How to Wash a Down Jacket Properly So That You Don't Ruin It!
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But eventually the day came… after many adventures into the mountains and around campfires…when I could no longer ignore the fact that my dearly beloved jacket needed a bath. Like badly needed it.
But I didn’t know how to wash a down jacket, so the thought of washing my down jacket was terrifying. This thing wasn’t cheap, and it was so important to me!
What if I ruined it? What if it got all clumpy and didn’t return back to it’s normal fluffy warmness? Would I have to buy a new one? (In fact, I recommend everyone put a good down jacket at the top of their essential backpacking gear list!)
Maybe I should just not wash it…
But finally, I had to be brave enough to wash my down jacket and put my faith in what I read on the internet to teach me the ways of down jacket care. And now, after years of successfully washing my down jackets and down sleeping bags (in the washing machine), I’m here to share these techniques and tips with you, my friend.
So fear no more! We CAN wash our down jackets the lazy way and still get our beloved friends back in their same fluffy condition afterwards.
And washing your down jacket won’t just help get rid of the smells and stains, it will also help rejuvenate the fluff in the feathers, so it’s good to wash them from time to time (but don’t overdo it). Washing your jacket and restoring its fluff will ultimately help improve the performance of your jacket because the fluffier it is, the more insulating your jacket will be – which is the whole point of a down jacket in the first place!
If you’ve been neglecting your gear and not cleaning it, now is the time to do a bit of freshening up before the backpacking and climbing season begins.
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How to Wash a Down Jacket
I have two different resources for you in this post: a quick video showing you my favorite way to wash a down jacket, and then some step-by-step instructions for reference.
I also included some common Q&As about washing your down jacket.
Video Tutorial on Washing A Down Jacket
Here’s the video that demonstrates exactly how to wash a down jacket!
Now in the steps below, I’ll walk you through the exact process you should follow to wash your down jacket in the washing machine without ruining it.
Supplies Needed TO WASH A DOWN JACKET
The beauty of washing your down jacket is that you don’t actually need a ton of fancy supplies. I just use what I normally use to wash my clothes, plus 6 tennis balls in the dryer!
However, if you are looking for a specific down detergent, Patagonia recommends Granger’s Down Wash. Outdoor Research also recommends Nikwax Down Wash Direct because ”normal detergents can strip down feathers of their natural oils,” and those feather oils help keep your down in it’s lovely fluffy state! Another recommended brand is Gear Aid Revivex Down Cleaner.
2. Four to Six Tennis Balls or Wool Dryer Balls. I typically throw in about 4 tennis balls PLUS I have 2 llama wool dryer balls (because I learned that dryer sheets are no bueno in general!), so 6 balls go into the dryer for me. If you need some dryer balls, Friendsheep dryer balls are adorable and handmade in Nepal.
If you don't have either down wash or dryer balls already, check out Granger’s Down Wash Kit which includes both down-friendly detergent and three dryer balls.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Down Jacket
As always, before doing any cleaning of your outdoor clothing, it’s a good idea to read the tags on your clothing to make sure there aren’t any specific instructions for that item.
Below are the 4 super simple steps I discussed in the video for how to wash your down jacket without ruining its beautiful fluffiness.
STEP 1 - GET YOUR JACKET READY!
Get your dirty down jacket ready to go! Check all the pockets for any leftover treats you might have stuffed in there on your last trip and brush off any dirt.
It’s also a good idea to zip up any zippers and fasten any buttons. If you have any especially bad stains on your jacket, you can spot treat your jacket with your detergent before putting it in the wash.
STEP 2 - THE WASHING
Go to your washing machine, preferably a front-loading machine. I have used a top-loading machine before with no issue but the agitator of a top-loader can potential ruin the down feathers. If you only have a top-loading machine, consider taking a trip to your local laundromat if you’re not willing to take the risk.
Put your jacket into the washing machine on gentle to normal wash setting with cold water. Use gentle detergent, as recommended in the supplies section above. Do not use bleach or fabric softener (or attempt to iron your down).
It is also recommended to wash your down with a second cycle of just water to make sure all the soap is removed (but I don’t always do this). If your washer has the option of “second rinse,” then choose that.
