How to Wash a Down Jacket

To help increase the lifespan of your down jacket it is important to clean it periodically. The unique properties of down means extra care and specialist cleaners should be used when washing. This guide  will show you how to clean a down jacket in a washing machine using our Wash n Proof or Down Cleaner.

How to Wash Down Jackets:

1. Remove any loose dirt using a brush.
2. Clean the detergent compartment of any residues.
3. Set the machine to a cold wash or delicate wool cycle.
4. Pour the appropriate cleaner into the machine.
5. Dry the jacket in a tumble dryer on a low heat using dryer or tennis balls.

1. Brush Off Dirt

Before washing your down jacket brush off any loose mud or dirt. Do up any zips or velcro and close any flaps. If possible turn the jacket inside out.

2. Clean the Detergent Compartment

Make sure the detergent compartment of your washing machine is clean of any detergent or softener (for the reasons described above). You may wish to run your washing machine on a hot wash with nothing in it to clear any residues from detergent or softeners.

3. Set the Cycle

Set the washing machine to a cold wash on a delicate or wool cycle (or the equivalent gentle setting).  Do not wash your jacket in a top loading washing machine as the center agitator could damage your jacket.

4. Pour the Cleaner into the Machine

Pour the appropriate amount of cleaner into the detergent compartment (this will be 60ml if using our Wash n’ Proof product. It is best to wash your down jacket with a cleaner specifically designed for down or technical outerwear. Household detergents and softeners can damage the down and feathers and also strip the fabric of its water resistant coating (if applicable). Set the machine to rinse a few times on the slowest/longest spin cycle to ensure no cleaner residues are left in the down.

5. Dry the Jacket

A down jacket should not be air dried. Not only will air drying take a very long time there is more risk of the feathers clumping together and the jacket starting to smell (if it takes a while to dry). Down jackets should be tumble dried at a low heat. Don’t be tempted to set the dryer to a high heat as you risk melting the seams and outer shell fabric. Remember to always check the label of your garment for exact care details.

Adding dryer balls into the dryer stops the feathers from clumping together and helps to re ‘fluff’ the down.  To prevent clumps of down forming you can remove the jacket every now and then from the dryer (hold the jacket flat and not at one end) and fluff.  Ensure the jacket is 100% dry.