How to wash and care for a down jacket: the right habits

light padded, quilted or technical, the down jacket is an essential item in any fall and winter wardrobe. To ensure it lasts through the seasons without losing its appeal, it is advisable to care for it properly. It is entirely possible to wash and dry a down jacket at home, provided you follow a few key steps. And in case of unexpected damage (snags, grease stains, or down feathers falling out), don't panic: there are solutions to extend its life. Here's how to do it.

How to wash a down jacket without damaging it?

Before you start, there's one simple thing to do: check the care label. This will tell you whether machine washing is allowed or whether hand washing is preferable. If the jacket is machine washable, remember to close all the zippers first. Choose a normal 30°C cycle, which offers a more powerful spin cycle. A mild detergent is sufficient, ideally without bleaching agents.

The trick

Models filled with feathers or down require special attention: to maintain their loft, it is advisable to add 3 to 4 clean tennis balls to the drum. This simple step prevents the feathers from clumping together in the bolsters.

If hand washing is recommended, it is advisable not to soak the jacket to prevent the feathers from clumping together. Simply clean the dirty areas using a cloth and a little detergent.

How to dry a down jacket after washing?

Drying is an important step. Improper drying can compromise the thermal efficiency of a down jacket, especially when it is filled with natural down. If machine washed, machine drying is mandatory, with tennis balls as well. Avoid air drying, as the feathers will remain clumped together and will not regain their loft properly.

Good to know

You can shake the jacket between cycles to redistribute the feathers properly.

How to fluff up a down jacket after washing

If your down jacket seems flattened or less warm after cleaning, don't worry. It sometimes takes a little time for it to regain its original shape. The loft of the down depends largely on how it is dried. When moisture remains, the feathers stick together, forming hard clumps that prevent air from circulating. To avoid this, make sure the jacket has been sufficiently spun in the machine, even if it means running another cycle.

Once dry, you can gently massage the jacket by hand, paying particular attention to the areas where you rubbed it with the cloth. 

How to repair a tear in a down jacket

Snags, small holes, and other loose seams can be common, especially if the jacket is worn every day. It is best to act quickly to prevent the problem from getting worse. Leaving even a small hole open exposes the filling to moisture and dust and can ultimately affect the garment's thermal performance.

The first thing to avoid: self-adhesive patches or iron-on patches applied in a hurry. On the surface, they seem effective. In reality, these solutions are neither strong nor durable. They may even damage the fabric further during washing or when exposed to heat.

The best option is still professional repair, unless you have good sewing skills. Some experienced seamstresses can work discreetly, particularly by using the jacket's storage bag, which is often made from the same material as the outside of the garment. If you don't have this bag, another tip is to take a piece of fabric from inside the jacket, such as a pocket, to make an invisible and sturdy repair.

But today there is another way to make your favorite clothes last longer while adopting a more responsible approach: the online repair service Les Réparables, in partnership with JOTT. You can send your damaged down jacket to be repaired by experts without leaving your sofa. It's simple: you choose the type of repair you want on the website, a quote is provided, and then you are given a shipping label to send the item.

In addition to meticulous workmanship, this service has the added benefit of promoting sustainable consumption. Extending the life of technical clothing means avoiding premature replacement. It also preserves the original quality, comfort, and fit. And in an era where we aspire to throw away less, repairing has almost become a style statement.

Learn more about the repair service: jott.com/pages/repair

How to remove a grease stain from a down jacket

Grease stains are among the most common incidents on a down jacket. A quick bite to eat, accidental rubbing against an oily surface, and the material absorbs it immediately. Unlike water or mud stains, grease seeps into the fibers, often leaving a stubborn ring. Don't panic, targeted cleaning may be enough, provided you act immediately.

The first mistake would be to rub vigorously or soak the jacket completely. This could cause the stain to spread or damage the filling. It is better to dab the affected area with a clean, slightly damp cloth, then apply a little dishwashing liquid (uncolored, unscented) directly to the stain. Leave for a few minutes, then rinse gently with a damp glove.

If the stain is old or very ingrained, machine washing may be an option, but always follow the standard recommendations: gentle cycle, suitable detergent, no vigorous spinning. In all cases, it is best to test the method on a small, inconspicuous area to check that the fabric does not fade.

Finally, avoid conventional commercial stain removers, which are often too harsh for technical fabrics. And if the stain persists, taking it to a professional cleaning service can make all the difference without damaging the jacket.

How to wash and care for a down jacket: key points to remember 

Caring for a down jacket requires a little bit of method, but the essential steps are simple. A good wash, effective spinning, careful repair in case of snags, and vigilance against stains: these reflexes are enough to extend the life of this favorite piece.

In summary:

• Always refer to the care label before taking any action.
• Use a mild detergent.
• If machine washing: add 3 or 4 tennis balls and tumble dry, also with tennis balls.
• When washing by hand: avoid soaking to prevent the feathers from clumping together, and only rub dirty areas with a cloth.
• Prioritize repair over replacement, particularly through a specialized partner service.
• Act quickly in case of stains, gently and using suitable products.