be a common consensus that throwing one in the wash will only destroy it’s characteristic fluffiness.

In reality however, washing your down jacket isn’t rocket science and – provided you know what you’re doing – your jacket will not lose its bounce.

To help all my fellow down jacket wearers, I’ve gone and crafted this detailed step-by-step guide to offer a helping hand.

Interested? Let’s get to it 👇👇

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What you’ll need when cleaning your down jacket

Before we dive right in, first it’s important to make sure you’ve got all you need to hand:

Non-bio detergent: We want to be as gentle as possible to the fabric of our down jacket, so be sure to avoid any heavy-duty detergent and opt for a milder, non-bio choice.

Front-loading washing machine: While I don’t have first experience, it iss said that some top-loading washing machines offer a bit too much rough-and-tumble during a cycle, so to err on the safe side I’d opt for a reliable front-loader.

Tennis balls (or dryer balls): The secret ingredient to help keep the bounce in your jacket (more on this below).

Nikwax Down Wash (optional): Specifically designed for down fabric products, having a specific wash such as Nikwax can really bring your jacket back to life. Working to keep the waterproof capabilities of your jacket in-tact, Nikwax down wash is also great at removing grime, dust and odours which can leave your jacket looking dirty and smelly.

Patience: Finally, effectively washing your down jacket takes time, so don’t rush the process and take it nice and slow.

How to Wash a Down Jacket (Step-by-Step Guide)

Once you’ve got your station prepared, it’s time to move onto the washing process.

Zip it up!

Zip up all zippers, strap up your velcro and close all jacket fastenings.

Brush off your down jacket

Remove any excess muck and dirt by giving your jacket one final dust off.

Turn your down jacket inside out

To help protect the waterproof on your jacket and all its fastenings, carefully turn your jacket inside out.

Ensure your washing machine is clean before putting your down jacket inside

Remove any detergent residue from the washing machine dispenser and place your down jacket inside the washing machine.

Set your down jacket on a gentle soak

Set your down jacket on a long and gentle cycle (and add the Nikwax down wash if you’re using that). To ensure your jacket gets a good old soak, we recommend only loading one item per wash.

Give it a double rinse

Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure there’s no lingering soap.

One last spin for good measure

One final spin to remove any excess water

How to Dry a Down Jacket (Step-by-Step Guide)

Once your down jacket is washed, now its time to get it back in tip-top shape with some drying.

Handle with Care

Carefully and gingerly squeeze out any excess water. The key here is to be delicate, so no wringing or twisting.

Add your tennis balls into the dryer

Toss a couple of clean tennis balls (or dryer balls) into the dryer along with your jacket. By bouncing around the dryer, the balls will help fluff up those down feathers.

Keep it low & slow

Dry your down jacket on a low heat setting. It might take quite a long time, but patience is key!

Work the down jacket with your hands

While you’re drying your jacket and checking to see if its dried off, you can help fluff it up with your hands by hitting and stroking your hand across the down fabric. Sometimes down can bunch together in certain spots so this helps avoid any unwanted clumps.

Aftercare – Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Let your jacket live in a closet on a loose hang or in a breathable uncompressed bag when not in use to avoid any unwanted mustiness
• Reserve a wash cycle only for when you really need on. If you only have the odd stain, it’s better to gingerly dab your jacket clean with a soft cloth
• Fluff up your jacket periodically to prevent the down from clumping.

Don’t:

• Don’t leave your down jacket stuffed it into a bag for long periods.
• Don’t ignore small damages since they can quickly escalate quickly into bigger problems.
• Don’t overdo your down jacket with frequent dry cleanings—too much can harm the down and its natural oils.

FAQs when cleaning your down jacket

Can I use a regular detergent to wash my down jacket?

To err on the safe side, opting for a non-bio mild detergent is the best option when washing a down jacket. Harsh detergents can damage your down and strip away its natural oils.

How often should I wash my down jacket?

Only wash your down jacket when absolutely necessary—like when it’s too dirty for a hand scrub or losing its bounce. Over-washing can reduce its insulation and waterproof capabilities. If you pick up the odd stain here and there, simply gently remove with a hand cloth.

Can I put my down jacket in the tumble dryer?

Yes, but set the dryer on a low heat, take your time and ensure you toss in some clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff up the down.

I’ve never personally tried dryer balls, but they are quite commonly used in the hiking community.

If you’re thinking of giving them a whirl, I’ll include a link to check out below:

How do you fluff up a down jacket after washing it?

Don’t fret if you’re down jacket is looking flat after washing, this is absolutely normal! After popping it in the dryer on a low & slow heat with some tennis balls you’ll soon see it spring back to life.

Can I iron or steam my down jacket to remove wrinkles?

High temperatures can damage the delicate feathers used to create down, so ironing or steaming techniques are best avoided.

Can I use fabric softener or bleach when washing my down jacket?

No, fabric softener and bleach will likely damage your jacket and compromise its effectiveness.

We’d recommend using something like Nikwax Down Wash, which is designed specifically for revitalising down fabric products.

To learn more about Nikwax, check out our link below:

Click Here To Buy Nikwax Down Wash 👈

Can I air dry my down jacket?

Air drying your down jacket is by no means ideal since it’ll take much longer to dry and won’t fluff up as effectively. If anything, it’ll only make the feathers clump together. Opt for the tumble dryer on a low heat setting.

My down jacket has a tear. Can I repair it myself?

For small tears, fixing a down jacket with a suitable repair kit may do the trick. For larger damage however, we’d recommend contacting a professional repair services.

More resources

Since you’re already giving your jacket a pamper, why not also clean your walking boots while your at it? Chances are they could do with a spruce up too!

Be sure to check out our ‘How to clean your walking boots the RIGHT Way’ blog post?

Likewise, for plenty more outdoor inspiration, don’t forget to have a scroll through our little ol’ blog.

From walking guides, uncovering secret spots and a whole host of other expert tips, I’m sure you’ll find something to perk your interest!

Happy walking 🚶🚶