How to wash your puffer jacket

After a winter of being thrashed, your trusty down puffer jacket might be flat and perhaps a little bit grubby. As well as not looking its best, it also won’t be keeping you as warm if the down filling has clumped together. The good news is it’s pretty easy to fluff it up again so it’s ready for next winter. Here are the tricks you need to know.

Can I wash my puffer jacket in the washing machine?

Yes! But you’re going to need a down-specific detergent such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct. Stores that sell puffer jackets, such as Kathmandu, Macpac and Mountain Warehouse, sell either Nikwax or a different brand of down detergent.

Make sure there’s no residue from your normal laundry detergent in the detergent drawer, because this can strip the feathers of their natural oils. We don’t recommend using fabric softener for any type of laundry – it’s a waste of money – but definitely don’t use it on your down jacket.

A front loader is a better choice as a top loader’s agitator can be too rough. Choose a delicate cycle.

Can I handwash my puffer jacket?

If you really want to be careful or if you have a top loader, you can handwash your puffer jacket. We like to handwash jackets in the bath as it gives us enough space to really give it a good swish around.

How do I dry a puffer jacket?

If you’ve put your puffer though the washing machine, you might be thinking you’ve made a huge mistake. It might come out looking all flat and with the down clumped together in balls – but don’t panic! You just need a dryer to get it looking fluffed up again.

First, roll it in a towel to squeeze out some water. Then, let it dry for a while before popping it in the dryer with some tennis balls. The tennis balls bounce around and break up those clumps in the down.

Check on your down jacket regularly to make sure it’s not getting too hot and get it out to give it a shake.

Make sure it’s completely dry before you put it away.

How do I dry a puffer jacket without a dryer?

If you don’t have a dryer, you can have a go at getting your jacket fluffed up again by regularly giving it a shake and massaging the clumps of down as it dries. It would probably be a lot easier to head to the local laundromat to use their dryer instead.

NOTE: This washing guidance is for jackets that contain down. If you have a jacket that contains synthetic filling, we advise reading the care label for guidance on how to wash it.

Need a dryer to restore your puffer? Here are 4 budget dryers you’ll love