Take care of your down jacket

A down jacket can be a valuable investment to keep you warm and cozy during the chilly months. However, it's important to take good care of your jacket to ensure it lasts for years to come. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to properly care for your down jacket, from cleaning and storing to repairing and maintaining it.

Cleaning your down jacket

To not damage your down jacket, it is important to take extra care when cleaning it. Down can be damaged by temperature and can break when not carefully handled. When preparing your jacket for washing it is a good idea to consult the washing instructions written in the jacket. If hand washing or dry cleaning is suggested it is best to follow these instructions. Should you feel unsure about the instructions, hand the jacket to a professional for safety’s sake.

Before washing your jacket, it is a good idea to try to remove dirt and stains with a damp cloth, sometimes this is enough to clean your jacket. You can also freshen up your down jacket by hanging it outside or in an open window for a few hours. Make sure it is not hanging for too long in direct sunlight though as this can lighten your jacket. Refraining from completely soaking your jacket will ensure the least amount of damage – so whenever possible, try to remove stains and airing your jacket instead of washing it.

A down jacket with a waterproof coating will need to be waterproofed after a wash. At Outnorth you will find several different waterproofing products both in the form of sprays and detergents. Make sure the waterproofing works for down garments and follow the instructions carefully. Read more about waterproofing jackets in the guide Take care of your shell clothes.

Hand washing

Hand washing your down jacket is gentle and perfect for down jackets with fragile outer materials. Fill a large container or bathtub with water and add a small amount of down detergent according to the instructions on the detergent. Stir the water to distribute the detergent throughout the water. Place the down jacket in the water and massage it until the entire jacket is wet. Do not rub or twist your jacket, then you can damage the down in it which leads to poorer heat retention. Pour out the water and fill the container with clean water and massage it into the jacket, repeat until all the detergent is out of the jacket. When the jacket is clean and free from detergent, you can knead out the rest of the water it has absorbed. Again – never wring out the jacket, to prevent the down from breaking. Now it is ready for drying!

Machine washing

If you instead choose to wash your down jacket in a washing machine, a special cycle for down or a gentle cycle with a low spin speed at a low temperature is recommended. Use a down detergent here as well and do not use too much. A large jacket takes up a lot of space, so be careful not to overfill the washing machine, as the down can break. We at Outnorth recommend washing your down jacket at a temperature lower than 40 °C to prevent damage.

Drying

Drying a down jacket can feel tricky, but all it takes is patience and caution. It is possible to dry down jackets in the dryer but do so at a low temperature and take the jacket out every two hours and massage the down to make it fluffy again. Drying a down jacket in the dryer takes about six hours – be patient, it's worth it! Tennis balls have long been used in the dryer to fluff up the down again but drying with tennis balls can break the down. This results in poorer heat retention and risks sharp down and feathers starting to stick out of the jacket.

Drying your down jacket without a dryer is also fine, but patience is also required here. A lighter jacket can be hung to dry, but heavier jackets should be dried flat so as not to ruin its shape when wet and heavy. Be sure to dry the jacket in a well-ventilated and dry room. Here too, it is important to shake and massage the down for the jacket to regain its fluffiness, this should be done about twice an hour.

Storing your down jacket

Storing your down jacket properly during the summer months is important to keep it in good condition for the next winter season. First, make sure the jacket is clean and dry before putting it away for the season. Then store the jacket in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Preferably store heavier jackets lying down and lighter ones hanging on a hanger. Use a cover to protect the down jacket from dust and dirt. Avoid storing your jacket in a compressed or cramped space, as this can damage the down filling.

If you need to pack your jacket in a bag or backpack for travel or hiking, use a compression bag that allows air to circulate. Start by tucking the jacket loosely into the bottom of the compression bag. Then slowly compress the bag while gently pressing down on the jacket to avoid uneven pressure. Once the jacket is compressed, tighten the compression straps and store it in your backpack. Avoid storing heavy or sharp objects on top of the compressed jacket, as this can damage the down filling. By storing and packing your down jacket properly, you can help extend its life and maintain its performance for many winters to come.

Repair your down jacket

Down jackets often have thin outer materials that might tear from a sharp twig or a spark from the fire. Some jackets come with a repair patch but if you need to repair your jacket when out hiking, silver tape can do the job temporarily. At Outnorth you will find repair patches that can mend tears in your down jacket and give it a longer life. The patches are adhesive and water resistant and can be cut to better fit the shape of the hole. These patches are easy to put on, just make sure to clean the fabric and push in any down that sticks out – lay the jacket on a flat surface and then press the patch on to seal the hole.

If there are bigger rips in your down jacket it is best to consult a professional. The sooner tears are mended, the better since waiting might only cause the hole to tear more. While waiting for professional help, silver tape can be a temporary solution.

Taking good care of your down jacket is essential to keep it functioning properly and lasting for years to come. By following these tips and guidelines for cleaning, storing and repairing your jacket, you can ensure that it continues to provide the warmth and comfort you need throughout the winter months. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's care instructions and seek professional help when needed to ensure the best care for your down jacket.

Enjoy your down jacket for many years to come!