How to Wash a Down Jacket: 5 Easy Steps

November 03, 2023 Update: October 18, 2024 3 min read

Can you machine wash down jackets?

How long should you put them in the dryer for?

Down is probably one of the most asked-about materials when it comes to product care. This guide takes you step by step on how your down jacket can return to its warm and lofty self. 

Just like any high-performance insulation, down can be affected by dirt, sweat, and other particles (think snot, tree sap, smoke, and more). If you let this build up too much, it's only a matter of time before your favorite down jacket stops keeping you warm and starts keeping you from doing what you love. So if your jacket's not looking like its usual lofty self, then here's what to do...

How to wash and dry a down jacket

The best part about down is that it's machine-washable. A good time to clean your down jacket is:

  • at the end of the season
  • after heavy use
  • if it’s been stored away for a long time.

HOW TO WASH A DOWN JACKET

1. Read the care label

Always start by checking the garment care label for the do's and dont's. For Helly Hansen jackets, that label can normally be found on the left-hip.

2. Insert jacket

Close all zippers and place your jacket in a front-loading washing machine or a top-loading machine without an agitator.

3. Add down-specific technical cleaner

Instead of regular detergent, use a technical cleaner designed for down, like Grangers Down Wash. Follow the instructions for the correct amount to use.

4. Choose the right cycle

If your machine has an outdoor setting, use that. Otherwise, refer to the care label. In most cases, you want medium temperature water and a medium-strength cycle.

Top tip: consider running a second cycle to get as much residue out of the down jacket as possible.

5. Tumble dry on a low temperature

For best results, tumble dry the jacket on a low temperature. Be patient! Avoid high temperatures as this can permanently crimp the down, causing it to lose its insulating qualities.

Top tip: add dryer balls or clean tennis balls towards the end, which help break up clumps of down and restore loftiness.

Compare the result

Your down jacket should look more lofty, which will contribute to your warmth level next time you're exploring the outdoors. Click and slide the line to see the difference. 

How to reproof a down jacket

Most down jackets have some type of Durable Water Repellent (DWR) layer (added to the outside of the face fabric during manufacturing) to give the jacket some level of water resistance. Over time, that DWR layer can fade and water can start absorbing into the jacket and into the down insulation.

If your down jacket’s water repellency has diminished, you can bring it back but your jacket must be clean.

  • Follow steps 1-4 above if not done so already;
  • Then run another cycle; this time using a down reproofing product, like Grangers Down Repel; 
  • Lastly, follow step 5 above to activate the water repellency. 

HOW TO STORE A DOWN JACKET

Down is compressible, which makes it tempting to pack it tightly in a compression sack or shove it in a box of gear. But storing your down jacket this way can cause it to lose its 'loft'. Down jackets should be stored loosely and freely in a dry space. Hang them on a rail or in a closet to prevent it from crumpling. If you choose to store it in a closet, consider keeping the door slightly cracked for ventilation. In other words, let it breathe.

Get more tips on gear care

Now that you're on a roll, why not check out our other gear tips. From how to wash ski jackets, base layers, synthetic insulated jackets and beyond, we've got your back.

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