Your down jacket is an investment in warmth and comfort, but improper care can cause it to lose loft and insulating power. Follow these year-round maintenance tips to keep your jacket performing at its best.
1. Spot Cleaning and Surface Care
Between full washes, gently spot-clean stains to prevent buildup. Use a soft cloth or sponge with a mild soap diluted in lukewarm water. Dab—don’t rub—to avoid damaging the shell fabric or the down clusters beneath.
2. Washing Your Down Jacket
When it’s time for a full wash, adhere to these steps:
- Read the care label: Always follow manufacturer instructions regarding water temperature and detergent type.
- Use specialized down detergent: Normal detergents strip natural oils from down. Opt for a no-residue, down-specific wash.
- Gentle machine cycle: Set on delicate or hand wash with cold water. Run two rinse cycles to ensure all soap is removed.
- Add tennis balls or dryer balls: Place two or three clean, tennis-sized balls in the drum to help break up clumps during the wash.
3. Drying Techniques
Proper drying is crucial to restore loft and prevent mildew:
- Tumble dry low: Use the dryer on low heat or air fluff setting. High heat can damage the down’s natural structure.
- Keep dryer balls inside: Tennis balls or wool dryer balls help redistribute down and break up clumps.
- Shake and fluff: Every 20–30 minutes, pause the dryer to manually shake the jacket, ensuring even drying.
4. Storage and Off-Season Care
When you’re not using your down jacket—especially during warmer months—store it properly:
- Avoid compression: Never store a down jacket compressed in its stuff sack. Instead, hang it in a breathable garment bag or lay it flat in a cool, dry place.
- Air it out: After extended use, hang the jacket in a well-ventilated area to allow moisture to evaporate fully.
- Inspect seams and zippers: Check for any loose threads or worn tape seams. Reinforce or repair promptly to maintain waterproof and windproof integrity.
“Treat your down jacket like a high-performance athlete—wash it right, dry it thoroughly, and never leave it pinned down.”
— Alpine Gear Guru
5. Mid-Season Touch-Ups
As temperatures fluctuate, keep these on-hand:
- DWR spray: Refresh the durable water repellent coating once you notice water no longer beads on the surface.
- Minor repairs kit: Patch small tears immediately to keep down from escaping.
Final Tips
Consistent care extends the life of your down jacket—ensuring it remains lofted, warm, and ready for any winter outing. By washing correctly, drying gently, and storing without compression, you maintain both performance and comfort season after season.