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When properly cared for, your Kathmandu down jacket can last for decades. Regular washing will help your down jacket last longer and perform at its best.

What to avoid when washing a down jacket

Down is a tough performer against the cold, but when wet, needs a little extra attention from you. To ensure you don’t damage your down jacket, here’s what you should avoid:

  • Fabric softener. Stick to a down-specific detergent for the best results.
  • A dry clean. The solvents they use in the dry cleaning process can damage your jacket.
  • A top-loader with an agitator. It’s a rougher wash, and your down jacket deserves a gentle hand.
  • Wringing. Don’t wring your down jacket, no matter how heavy it is. If you must, gently shake any excess water off while supporting its weight.
  • Using your down jacket while it’s wet. Wait until your jacket is properly dry before putting back in your wardrobe or using it. Otherwise, you’ll both be wet and smelly.

Washing your jacket

Machine-washing a down jacket

  • Machine-wash your down jacket on a gentle cycle at 30 degrees °C. If it's available, select the ‘extra rinse’ option. Use a down-specific soap or detergent, like Grangers Down Wash Concentrate.
  • Skip the spin cycle. It’s better for your down jacket to drip dry and/or use a tumble dryer.

Hand-washing a down jacket

  • Soak your down jacket for up to 60 minutes in a sink. Again, go for a down-specific detergent such as Grangers Down Wash Concentrate.
  • Rinse by lightly squeezing out excess water (don’t wring it!) and follow the drying steps below.

Drying your down jacket

  • Once the wash is complete, carefully remove your down jacket — it'll be heavy — and lay flat to dry on a clothing rack.
  • It’ll take around 24–48 hours to drip dry depending on the weather conditions. As it dries, keep giving it the occasional fluff, particularly around any wet clumps of down.
  • When the down jacket is almost dry, put it in the tumble drier on a low heat and check it regularly. To maximise the loft of your down jacket, throw in two to three tennis balls, or Granger’s reusable drying balls. This will really help fluff up your down jacket.

Watch our video tutorial