How to Wash and Dry a Down JacketUpdated 4 hours ago

To preserve the exceptional warmth and loft of natural down, wash your jacket as sparingly as possible using cold water and a specialist down cleaner.

Before washing

• Empty pockets and secure fasteners: Empty all pockets, close the main zip, pocket zips, and Velcro cuffs.
• Loosen drawstrings: Untighten any elastic drawcords and detach removable parts (such as detachable hoods).

Washing

• Gentle programme: Wash on a delicate or wool cycle in cold water (30°C maximum) with a low spin speed (capped at 400 to 600 rpm to avoid damaging the delicate plumage).
• Specialist down cleaner: Use a dedicated cleaner such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct® that removes dirt and body oils without stripping the down’s natural protective oils. Follow the dosing instructions on the bottle.
• No standard detergents or softeners: Never use regular laundry detergent, bleach, or fabric softener—they leave residues that cause down clusters to collapse and cling together.

Restoring water repellency (DWR & Down Proofing)

• If your jacket begins absorbing moisture or the outer fabric no longer beads water, reproof it using Nikwax Down Proof™:
• After the wash cycle, run a second gentle cycle with the reproofer poured into the detergent drawer (or follow bottle instructions for the rinse cycle). This restores water repellency to both the shell fabric and the down clusters, preventing them from waterlogging.

Drying

Thorough drying is crucial—down can take hours or even multiple cycles to dry completely inside the baffles.

• In the tumble dryer: dry on a low-heat delicate cycle. Add 3 to 4 clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the drum to help break apart damp down clumps. Every 20 to 30 minutes, pause the cycle to take the jacket out, turn it inside out, and gently massage the baffles to separate any lingering feather clumps.
• Air-drying: lay the jacket completely flat on a clothes horse in a warm, dry, well-ventilated room. Turn the jacket over and gently pat and break up clumps by hand several times a day until it has fully regained its volume. (Note: air-drying natural down can take 24–48 hours).

Recommended care products

Find everything you need to maintain your jacket on our website:

• Nikwax Down Wash Direct®: Cleans effectively while revitalising loft and water resistance.
• Nikwax Down Proof™: Restores durable water repellency (DWR) to outer fabrics and down insulation.

Want the complete guide? Download our Down Jacket Care Guide (PDF).

Need extra advice on maintaining your down gear? Our technical specialists are always happy to help at [email protected].