How

to

Wash

and

Dry

Your

Down

Jacket

»

Complete

Guide

Why Down Needs Special Care

Down is a natural fill material that comes from the ultra-fine underfeathers of ducks or geese – Mammut only uses RDS-certified down (Responsible Down Standard). What makes it special is its incredible insulation power, as it traps air to lock in heat like nothing else. But that delicate structure also makes down vulnerable: treat it wrong and it loses its loft and insulating ability.

Washing and drying is where you really need to pay attention. Moisture can cause down to clump up, which negatively impacts performance. Fabric softeners or harsh detergents make this problem even worse, so make sure to stay away from them. If you want your down jacket to last, gentle care is non-negotiable – as it will go a long way in preserving its insulating qualities.

How Often Should I Wash My Down Jacket?

As a general rule, you should only ever wash your down jacket when you really need to. A full wash is usually only necessary when it's seriously dirty, or after heavy use. If you wear your jacket for your regular day-to-day, airing it out at regular intervals is usually enough to kill odors and keep things fresh. Small spots can usually be treated and removed with a damp cloth and a little care.

As a general rule, plan on washing the jacket once or twice a year, ideally before storing it away for summer. This goes for other down gear  too, whether insulated pants or sleeping bags .

How to Wash Your Down Jacket the Right Way

To help you care for your favorite pieces, we’ve put together a short, easy-to-follow video featuring all the steps for gently cleaning your down jacket – check it out below!

Step 1: Prep Work

Before putting your down jacket in the washing machine, give it a good shake and light pat to remove loose dirt. Quick heads-up: Don't try scraping off dried grime, as you could damage the fabric. Close all zippers and velcro, including the cuff adjusters. Also loosen any elastic drawcords to make sure your jacket is good to go for washing.

Step 2: The Wash

For best results, clean your down jacket in the washing machine. Make sure you use the right settings: Choose a cold wash at 86°F, with an extra rinse cycle and low spin speed (between 400 and 600 rpm max). Always follow the care instructions on your jacket's label.

Use a specialized down detergent – it's formulated specifically for the delicate feathers and helps the fill maintain its loft.

Step 3: Initial Drying

Once the wash is done, it's time to let your jacket dry – a crucial step when caring for down jackets. Turn the wet jacket inside out and lay it out on a flat surface. Work the jacket with a clean towel, using rolling motions to press moisture out. Repeat this on the outside and inside the zipper pockets.

Important: Never dry down jackets on radiators or in direct sunlight!

Step 4: Machine Dryin

A clothes dryer is your best bet for easy drying: it provides even results and prevents the down from clumping. Choose a low heat setting and throw in three dryer balls or clean tennis balls to keep the fill fluffy during the cycle.

Depending on how thick your jacket is, drying on low heat can take up to three hours. Make absolutely sure the jacket is completely dry before taking it out – that's how it stays in shape and maintains that characteristic fluffiness.

Step 5: Reproofing

If your jacket has a water-repellent DWR coating (Durable Water Repellent) , the dryer heat usually reactivates it. In case the water doesn't bead up well after washing, treat the jacket with an eco-friendly reproofing spray.

Follow the spray instructions carefully, and preferably apply it outdoors if possible. Hang the jacket to dry so the treatment can soak in evenly.

Off-Season Storage Tips

To keep your down jacket working like it should, make sure to store it properly once the season's over. Here are some practical storage tips:

• Give it space: Don't cram your down jacket into tight bags or boxes. Your best bet is hanging it on a wide hanger in a well-ventilated closet. This keeps the down's loft intact.

• Make sure it's fully dry before storing: Even tiny amounts of leftover moisture can lead to mildew or musty smells developing over time. So always double-check that your down jacket is completely dry before putting it away.

• Air it out regularly: If the jacket's going to be stored for a while, it's worth taking it out and exposing it to fresh air every now and then. This will go a long way in keeping unpleasant odors away.

Washing a Down Jacket FAQs: The Key Points

How do I get my down jacket fluffy again after washing?

Put it in the dryer on low heat together with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls. These will break up the down clumps throughout the drying process, and get your jacket back to its fluffy self.

Machine wash or hand wash – what's better for down jackets?

Down jackets handle machine washing just fine – as long as you use a gentle cycle, low temperatures, and specialized down detergent. Hand washing works too, but also involves a lot more effort. Sticking to your jacket's care instructions when machine washing is usually the safer bet.

How often should you wash a down jacket?

Only when it’s really necessary – at the end of the season or when it's visibly dirty, for example. Washing  it too often can negatively affect its insulating power.

Can I dry a down jacket with a hair dryer?

You should never use a hair dryer on your jacket. The concentrated heat can damage the fabric and won't dry the down evenly.

How do you dry a down jacket without a dryer?

If you don't have a dryer, lay the jacket flat on a dry towel and turn it over at regular intervals. Also make sure to gently shake it out periodically to break up clumps and keep the down from staying matted.

What do I do if the down clumps up?

If your down gets clumpy after washing, just run it through the dryer again – preferably with some tennis balls. They'll help break up the clumps. Shake the jacket out regularly during drying to make sure the fill distributes evenly and gets back to its original shape.

What setting should I use to dry a down jacket?

A gentle short cycle on low heat (104-140°F) is perfect for protecting the down from overheating while preserving its structure.

Proper Care for Long-Lasting Performance

Washing and drying your down jacket the right way is key for keeping it a reliable companion throughout your demanding outdoor adventures. To make sure you're ready for whatever the weather throws at you, check out our layering guide  to learn how to pair your down jacket with other pieces for maximum comfort and protection. And if you're shopping for a new jacket this season, the Mammut Jacket Finder  will help you find the perfect model for your needs.