Dirty down clumps together and insulates poorly – but with the right washing, waterproofing and drying, you can extend the life of your down jacket by several years. Here is a straightforward guide to doing it correctly.
Down jackets are among the most effective insulating layers you can own, but the down deteriorates quickly if not cared for properly. Dirty down clumps together, loses loft and insulates less effectively – whereas correct washing and waterproofing can extend the life of your jacket by several years. Here is a straightforward guide to how it is done.
Why down requires special care
Down insulates because it is airy and fills up with small air pockets that retain warmth. Ordinary detergent and fabric softener contain substances that break down the natural oils in down and leave the fibres flat and sticky. The result is a jacket that looks flat and lifeless and provides less warmth. Using a detergent made specifically for down, on the other hand, preserves both loft and thermal performance.
What you need
- A down-specific detergent, for example Nikwax Down Wash Direct or OrganoTex BioCare Wool & Down Wash
- A waterproofing treatment for down, for example Nikwax Down Proof or OrganoTex Wash-In/Spray-On Waterproofing
- Washing machine
- Tumble dryer (recommended) or plenty of time for air drying
- A few clean tennis balls or dryer balls
Step 1: Prepare the jacket
Close all zips, hooks and Velcro fastenings. Check the pockets and remove any loose items. If the jacket has visible stains, you can pre-treat them gently with the detergent and a soft brush.
Step 2: Wash on the correct programme
Use a gentle programme (a down programme if your machine has one) at a low temperature, maximum 30 degrees. Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle of the detergent you are using. For reference: Nikwax Down Wash Direct is dosed at around 100–150 ml depending on water hardness, while OrganoTex BioCare Wool & Down Wash is dosed at 25 ml for soft water and 40 ml for hard water per wash load of 2–4 kg. Never use ordinary detergent or conditioner, as these break down the insulating properties of down.
Step 3: Waterproof at the same time or afterwards?
If the jacket has an outer membrane or surface treatment (DWR), you should waterproof it after washing to restore water repellency – a clear sign that this is necessary is when water no longer beads off the jacket. Many down detergents combine washing and waterproofing in a single product, but you can also waterproof as a separate step using a down-specific product, for example Nikwax Down Proof or OrganoTex Wash-In/Spray-On Waterproofing. Always follow the instructions on the bottle for the correct dosage and temperature.
Step 4: Dry thoroughly – this is the most important step
Damp down clumps together and can go mouldy if it is not dried completely. Place the jacket in a tumble dryer on low heat together with 2–3 dryer balls or clean tennis balls. The balls break up the clumps that form and restore the loft of the down as it dries. This can take several hours – check regularly and feel for clumps in the jacket. The jacket is ready when the down is evenly distributed and airy again.
If you do not have a tumble dryer, you can air dry the jacket laid flat, but you must then manually shake and break up clumps in the down several times a day until it is completely dry. This takes considerably longer and often produces a poorer result.
How often should you wash your down jacket?
Wash only when necessary – typically 1–2 times per season with normal use, or when the jacket smells, looks dirty, or seems less warm than usual. Washing more frequently than necessary wears out the down more than regular use does.
Storage between seasons
Down jackets should never be compressed in a stuff sack for extended periods. Hang the jacket loosely in the wardrobe or store it unpacked in a dry place. Prolonged compression causes the down to lose its springiness and insulate less effectively.
Summary
Correct washing comes down to three things: use products made specifically for down, avoid ordinary detergent and conditioner, and dry thoroughly with dryer balls to restore loft. Follow this routine and your down jacket will stay warm and airy season after season.
