How to wash a Down Jacket in Washing Machine?

Down Jackets are mostly used during winters to stay protected from cold weather.

It not only traps the heat but also keeps the wearer warm and comfortable. It’s the heat-trapping ability of the down jackets that makes them so popular and special.

Before you wash a Down Jacket you must understand what exactly a down jacket is? and what material it’s made up of? As you simply can’t wash anything in your washer directly.

Different clothes have different settings, therefore you should take the right approach to avoid any damage.

Let’s understand, what a down jacket is? and how to get a perfect wash?

What is a Down Jacket?

Down Jackets are jackets that use Duck OR Geese feathers as the insulating material. Using duck or geese feathers in a down jacket helps to trap the warm air, retain the heat and keep the wearer comfortable in cold weather.

So, the fluffiness that we see is due to the soft feathers that have been used as an insulating material. This soft inner filling not only makes the jacket fluffy but also creates tiny air pockets that trap the heat.

Since it makes use of feathers as an insulating material, washing becomes a difficult task as it could easily damage the fabric and insulation.

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When should you wash a down jacket?

Since down coats are made up of delicate insulating material, washing them frequently can ruin them. It not only takes away the warmth retention capacity but also reduces the fluffiness and makes them look dull.

It’s always a good idea to wash your jacket when you notice the below symptoms:

• Reduced Loft (Fluffiness)
• Slight Discoloration
• The build-up of mold and bacteria (Mostly black patches are visible).

Lastly, if you spend most of your time in a wet and humid environment, and if you wear your jacket daily, wash it at least once a month.

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How often should you wash a Down Jacket?

There isn’t any golden rule on the frequency of washing your jacket. The frequency to wash your jacket depends on the usage. For example, if you wear your jacket daily, then it makes a lot of sense to wash it 2 to 3 times a month. Likewise, if you wear it 2 to 3 times a week, washing it once a month should suffice.

The frequency will increase if you wear your jacket daily in a wet and humid environment as mold and bacteria tend to build up.

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How to wash a Down Jacket?

Before washing the jacket make sure you take a look at the label, as it may contain key information and the precautionary steps you need to take while washing.

To Wash a down jacket you simply need a down-specific detergent, a down jacket zipped from all sides, and a Front-loading washing machine. It’s always best to wash a down jacket in a front loader as top-loaders with agitators may damage the jacket.

To wash a down jacket follow the below steps:

Step 1: Empty the Jacket and Zip it

Make sure the jacket is empty and it does not have anything in the pocket.

Also, Ensure to zip the jacket.

Step 2: Read the care label

Since down jackets are made of delicate material not all types of jackets are machine washable.

Once you have read the care label, follow as instructed.

Step 3: Washing the down jacket

If your jacket is machine washable follow the below steps:

Machine washing down jacket

• Put your jacket in the washer.
• Wipe the detergent tray with a cloth.
• Pour 100 ml down specific detergent if possible.
• Set the washer to cold water wash.
• Then, select a delicate wash with a low spin setting.
• After the first cycle completes, put your jacket through another rinse cycle in a delicate setting, as it helps to get rid of detergent residues left after the washing cycle.
• Next, run the spin cycle to get rid of excess moisture and then hang them on a clothesline away from direct sunlight and air dry naturally.
• In case you want to use a dryer, simply put your jacket in the dryer by selecting a low-temperature and delicate tumble setting. Your jacket should be dry and fluffy in less than 2 hours.

If you are using a Top-Loader, make sure you choose the lowest possible settings as agitator-based washers can be hard on your jacket.

Lastly, remember that air drying certain types of down jackets can leave clumps, this is where reading the care label will help. If you have the option of drying it in a dryer, use that option.

Hand washing down jacket

It is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions that come with the garment, as different jackets may have specific requirements.

However, if specific instructions are not available or you prefer to hand wash your down jacket, you can do so by following the below steps:

Preparing the jacket

Close all zippers and fasten any Velcro or snap closures.

Shake the jacket gently to remove any loose dirt or debris.

Filling a basin or sink

Fill a basin or sink with cold water.

It’s important to ensure that you are not using hot water as it can damage the down.

Next, add a small amount of mild detergent specifically formulated for down products.

