Quick answer
Wash down jackets gently with a down-specific detergent, rinse well and dry slowly on low heat with clean tennis balls, breaking up clumps until fully dry. Never use fabric softener. If the label says dry clean, or you are unsure, send it to a professional.
Key takeaways
- Fill levels and fabrics vary; follow the label.
- Use a down-specific or mild detergent and no fabric softener.
- Dry completely; damp down grows mould and smells.
- Clean once a season at most; spot clean in between.
Do you need to wash it often?
No. Once or twice a season is plenty. Spot clean marks on collars and cuffs with a damp cloth in between.
Washing at home
- Zip up and empty pockets.
- Use a front-loading machine on a gentle cycle with a small amount of down wash or mild detergent.
- Run an extra rinse.
Drying is the hard part
Drying takes time and patience. Use low heat with a couple of clean tennis balls, stopping to shake out clumps. The jacket must be completely dry inside before storing, or it will smell and the down will mould.
Mistakes to avoid
- Fabric softener, which coats the feathers
- High heat, which can melt synthetic shells
- Hanging a wet jacket
- Storing it compressed in a bag for long periods
What is inside a puffer
Down jackets are filled with the soft under-feathers of ducks or geese, which trap warm air. Synthetic puffers use fibres that mimic this. Down is lighter and warmer but takes longer to dry; synthetic fill dries faster and copes better with damp. Check which you have before choosing a wash method.
Repairs and small tears
A small tear lets feathers escape. Patch it with a repair tape or have it stitched before washing, or the wash will make it worse. See our alterations and repairs service for hems and minor fixes.
Storing a puffer between winters
Clean it, make sure it is completely dry and store it loosely hung or in a large breathable bag. Compressing it for months damages the fill and reduces warmth.
Spot cleaning between washes
Most marks on a puffer are on the collar, cuffs and front. Dab them with a cloth dipped in mild soapy water, rinse with a clean damp cloth and air dry. This is enough for most of the season and saves a full wash. Avoid rubbing hard on shiny shells, which can mark.
If a jacket is heavily soiled, smells smoky or has a stain that will not lift, use our winter wear cleaning.
When to send it to a professional
If the label says dry clean, the shell is delicate or the jacket is bulky, our woollen and winter wear service handles jackets and coats. Read our guide to getting your winter wardrobe ready.
