LAUNDRY · GUIDE
How to Wash a Down Jacket
Answer four questions about your puffer jacket to get the right way to wash, dry and store it. The care label always comes first.
Get washing steps
At a glance
| Step | Setting |
|---|---|
| Water | Cold (lukewarm for hand washing) |
| Detergent | Down-specific or mild |
| Spin | Gentle or normal |
| Dryer | Low heat with tennis or dryer balls |
Before you wash
Find the care tag inside the jacket. If it says dry clean only or do not wash, don’t wash it at home. If it allows washing, the steps above follow Nike’s guide for down jackets. For synthetic fill, the tool gives the same gentle steps with a mild detergent; follow the label where it differs.
Drying takes time
Down holds a lot of water. Keep the dryer on low and run it again if the jacket is still damp, until the fill is light and fluffy with no wet clumps.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a down jacket in the washing machine?
Many can, if the care label allows it. Use cold water, a gentle or normal spin and a down-specific or mild detergent. A front-loader is gentler; in a top-loader, use a mesh bag.
Why are there tennis balls in the dryer?
Wet down clumps together. A couple of tennis or dryer balls bouncing around on low heat break up the clumps so the jacket dries evenly and gets its loft back.
Should I dry clean a down jacket?
Only if the label says so. The North Face recommends a cleaning service that specializes in down rather than an ordinary cleaner.
Can I let it air dry?
Hanging it may not restore the fluffiness. A dryer on low heat works better, and the fill must be completely dry before you store it.
More tools
Sources and last updated
- Washing and drying steps: Nike, How to Wash a Down Jacket
- Professional down cleaning and storage: The North Face, Product Care FAQs (storage advice given for down sleeping bags)
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