How to wash a down jacket at home in Canada

You can wash a down jacket at home in a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with a cleaner made for down, then dry it on the lowest heat with clean tennis balls or dryer balls until it is completely dry. Outdoor retailers MEC and Arc’teryx both give that basic advice in their care guides.

Cold-weather season is when most Canadians pull a down coat out of the closet, and a winter’s worth of body oils, dirt and road grime can leave the insulation flat and less warm. Both retailers say you should not wash a jacket more often than needed, so spot clean small marks first and save a full wash for when the coat is clearly dirty or has lost its loft. If the label on your jacket says dry clean only or gives different directions, follow the label.

The steps below combine guidance from MEC and Arc’teryx. Neither company gives a drying time, so the only test is whether the jacket is completely dry inside.

1. Read the care label. It overrides general advice. If the jacket is a shell with a waterproof membrane, check whether the maker has its own wash product or instructions.
2. Spot clean light marks first. MEC suggests a paste of mild soap, such as dish soap, and water. Work it in with a toothbrush or cloth while holding the shell away from the insulation, rinse carefully and let it air-dry.
3. Prepare the jacket. Empty the pockets, then close all zippers and Velcro tabs, MEC said. Arc’teryx adds that you should close the main and underarm zippers, open pocket zippers and loosen elastic draw-cords. A mesh bag can help protect the garment, Arc’teryx said.
4. Choose the right detergent. MEC recommends a cleaner designed specifically for down. Some products wash and restore water repellency in one cycle, and others need two, so follow the bottle. Arc’teryx warns that non-down detergents can damage the down.
5. Use a front-loader. MEC said top-loaders with a central agitator can cause damage. If possible, rinse out the detergent dispenser first. Arc’teryx suggests running an empty rinse cycle beforehand to clear residue.
6. Pick a gentle setting. Arc’teryx recommends a gentle or permanent press cycle at 40 C (104 F). MEC does not give a machine temperature, so check your label.
7. Rinse twice. Arc’teryx recommends a double rinse so no soap is left in the down.
8. Move the wet jacket with care. Carry it so the weight is supported, as MEC puts it, “like a baby.” Do not wring or twist it.
9. Dry it on low. MEC said the label usually means a large dryer on its lowest heat. Add two or three clean tennis balls or dryer balls. Arc’teryx suggests turning the jacket inside out and flipping it periodically during the cycle.
10. Check for clumps and keep drying. Break up any clumps by hand and run the dryer again until the jacket is completely dry. MEC advises against air-drying because it can take several days and may lead to mould or mildew.
11. Restore water repellency if needed. Arc’teryx says to test a Gore-Tex down garment with a light spray of water. If the water does not bead up, reapply a water-repellent treatment.

Hand washing is an option for a small jacket. MEC says to use lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap or down cleaner, then rinse repeatedly until the water runs clear. That can take six or more rinses.

Once the jacket is dry, store it uncompressed. MEC advises against keeping it squashed in its own pocket or a small stuff sack. For more cold-season laundry help, see our guide on how to dry laundry indoors in winter and our tips on removing road salt stains from boots. If the old coat is past saving, our roundups of the best winter jackets for women and for men may help.

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Sources: MEC, How to wash a down jacket; Arc’teryx, Down wash instructions.