STEP 3 - THE DRYING
When you pull your jacket out of the dryer you might notice that it’s wet and clumpy… no fear, this is normal! Once your jacket is done washing, put it into the dryer with about 4-6 tennis balls. Yes, it will be loud, but the tennis balls will help restore the fluff in your jacket.
Dry on low to no heat (I usually put mine at a low heat setting). This could take a few cycles, but you don’t want to use a higher heat setting or you could risk damaging or melting the seams of the outer shell fabric on your down jacket. The drying process can take a couple hours, so just be patient.
Note: if you have any “patches” on your jacket just be aware that this process may require you to add a new patch. To reduce the need to re-patch your jacket, use a lower heat as suggested in the dryer.
STEP 4 - ENJOY!
Enjoy your clean and newly restored beloved down jacket!
Pro Tip: Always store your down jacket uncompressed with room to stretch out. For instance, if you have a down jacket you aren’t using, keep it on a hanger so that it can breathe and maintain its shape better.
Try not to keep your jacket in its stuff sack until you go out on a trip and need it compacted down. Keeping your jacket stuffed down too long can damage the feathers and their ability to spring back to life.
FAQS ON WASHING YOUR DOWN JACKET
1) Do I have to use special down jacket detergent? You certainly don’t have to, just try to use a more gentle detergent on your down. As I mentioned in the “supplies section” above, Patagonia recommends Granger’s Down Wash, but I usually just opt for my normal Trader Joe’s brand detergent.
2) Can I dry clean my down jacket? I wouldn’t dry clean your down jacket unless there were specific instructions on your jacket that instructed you to do so. Dry cleaning uses harsh chemicals that could damage your down jacket.
3) Can I air dry my down jacket? Unfortunately, air drying your down jacket will likely leave your jacket clumpy, not to mention could take 24-48 hours (with constant needed attention to make sure there is no clumping). Instead you’ll want to dry your jacket in the dryer as described above.
4) How would I hand wash a down jacket? You could opt to hand wash your down jacket if you’d prefer by soaking in a sink for about an hour. (Here are some more detailed instructions on how to hand wash a down jacket.) Just be sure to never wring your jacket dry and instead follow the drying method described above to restore its fluff.
5) How frequently should I wash my down jacket? Keep this to a minimum. Washing too frequently will eventually wear on your clothing and degrade it. For me it honestly just depends on the conditions I’ve been using my jacket in. Sometimes in the winter I can use it for a long time without washing and feel fine.
However, when I do a lot of backpacking my jacket can start to get stinky more frequently, so I just base it on how grimy/smelly it is starting to get. There’s no “magic” timing, just do what feels comfortable to you. If you are heavily using your jacket each week, maybe consider washing it at least once a month.
Recommended Down Jackets
I’m personally a big fan of Patagonia, but there are lots of great options in down jackets these days!
Patagonia Nano Puff - As I mentioned above, my absolute favorite down jacket is the Patagonia Nano Puff. I've had this jacket forever, and though it's had to be patched up a few times, it's still going strong (thanks to the occasional washing!). It really is the perfect mid-layer, in my opinion.
Patagonia Down Sweater - I love the Patagonia Down Sweater when I need a thicker, heavier puffy. This is my go-to down jacket in colder weather, like chilly summits or cold nights around the campfire.
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody - Our content manager at She Dreams of Alpine, Kate, rocks the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody on all her outdoor adventures. This down jacket is warm but lightweight, and the stretchiness is great for climbing and hiking.
Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket - For a pop of color with your puffy, check out the Cotopaxi Fuego. You'll spot this signature style on the trail and at the crag in any mountain town because it's extra lightweight but still keeps you toasty.
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket - If you're looking for a down jacket on a budget that still performs well, you can't go wrong with the REI Co-op 650 2.0. It has a durable water repellent shell and a great warmth to weight ratio.
Hope you feel comfortable taking the plunge and washing your down jacket after reading the instructions here. If you still have any questions about washing your down jacket, go ahead and ask in the comments!
Looking for more outdoor gear goodness? Check out these articles!
Cheers,
Allison - She Dreams of Alpine
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