How to Wash & Care for Down Material

Man, standing in the snow, wearing a brown puffer coat

Down is made from the soft undercoat of ducks and geese. It is commonly used in jackets, sleeping bags, and comforters for its extreme heat-retention. Your down jacket will take care of you on the coldest winter days, but it needs some care in return. It’s more expensive to produce and buy down insulation vs synthetic insulation, so it’s important to care for it properly. Following the correct steps to wash your down jacket or sleeping bag will ensure that it lasts for years to come. Our Experts break down the steps to effectively and safely clean down material.

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How to Wash Down Material?

Washing down material too often can be detrimental, as detergents and the washing process can wear down the insulation and water-repellent coatings. It's best to wash it only when necessary. For minor stains, you can spot clean the area with a gentle cleaner and a damp cloth to extend the time between washes. A full wash is only necessary when you notice a significant loss of loft, persistent odors, or a buildup of grime and body oils that can compromise the garment’s natural warmth.

To wash a down jacket or sleeping bag, first check the care label for specific instructions, but most will benefit from this process:

Before washing, empty the pockets, turn the garment inside out, and zip all zippers and flaps. This will keep them from snagging the fabric as it tumbles through the washing machine.
It's best to use a front-loading machine and a specialty down- specific detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softener, which can damage the filling and outer material.
Set the machine to a gentle or delicate cycle and wash with cool water.

How to Dry Down Material?

Using a dryer is the most effective way to dry down items. Here are some helpful tips:

Set the dryer to a low or no-heat setting.
While drying, add a couple dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the cycle, which will break up clumps and distribute the down evenly.
Pause the dryer periodically to manually fluff and shake the garment.
It may take several cycles to dry completely, but do not remove your garment before it is fully dry. It's crucial to dry the down insulation thoroughly to prevent the filling from clumping and growing mildew.

Long-term Care Tips

In general, you want to keep down insulation clean and dry. Try not to wear your down jacket when it’s snowing or use your down sleeping bag on a rainy camping trip. In these conditions, opt for synthetic insulation instead.

How Should I Store Down Items?

When you’re not using your down items, store them uncompressed. You can hang them in a closet or store them in a large, breathable sack which allows the down insulation to loft and fluff.

How often should you wash a down jacket?

How often you need to wash your jacket depends on how often you wear it. Usually, our Experts recommend washing your jacket at the end of the winter season before storing it away. If you wear your down jacket frequently or during strenuous activities, which expose it to sweat, you may need to wash more often - maybe once a month.

How often should you wash a sleeping bag?

How often you should wash a sleeping bag also depends on its use and condition. A good general rule is to wash it at the end of each season before storing it, or at least once a year. However, if you're a frequent camper or your bag gets particularly dirty or smelly, you may need to wash it more often. To increase the time between washes, we recommend you air out your sleeping bag after each trip and use a sleeping bag liner, which is much easier to wash.

How can I make my down jacket puffy again?

If you’ve noticed that your jacket is lumpy or not keeping you as warm as it used to, no need to buy a new coat - it may just need a refresh. Toss the garment in the dryer on the lowest heat setting with a couple dryer balls or tennis balls for about 30 minutes. This will fluff up the down, so the insulation can keep working as it should.

Proper care for down jackets, sleeping bags, and comforters is crucial to make them a worthwhile investment. With these simple tips, you can wash, dry, and store your down garments, so they continue to keep you warm for years to come. If you have any specific questions about how to care for down insulation or which sleeping bag or winter jacket is right for you, stop by your local SCHEELS and speak to one of our clothing or camping Experts.