How to Wash a Down Jacket – and Keep the Fluff Alive

Washing a down jacket can feel like an extreme sport. Some people avoid it for years, terrified their precious coat will come out of the machine looking like a sad, soggy pancake. Others toss it in with towels, jeans, and a random scoop of strong detergent. Neither approach ends well. But here’s the good news: learning how to wash a down jacket at home is much easier than you think. And yes – your jacket can come out clean, fluffy, and ready for more adventures.

Why Bother Washing a Down Jacket?

A down jacket works its magic thanks to clusters of delicate feathers that trap warm air. Over time, sweat, dirt, and oils build up, weighing it down and flattening the loft. Skip the wash, and your jacket loses both warmth and comfort. Give it a proper clean, and you restore its bounce, its warmth – and maybe even its smell. In short: washing your down jacket isn’t just cosmetic. It’s about performance.

Washing a Down Jacket in the Machine

The most common question is: “Can I put my down jacket in the washing machine?” The answer is yes! In fact, machine washing is often the easiest way to get the best results.

The secret is choosing the right detergent. Ordinary detergents contain enzymes and chemicals that can strip natural oils from the down. That’s a fast track to a clumpy, lifeless coat. Instead, use a detergent designed specifically for down, like re:CLAIM Down Wash Detergent.

Pop your jacket into the machine on its own (no jeans, no towels, no tag-alongs). Use a gentle cycle, low temperature, and let the jacket enjoy a solo spin. That way, the down stays safe and the outer fabric protected.

Can You Wash a Down Jacket by Hand?

Yes, you can. If you don’t trust the machine, hand-washing your down jacket works too. Fill a tub with lukewarm water, add down-specific detergent, and let your jacket soak. Rinse thoroughly, then gently press out the water – never twist or wring. It takes more time, but it works if you want to baby your jacket.

How to Dry a Down Jacket – The Most Important Step

Washing is only half the job. Drying is where the magic (and the fluff) comes back.

The best way to dry a down jacket is in a tumble dryer on low heat. Add a few tennis balls or dryer balls – they break up clumps and help the feathers regain their loft. Be patient: drying can take several hours. Take the jacket out every so often, give it a shake, and put it back in until it feels fully dry.

Prefer air drying? Lay it flat and fluff it regularly with your hands. Just know it’ll take much longer, especially for thicker jackets.

How Often Should You Wash a Down Jacket?

Here’s the short answer: not often. Washing a down jacket once or twice a season is usually plenty. The rest of the time, freshen it up by spot-cleaning, airing it out, or using a mild fabric spray. Too much washing can wear down the fabric, so think quality over quantity.

When you wash a down jacket the right way, you keep it warm, fluffy, and long-lasting. That means less waste, fewer new purchases, and more cozy winters. With re:CLAIM Down Wash Detergent, you also make a sustainable choice: it’s enzyme-free, eco-friendly, and designed to protect both the feathers and the outer shell.

The Fluff Lives On

So the next time you’re standing in your laundry room, googling “how to wash a down jacket”, remember this: it’s not scary at all. With the right detergent, some patience, and a few dryer balls, your jacket will come back cleaner, warmer, and puffier than ever.

Washing your down jacket at home doesn’t just save you money – it keeps your favorite coat ready for every snowy adventure ahead.

Give your coat the care it deserves with re:CLAIM Down Wash Detergent – enzyme-free, eco-friendly, and specially made to protect down.