Washing down jackets at home is possible, but it’s not as simple as tossing them in any washing machine. You need a front-load washer, specialized detergent, and the patience to dry them properly over 2-3 hours (or 2-3 days if air drying). Many people prefer to leave down jacket care to professionals, but if you want to tackle it yourself, here’s what you need to know.
There are many myths about down clothing care—some claim you can’t get down wet or that moisture will damage it. In reality, down is a durable natural material that’s perfectly washable when treated with care. While cleaning down coats, winter jackets, or ski bibs might seem intimidating, the process is straightforward when you know the proper techniques.
Can You Machine Wash Down Jackets?
Machine washing is not only safe for down jackets—it’s the preferred method recommended by major outdoor brands like Patagonia, North Face, and Columbia. However, you must use a front-load washer, not a top-loading machine with a center agitator.
Here’s why the washer type matters: Top-load agitators create harsh mechanical stress that tears the internal baffles (the sewn compartments that hold down in place). Once these baffles tear, feathers migrate through the jacket and escape through seams, ruining the insulation. Front-load washers use a gentle tumbling action that cleans thoroughly without stressing the jacket’s construction.
If you only have access to a top-load washer, either use a laundromat with front-load machines or consider professional cleaning.
Should You Dry Clean Down Jackets?
Most dry cleaners use harsh chemicals that strip the natural oils from down feathers, which damages their loft and insulating properties. For this reason, standard dry cleaning is not recommended for down garments—your jacket will come back clean but flat and less warm.
However, professional cleaners who specialize in down jacket care use gentler, down-specific processes that preserve the feathers’ natural oils. At Dependable Cleaners, we use specialized wet-cleaning techniques designed specifically for down garments, ensuring your jacket maintains its warmth and fluffiness.
What You Need to Wash Down Jackets
Before you begin, gather these essential supplies:
Down-specific detergent: Products like Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Grangers Down Wash are formulated to clean down without stripping natural oils. Regular laundry detergents contain brighteners and additives that damage down over time. Patagonia has a helpful explainer about why these specific supplies matter for proper down care.
Front-load washing machine: Required for safe cleaning. The machine should have temperature control so you can wash in cold water.
Clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls: These help break up clumps during the drying process (2-3 balls work best).
Large capacity washer: Down jackets are bulky when wet, so ensure your washer can accommodate the jacket without overstuffing.
How to Wash a Down Jacket in a Washing Machine (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps for best results:
- Pre-check your jacket: Close all zippers, fasten any Velcro straps, empty all pockets, and check for rips or tears. Repair any damage before washing to prevent feathers from escaping.
- Place jacket in washer alone: Wash your down jacket by itself to ensure it has room to move freely and gets thoroughly cleaned. Never wash it with other items.
- Add down-specific detergent: Use the amount recommended on the bottle—typically 1-2 ounces. Too much soap is difficult to rinse out and can leave residue.
- Select cold water on delicate cycle: Cold water protects down’s natural oils. Choose the gentlest cycle available, which may be labeled “delicate,” “hand wash,” or “wool.”
- Run the first wash cycle: Let the machine complete its full cycle. The jacket may float at first—this is normal.
- Run a second rinse cycle: After the wash completes, run an additional rinse with the same cold, delicate settings. This ensures all soap is removed, which is critical for maintaining loft.
- Remove and check: Once finished, carefully remove the jacket and check that it’s intact before moving to the drying stage.
How to Hand Wash a Down Jacket
For vintage down jackets, designer pieces, or those with delicate embellishments, hand washing is the safest option:
- Fill a clean bathtub or large basin with cold water.
- Add down-specific detergent according to the bottle instructions (usually 1-2 capfuls).
- Submerge the jacket and gently press water through the fabric. Don’t wring or twist—just press gently to work the soap through.
- Let soak for 15-20 minutes, occasionally pressing the jacket to help water circulate.
- Drain the soapy water and refill with clean cold water for rinsing.
- Repeat the rinse 2-3 times until the water runs clear and no soap bubbles remain.
- Gently press out excess water. Never wring or twist the jacket—press it against the side of the tub to remove water before drying.
How to Dry Down Jackets Without Clumping
This is where most people run into trouble. Proper drying is crucial for down jackets—if down stays damp, mildew can grow in the insulation, ruining your jacket. When down dries, it naturally clumps together, and these clumps retain moisture.
