How to Wash Down Jackets

How to Wash Down Jackets

Posted by Buckman's Ski & Snowboard Shops on Wednesday, November 13, 2024

When you're carving up the slopes or hiking snow-capped peaks, your down jacket is an essential piece of gear. It keeps you warm while remaining lightweight and compressible. However, after a season of shredding powder and après-ski shenanigans, that trusty jacket needs some TLC. You can wash down jackets, but the process requires proper care and technique.

This guide will teach you how to clean down jackets effectively to ensure their longevity and performance.

Importance of Washing Down Jackets

A common misconception is that if you don't sweat too much in your jacket, you don't need to clean it. While one use may not necessitate a wash, your down coat will certainly require cleaning after several uses. Over time, your jacket accumulates oils from your skin, dirt from the environment and food spills from that mid-mountain hot chocolate break. The buildup can compromise the insulating properties of the down, making your jacket less effective at keeping you warm.

Consequences of Washing a Down Jacket Incorrectly

Before you toss your prized puffy with the rest of your laundry and call it a day, there are a few things to remember. Incorrectly washing a down jacket can lead to several issues, including:

• Clumping: Improper washing can cause the down to clump together, creating cold spots and reducing overall insulation.
• Loss of loft: Your jacket's "puffiness" is essential for trapping warm air. Poor washing techniques can flatten the down, diminishing its ability to keep you warm.
• Damage to the outer shell: Harsh detergents or aggressive washing can degrade the water-resistant coating on your jacket's exterior.
• Feather loss: Rough handling can cause feathers to poke through the fabric, leading to a gradual loss of insulation.

Steps for Cleaning Down Jackets

You have two options for washing your down jacket — hand or machine washing. Both can be effective if done correctly, following the detailed guides below.

How to Wash a Down Coat by Hand

Hand washing gives you more control over the cleaning process and can be gentler on your jacket. You'll need the following items:

• Mild, down-specific detergent
• Large sink or bathtub
• Clean towels

To hand wash your down coat, follow these steps:

1. Fill your sink or tub with lukewarm water. Hot water can damage the fabric and down, while cold water won't clean as effectively.
2. Follow your detergent's instructions and add a small amount of down-specific detergent to the water and mix gently.
3. Submerge your jacket and gently agitate it. Avoid twisting or wringing, which can damage the down clusters.
4. Let the jacket soak for about 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Drain the soapy water and refill with clean, cool water to rinse.
6. Gently squeeze out excess water, but do not wring the jacket.
7. Repeat the rinsing process until the water runs clear.
8. Carefully press out as much water as possible without wringing.
9. Roll the jacket in a clean towel to absorb more moisture.

Avoid using regular detergents, as they can damage your tech wear. Pay extra attention to areas like cuffs, collars and pockets where dirt accumulates. If your jacket has stubborn stains, spot-clean them before washing the entire garment. Always check the care label for any specific instructions from the manufacturer.

How to Wash Down Jackets in the Washing Machine

Machine washing can be an appropriate option if you're short on time or dealing with a grimy jacket. You'll need the following items:

• A front-loading machine, as top-loaders can be too rough on down
• Mild, down-specific detergent

Follow these steps to machine wash your down jacket:

1. Empty all pockets and close all zippers and fasteners.
2. Place the jacket in the washing machine. If it's a large jacket, wash it alone. For smaller jackets, you can add a few similar items to balance the load. Follow your detergent's recommendations.
3. Add a small amount of down-specific detergent. Use sparingly, as too much soap can be hard to rinse out completely.
4. Set the machine to a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water.
5. Use an extra rinse cycle to remove all soap.
6. When the wash is complete, carefully remove the jacket. It will be heavy with water, so support it carefully to avoid stretching.

Never use fabric softener, as it can coat the down and reduce its insulating properties. If your jacket is waterproof or water-resistant, you may need to reapply a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment after washing. For filthy jackets, you might need to run a second wash cycle without detergent to rinse out all the soap.

Drying Your Down Jacket

Proper drying is as crucial as washing to maintain your down jacket's performance. To properly dry your down jacket, follow these steps:

• Set your dryer on low heat, as high heat can damage the fabric and down.
• Add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer. These help break down clumps of down and restore loft.
• Your jacket isn't fully dry until the down clusters are completely dry and fluffy. It may take a few cycles until your garments dry.
• Take the jacket out about every 30 minutes to gently break up any clumps by hand.
• Once dry, give your jacket a good shake to help restore its loft.

Never hang dry a wet down jacket. The weight of the wet down can cause the coat to lose shape. If you must air-dry, lay the jacket flat on a drying rack in a warm, dry area. This method takes much longer and requires frequent fluffing and turning. Avoid drying your down coat in direct sunlight, which can fade the fabric.

Shop Down Jackets at Buckman's

Even with proper care, there comes a time when every down jacket needs to be retired. If you notice a persistent odor even after washing or visible wear and tear like holes or frayed seams, it's time to consider purchasing a new down jacket. Additionally, a significant loss of loft or insulation, even after proper washing and drying, is a sign that your coat is too old.

When it's time for a new down jacket, Buckman's Ski and Snowboard Shops has you covered. We offer top-tier brands for men, women and kids, ensuring everyone stays warm and stylish during outdoor winter activities. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect jacket, whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer. With our price match guarantee and free shipping on most orders over $50, you're getting the best deal possible.

If you're ready to upgrade your winter gear, visit one of our convenient store locations in Eastern Pennsylvania or shop online to experience our premium down jackets firsthand.

Categories: Ski & Snowboard Apparel