softwinter
Wash a Down Jacket at Home
The dry cleaner does it badly. The washing machine, with three tennis balls, does it perfectly.
Steps
- 01Empty all pockets. Zip up the jacket. Turn inside out.
- 02Wash on a gentle cycle, cool water, with a small amount of mild detergent (down-specific or wool detergent).
- 03Add three clean tennis balls. They prevent the down from clumping during the wash and dry.
- 04Run an extra rinse cycle to get all soap out.
- 05Tumble dry on low heat with the tennis balls. This is critical — air-drying down clumps it forever.
- 06It will take 2 to 3 dry cycles. Pull out and shake every 30 minutes. Done when no damp pockets remain.