Note: As a best practice, avoid using harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners, as they can degrade the down’s loft and performance.

Washing the jacket

Submerge the jacket in the water and gently agitate it to ensure an even distribution of water and detergent.

Pay extra attention to any heavily soiled areas and gently spot-clean them using a soft cloth or sponge.

Allow the jacket to soak for 15-30 minutes so that detergents can penetrate and loosen dirt.

Rinsing

Drain the soapy water and refill the basin or sink with clean, cold water.

Gently agitate the jacket in the water to rinse away the detergent and repeat this step if necessary.

Removing excess water

Gently press the jacket to remove excess water, but avoid twisting or wringing it as this can damage the down clusters.

You can also lightly squeeze the jacket or use a clean towel to absorb excess moisture.

Drying the jacket

Lay the jacket flat on a clean towel or hang it on a hanger in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Periodically fluff the jacket by gently patting or shaking it to help redistribute the down.

It may take several hours for the jacket to dry completely, depending on its thickness and the surrounding conditions.

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What setting do you wash a down jacket on?

The ideal settings to wash a down jacket for a front-loading washing machine are as below:

• Select the wash type as ‘Delicates’.
• Temperature settings should be ‘Cold/Cold’.
• The spin setting should be set as ‘Low Spin’.
• Select the Soil level as normal.

For Top Loaders select the below settings:

• Low Spin.
• Delicate wash (If this option is available).
• Always do a cold wash.

Note: In both cases try to stick with 1 or 2 Jacket maximum at one go for the best results.

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How do you dry a washed Down Jacket?

It’s always good to dry your down jacket in a dryer by selecting the following settings.

• Low temperature.
• Delicate tumble.
• Select the drying time as 2 hours.

Try to avoid air-drying especially if you have the option to use a dryer.

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How do you fluff up a down jacket after washing it?

After washing the jacket avoid air drying it and use the dryer in low temperature and delicate tumble settings. This helps to avoid clumps and keeps your jacket fluffy.

Furthermore, avoid using fabric softeners unless the label on your jacket allows you to use one.

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How do you fix clumps in a down jacket?

There are two ways to fix clumps in a down jacket, one way is to pat the jacket with your hands until the clumps are gone OR to re-wash the jacket in delicate settings, followed by drying it in low temperature and delicate tumble setting.

Lastly, don’t air dry the jacket as it creates clumps and won’t do any good.

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Can you put down a jacket in the dryer?

Yes, it’s highly recommended that you use a dryer in low-temperature and delicate tumble settings for drying the jacket. Using a dryer not only helps to dry the jacket but also retains the fluffiness and avoids clumps.

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Is it better to dry clean or wash a down jacket?

Dry cleaning is not recommended for down materials, as the chemicals used may damage the surface. Furthermore, dry cleaning can not only damage the internal insulation but also reduce heat retention and service life.

It’s a safer bet to wash your down jacket in the washing machine as it helps to retain the fluffiness and enhances the service life.

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Why does my down jacket smell after washing?

Dampness is the primary reason why your down jacket smells unpleasant.

So, when the down material gets wet and if it’s not dried properly, it tends to form dampness, which further gives rise to the build-up of mold and bacteria, thereby making your jacket smell.

Having said that, your down coat may smell unpleasant even when you overload the washer with other laundry items like socks and heavy bedsheets.

This happens because down material requires gentle settings, whereas bedsheets and socks have different settings altogether. Therefore, it works best when cleaned and dried alone.

Note: After you are done washing the down coat, don’t keep it wet for a long time. The longer you keep it wet, the higher will be the chances of it smelling.

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Is it bad to wash a down jacket?

No, On the contrary, you must wash your jacket at least once a month to maintain hygiene. If you wear it daily, and if you live in a wet and humid environment, it’s recommended to wash at least 2 to 3 times a month.

Having said that, if you wear it once or twice a week, washing it once a month should suffice.

Also, try to wash your jacket only in the washing machine as that’s the best practice to keep your jacket in good condition. Dry cleaning OR hand-wash may ruin the service life.

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How do you take care of a down jacket?

Down Jackets do not require any special care, just make sure you wash them once in a while by using down-specific detergents only.

While washing, avoid using softeners as they will do more harm than good.

