How to Wash a Down Jacket
Having completed the course by reading the article on selecting the perfect down jacket, and now proudly owning one, you’ve conquered the fear of being cold during hikes! If you’re pondering the next step—how to wash your down jacket—rest assured, I’ve got you covered. This guide focuses primarily on down jackets, as washing synthetic ones follows the same procedure as any other synthetic garment, adhering to the instructions on the label.
Let’s explore the step-by-step process to keep your down jacket clean and ready for many more adventures.
Good To Know
- Washing is carried out at 30°C maximum
- It is best to use a specific washing product for down or a non-aggressive soap (shampoo for example)
- Drying requires several days outdoors in the sun or a warm AND dry place (but not glued to a radiator!)
- The tennis balls that are used to air the sleeping bag during washing damage the washing machines in the long run
- Your down jacket does not need to be washed after each hike, once a year is usually sufficient, depending on use.
To get a specific washing product for down, go to the hiking shops. You will mainly find Nikwax, the most popular American brand worldwide. The brand offers a product called “Down Wash” which respects the environment (biodegradable).
The Cleaners
We don’t always think about it, but it couldn’t be simpler! Entrust your down jacket to a washing professional and the assurance that you will find it like new. They are used to dealing with down items (quilts, pillows, coats…). It will generally cost you between 15 and 20 dollars depending on the volume of your down jacket. To stay closer to nature, choose an ecological laundry that uses biodegradable products.
Hand Cleaning
Your down jacket does not necessarily need to be washed completely every time. You can simply clean the lining by hand, where it is dirtiest, usually at the collar, cuffs… so as not to alter the down.
Washing
- Fill a basin with warm soapy water
- Dip, then wring out, a washcloth or sponge (it should be just damp)
- Gently clean your down jacket, taking care that it does not soak up water
Rinsing
- Do the same operation but just with water
- Make sure there’s not a single trace of soap left
Drying
- Absorb moisture with paper towels (Sopalin®)
- Put your down jacket in the sun (if not in a warm AND dry place)
Hand Washing
If your down jacket needs a thorough cleaning, you can wash it by hand. This gentler and shorter wash will preserve it more than machine washing.
Washing
- Fill a basin with warm soapy water
- Dip your down jacket in
- Clean it by rubbing gently
Rinsing
- Do the same operation but just with water
- Make sure there’s not a single trace of soap left
Drying
- Wring out your down jacket by pressing it flat between two towels (don’t wring it!)
- Absorb the remaining moisture with a paper towel
- Put your down jacket in the sun on a drying rack (failing this in a warm AND dry place) for the necessary time, several days, until the down is completely dry
- Scatter the down
Machine Wash
If you don’t want to wash your down jacket by hand, you can always put it in the washing machine. This will save you the washing part, but not the scattering part of the down.
Washing/rinsing
- Clean the machine’s detergent container
- Use a washing product suitable for down (no fabric softener!)
- Set the machine to 30°C
- Put 2 or 3 tennis balls in the machine
- Choose the gentlest spin (or no spin)
Drying
- If not machine-spinned, wring it out by pressing it flat between two towels (don’t twist it!)
- Absorb the remaining moisture with a paper towel
- Put your down jacket in the sun on a drying rack (failing this in a warm AND dry place) for the necessary time, several days, until the down is completely dry
- Scatter the down
Dispersion of down
This very last step in washing a down jacket is the most delicate. For it to keep all its swelling power, care must be taken to properly disperse the down. To prevent the down from forming small balls, you can (must) during the drying phase in the sun:
- Tap it, shake it regularly
- Distribute the down with your fingers until the balls are dispersed
Attention
- A wet down jacket = moldy down
- A down jacket stored without dispersion of the down = loss of fluffiness/loss of heat
And don’t forget, at home, a down jacket can be stored uncompressed, protected from humidity. The small compression cover is only used to save space in your backpack!
Frequently Asked Questions
What detergent should I use?
Opt for a down-specific or a gentle, non-detergent soap. Harsh detergents can strip the natural oils from down, affecting its loft and insulation properties.
Can I use fabric softener?
It’s not recommended. Fabric softeners can leave residues that hinder the down’s ability to loft. Stick to a down-specific wash or a gentle soap.
Can I store my down jacket compressed?
Avoid long-term compression, as it can affect the loft. Store it loosely in a breathable bag or hang it in a cool, dry place.
What if my down jacket has a waterproof coating?
Check the care label for specific instructions. Some down jackets have DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings that require special care.
What if my down jacket is still dirty after washing?
Consider repeating the washing process or spot cleaning with a damp cloth. Persistent stains may require professional cleaning.
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