Caring for your down jacket

• Machine wash in a front-loading machine. In a top-loader, use a mesh laundry bag to protect the jacket.
• Gentle cycle, cold water – easy on both the down and the outer fabric.
• Mild detergent: use a down-specific detergent or a mild soap. Skip fabric softener, bleach and regular detergent; they strip the down of its natural oils and reduce the loft.

• Tumble dry on low heat with two clean tennis balls or dryer balls to break up clumps.
• Take your time. Drying can take several hours. Stop the dryer every 20–30 minutes and loosen any clumps by hand.
• Air drying works too – just shake and fluff the jacket regularly while it dries.

• Store it loosely: hang it, or keep it in a breathable garment bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid keeping it compressed in a stuff sack for long periods.
• Make sure the jacket is completely dry before you put it away, to avoid mildew.

For small stains, use a damp cloth and a little mild soap instead of washing the whole jacket.

• Dry cleaning – the chemicals damage the down.
• High heat – in the dryer or close to a radiator.
• Bleach and harsh chemicals – they strip the natural oils and reduce insulation.