Whichever drying method you choose, check your jacket regularly and use your fingers to massage out clumps and redistribute the down. This step makes the difference between a fluffy, warm jacket and a flat, disappointing one.
There are two effective ways to dry your down jacket:
Tumble Drying (Faster, 2-3 hours)
Set dryer to low heat: High heat can damage the outer fabric and melt technical coatings.
Add 2-3 clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls: These bounce around and break up down clumps as the jacket tumbles.
Check every 30 minutes: Stop the dryer, remove the jacket, and manually break up any clumps by gently pulling apart the baffles and massaging with your fingers.
Continue drying: It may take 2-3 full dryer cycles (2-3 hours total) for the jacket to dry completely.
Test for complete dryness: Feel deep inside the jacket, especially in thick areas like the collar and cuffs. No dampness should remain anywhere. The jacket should feel light and fluffy, not heavy.
Air Drying (Safer, 2-3 days)
Lay jacket flat on a clean, dry towel in a well-ventilated area.
Choose the right location: Place in a temperate room away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can damage technical fabrics.
Flip the jacket every few hours: This ensures even drying on both sides.
Break up clumps regularly: Each time you flip the jacket, massage the down with your fingers to separate clumps and redistribute feathers.
Replace the towel when damp: As moisture transfers to the towel, swap it out for a dry one.
Continue for 2-3 days: Air drying takes patience, but it’s the gentlest method and eliminates any risk of heat damage.
Before storing your winter jacket for the season, always wash it to remove body oils and dirt that can break down insulation over time. Properly cleaned and stored down jackets will maintain their warmth and loft for many years.
When to Use Professional Down Jacket Cleaning
If all of this seems like too much work, or if you don’t have access to a front-load washer, professional cleaning is a great option. Here at Dependable Cleaners, we treat our customers’ clothing with the utmost care and use specialized techniques for delicate materials like down.
With same-day service, free pickup and delivery, and locations throughout Colorado, professional down jacket cleaning is convenient and worry-free. Whether you need routine cleaning or your jacket requires special attention, we can help restore it to peak condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Down Jackets
Can you put down jackets in the dryer?
Yes, but only on low heat with tennis balls or dryer balls to break up clumps. Check every 30 minutes and manually separate any clumps with your fingers. Ensure the jacket is completely dry before storing to prevent mildew—this typically takes 2-3 dryer cycles.
What detergent should I use for down jackets?
Use a down-specific detergent like Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Grangers Down Wash. Regular laundry detergents contain brighteners, fabric softeners, and other additives that strip down’s natural oils and reduce insulation effectiveness over time.
How often should you wash a down jacket?
Wash your down jacket 1-2 times per season, or when visibly soiled. Over-washing can reduce the lifespan of down insulation. Spot clean minor stains between washes to extend the time between full cleanings.
Can down jackets get wet?
Yes, down can get wet without permanent damage. However, wet down loses its insulating properties until fully dried. If your jacket gets caught in rain or snow, dry it thoroughly as soon as possible using the methods described above.
Why is my down jacket flat after washing?
Down clumps when wet and stays compressed if not properly dried. Tumble dry on low heat with tennis balls, stopping every 30 minutes to manually break up clumps. Complete drying takes 2-3 hours. If air drying, massage clumps regularly over 2-3 days until the jacket regains full loft.
How long does it take to wash a down jacket?
Machine washing takes about 1-2 hours including the double rinse cycle. Tumble drying takes an additional 2-3 hours on low heat, while air drying requires 2-3 days. Plan accordingly, especially if you need your jacket for an upcoming trip.
Can you wash down comforters the same way?
Yes, the same principles apply to down comforters and duvets. However, you’ll need a large-capacity commercial washer for king or queen-sized comforters. For oversized items, professional cleaning may be more practical and ensures thorough drying.
So there you have it—everything you need to know about washing down jackets at home. With the right supplies and techniques, you can safely clean your down clothing and keep it fluffy, warm, and ready for winter adventures. If you’d prefer professional care, Dependable Cleaners offers expert down jacket cleaning with same-day service and free pickup and delivery across Colorado. Schedule online or visit any of our 20+ locations.