It’s always good to practice the below habits:

• Do not wash it in High RPM settings.
• Always Zip the washer before washing.
• Try to avoid a warm OR hot wash.
• Do not keep the jacket soaked OR wet for long hours as it attracts molds and bacteria.
• If you are a moderate user, you wash it once a month.

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Potential risks in machine washing and solutions

Washing down jackets in a washing machine can present some risks and challenges if not done properly.

Here are some potential issues and how to overcome them:

• Loss of Loft: The main risk when washing down jackets in a washing machine is the loss of loft, which refers to the fluffiness and insulation properties of the down. Aggressive washing or high heat can compress the down clusters, reducing their ability to trap air. To overcome this, use a front-loading washer on a delicate cycle with cold water and avoid using fabric softeners or harsh detergents.
• Clumping: Improper drying can lead to clumping of the down filling, causing uneven distribution and reducing insulation. Use a low-temperature and delicate tumble setting in the dryer and periodically take out the jacket followed by gently fluffing it to ensure even drying and prevent clumping.
• Damage to Fabric: Some down jackets come with delicate outer fabrics that can be damaged in the washing machine. Check the care label for any specific instructions regarding washing. If the fabric is sensitive, consider placing the jacket inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it during the wash.
• Residue Build-up: Inadequate rinsing or using the wrong detergent can leave detergent residues on the down, affecting its performance and causing odors. Ensure to double rinse the jacket to remove all detergent residues thoroughly.
• Color Fading: Vibrant-colored down jackets may experience color fading or bleeding in the wash. To prevent this, wash the jacket separately or with similar colors. Check the care label for any color-specific washing instructions.
• Damage to Zippers and Hardware: Zippers and other hardware on the jacket can get damaged in the washing machine. Before washing, ensure all zippers are closed, and any Velcro or snap closures are fastened securely.
• Machine Overloading: Washing too many jackets or overloading the washing machine can lead to inadequate cleaning and rinsing. Wash only one or two jackets at a time to allow enough space for proper cleaning.
• Not Drying Completely: Damp or wet down jackets can develop mold and mildew, leading to unpleasant odors and potential damage to the down. Ensure the jacket is thoroughly dried either in the dryer or by air-drying in a well-ventilated area.

By being mindful of these risks and following the recommended washing and drying techniques, you can successfully wash your down jacket in a washing machine and maintain its performance and longevity.

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Tips to avoid common mistakes when washing down jackets

Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes while washing a down jacket in a washing machine:

• Use a Front-Loading Washer: Front-loading washers are gentler on down jackets compared to top-loading washers with agitators. Agitators can cause damage to the delicate down filling.
• Use a Down-Specific Detergent: Always use a detergent specifically formulated for down products. Regular detergents may strip the natural oils from the down, reducing its loft and insulation properties.
• Check the Care Label: Before washing your down jacket, carefully read the care label for any specific instructions or precautions provided by the manufacturer.
• Wash on Delicate and Cold Settings: Set the washing machine to a delicate or gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid hot water as it can damage the down filling.
• Avoid Overloading the Washer: Wash only one or two down jackets at a time to allow enough space for the jackets to move freely and be thoroughly cleaned.
• Double Rinse: After the washing cycle is complete, run an additional rinse cycle to ensure all detergent residues are removed from the jacket.
• Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can coat the down fibers, reducing their ability to trap air and maintain loft. Skip using fabric softeners during the washing process.
• Use Low Tumble Dry Settings: If using a dryer, set it to a low-temperature and delicate tumble setting. High heat can damage the down and cause clumping.
• Regularly Fluff the Jacket: During the drying process, periodically remove the jacket from the dryer and fluff it up by gently patting or shaking it to redistribute the down.
• Store the Jacket Properly: Store your down jacket in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid compressing the jacket for extended periods as it can affect the loft and insulation.

Final Thoughts

Down Jackets are delicate and require special attention while cleaning. It’s highly recommended to use down specific detergents for cleaning without losing effectiveness.

Furthermore, try to clean 1 jacket or a maximum of 2 jackets at a time without any additional laundry, try to make it a dedicated down jacket wash for best results.

Lastly, you don’t need to use a fabric softener while washing your jacket as it’s not needed and does not work well, especially with the down.