How to Clean a Down Jacket

By Zach Pozniak, VP of Operations at Jeeves of Belgravia New York and fourth-generation dry cleaner · @jeeves_ny

How do I clean a down jacket at home?

You can clean most down jackets at home if the care label allows machine washing. The key is to use very little detergent, wash gently, and dry the jacket slowly on low heat so the down does not clump or get damaged.

The biggest mistake people make is using too much soap or rushing the dry cycle. Detergent can get trapped in the filling, and high heat can overcook the feathers, leaving the jacket crunchy, flat, or even burnt-smelling.

What is the safest way to wash a down jacket?

Start by closing all zippers and turning the jacket inside out. If there are visible stains, pretreat them lightly with a small amount of gentle detergent or a mild stain solution, but do not soak the filling with product.

1. Use a front-loading washer or a machine without an agitator if possible.
2. Select a gentle or delicate cycle with cool water.
3. Add only a small amount of detergent designed for delicate items.
4. Wash the jacket alone so it has room to move.

Keep the cycle gentle. Strong agitation and high extraction speeds can break up the down clusters and make the filling clump.

How do I dry a down jacket without ruining it?

Drying matters more than washing. Put the jacket in the dryer on low heat and give it a long cycle so the filling dries evenly all the way through.

1. Use low heat only.
2. Run a long drying cycle.
3. Stop periodically to shake and fluff the jacket by hand.
4. If needed, add clean dryer balls to help redistribute the down.

Do not use high heat to speed things up. Overheating can damage the feathers and leave the jacket stiff, crunchy, or smelling scorched.

Why does my down jacket look flat after washing?

A flat jacket usually means the down is still damp or clumped together. Keep drying it on low heat and break up the clumps by hand between cycles until the jacket feels fully dry and fluffy again.

If the jacket still feels heavy or cold in the baffles, it is not done drying yet. Down takes longer than most people expect.

When should I take a down jacket to a professional cleaner?

Bring it to us if the jacket has leather, fur, cashmere trim, glued details, or a care label that forbids washing. Mixed-material puffers can be risky because the down may want water cleaning while the trim may not tolerate it.

If the jacket is very expensive, heavily soiled, or has delicate construction, professional cleaning is the safer choice.

What should I avoid when cleaning down?

• Do not use too much detergent or pretreatment.
• Do not wash on a rough or heavy-duty cycle.
• Do not use high heat in the dryer.
• Do not put the jacket away until it is completely dry.

Handled correctly, a down jacket can come out clean, fluffy, and wearable again without losing its loft.