Can You Wash a Down Jacket at Home? Washing, Drying and Storage
Many down jackets are meant to be washed with water rather than dry cleaned. From the care label to fluffing and storing, here is how.
When the cold wind arrives, the down jacket comes out of the back of the closet. If it went in as it was last winter, the collar and cuffs will be grubby. Down jackets are expensive, so taking them to the cleaner feels safer, but many down jackets are actually meant to be washed with water.
Start with the care label
Everything starts with the label. If it shows a washtub symbol, you can wash it at home. If it says do not wash, or it has leather or fur trim, take it to a professional cleaner.
Why not dry cleaning? Dry cleaning solvents are very good at dissolving oils, and they can strip the natural oils in down feathers too. Down that loses its oils does not puff up as well and keeps you less warm. That is why many outdoor brands recommend washing with water.
How to wash it
- Spot clean first. Dab mild detergent on the grubby collar and cuffs and scrub gently with a soft brush.
- Zip it up and turn it inside out. The shell is protected from the drum and zips will not snag other items.
- Cool water below 30°C (86°F) and mild detergent. Regular alkaline detergents can strip the down’s oils; use a gentle or down-specific wash.
- Wash it alone on a delicate cycle. If hand washing, soak for 30 minutes and press rather than rub or wring.
- Rinse well. Leftover detergent clumps the down, so add an extra rinse.
Skip the fabric softener. It coats the down so it clumps, and it reduces the water resistance and breathability of technical shells.
Spinning and drying
- Spin briefly and gently, in one or two short rounds.
- Dry it flat in the shade. On a hanger, wet down sinks to the bottom. Lay it flat on a rack somewhere airy and shaded.
- Pat it as it dries. When half dry, pat it firmly with your palm to break up clumps. Repeat until fully dry.
- If the label allows tumble drying, a low heat cycle restores loft even better. Dryer balls help break up clumps.
Down stored before it is fully dry smells musty. Allow a day or two to dry completely.
Storage
- Avoid vacuum bags. Down compressed for months may not regain its loft.
- Hang it in a roomy closet or store it loosely in a breathable cover.
- Keep a moisture absorber in the closet.
How often to wash
Frequent washing wears out down and fabric. Once or twice a season, when you start wearing it or before storing it, is enough; spot clean in between. For storing other seasonal items, see how to wash and store summer bedding and clothes.
