How to Wash a Down Jacket

Down jackets and vests are warm and cozy in the winter. The soft fabric and down filling makes these garments so comfortable. However, down items are tough to keep in shape, especially after just a little use. To keep your down jacket or vest in good wearing condition, follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Commerical washer and dryer
• Down detergent

1. Prepare jacket for washing by shaking it to remove loose items, such as dirt or dust. Do not pretreat with any kind of stain remover as this can harm the fabric.
2. A commerical washer must be used in the cleaning process and can be found at your local laundromat. These must be used because they do not have the middle piece found in most residential washers. The middle piece, which is used to help move the clothes around in the washer, is too rough on the down filling and can break it up inside the garment. Manufactures have started making washers for the home without the middle piece, so if you own one, you may use it.
3. Start washing on a very gentle cycle. At first, wash the down jacket with just water. This will help wash the dirt out of the garment. After the first cycle, take the jacket out and gently squeeze excess water out. If the water coming out of the jacket is clear, then it is ready for the next step. If water is not clear, continue washing with just water until the water squeezes out clear.
4. Add 2/3 cup of a down detergent to your washer and place the jacket inside. Wash the jacket again in the gentle cycle. After washing, the garment will look funny, but it is fine.
5. Before drying, lay the jacket on a flat clean surface. Use a clean white towel and press down gently to remove the excess water. Do this until most of the water is removed from the garment. Place jacket in a commerical dryer set on medium heat and let it run for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the jacket from the dryer and start to fluff the down inside the jacket. To do this, lay the jacket down and gently use your hands to pull and pat the down all over the jacket. Place the jacket back inside the dryer and let it dry for a few more minutes. The jacket should be done after 10 minutes. Take the jacket out of the dryer, and if it is still wet, repeat the fluffing process and place it back in the dryer. Continue this process of drying and fluffing until the jacket is completely dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use your hands to fluff the jacket. Do not use any object to help speed the process along such as a can or comb. This will only damage the jacket.