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Can down jackets be machine washed?

Down jackets are a staple in many winter wardrobes, thanks to their incredible warm insulation and lightweight feel. But outdoor adventures will often mean dirt, sweat and oils gradually accumulating on the jacket. Washing removes this dirt and build-up and helps restore the jacket’s loft and keeps it looking great. However, the delicate down filling requires special cleaning. You can, of course, clean your jacket by hand. But is machine washing down jackets safe? Yes, you can machine wash your down jacket without damaging it as long as you follow the right steps. Here is our expert guide for machine washing down jackets to keep them looking and feeling their best.

What type of detergent should you use to wash a down jacket?

It’s always recommended that you use a washing detergent specifically designed for down to preserve the delicate feathers. However, a small amount of mild, non-biological detergent designed for delicate items is also a good alternative. Make sure you don’t add anything like bleach, fabric softener or conditioner to the wash. This could seriously degrade the delicate materials or cause the down to clump together and prevent it from insulating effectively.

How do you wash a down jacket in a washing machine?

While washing a down jacket in a machine does take time and patience, it’s a good way of keeping your jacket clean and able to perform at its best. Here are our top tips for machine washing a down jacket in a machine:

  • Check the care label inside the jacket to see if there are any specific instructions
  • Brush off any loose dirt and make sure all pockets, flaps and zips are closed
  • Turn the jacket inside out and put it in the washing machine
  • Only wash a down jacket in the drum of a front-loading machine
  • Select a gentle cycle for delicates and wash at a low temperature
  • Run a rinse cycle at the end of the wash to make sure that all the detergent is thoroughly rinsed out of the jacket

Can you dry a down jacket in a dryer?

Yes, you can use a tumble dryer to dry a down jacket, but take extra care. Only use the lowest heat setting on the dryer to avoid damaging the down filling and outer fabric. You may find it takes several dryer cycles for the jacket to be fully dried. So be patient! Adding a couple of dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer is a really good idea. This will help break up any clumps while they bounce around and restore the down’s fluffiness. Every 15 minutes or so, take it out of the dryer and give it a good hearty shake. This will help to redistribute the down and break up any clumps. The jacket should be completely dry before you store it or wear it again. Make sure the jacket is stored where it can breathe, such as on a hanger.

A down jacket that’s been washed and dried properly should look as good as new. But if it looks a little creased, don’t be tempted to iron it. The heat could melt the inner coating and seal and cause damage to your iron.

How do you care for synthetic down?

Synthetic jackets use engineered insulation made of polyester fibres that mimic the characteristics of natural down. You can follow the same steps as for washing down. However, you don’t have to worry about the insulation clumping. A synthetic jacket will also dry much easier than down. Just be sure to remove it from the dryer as soon as it’s fully dry.

How often should you wash a down jacket?

How often you need to wash your down jacket will typically depend on how much you wear it and how dirty it gets. It’s generally recommended that you wash it once per season. However, if worn frequently and exposed to mud and dirt, you may need to wash it more regularly. Washing a down jacket too frequently can affect its insulating properties. It’s a good idea to regularly shake out your down jacket and brush off any dirt and spot-clean stains to extend the time between washing.