How to wash a down jacket

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 very effective against the cold, but when wet, it requires a little more attention. To avoid damaging your down jacket, here's what to avoid:

• Fabric softener: use a specific down detergent for best results.
• Dry cleaning: the solvents used can damage your down jacket.
• A top-loading washing machine with an agitator: the washing is too aggressive, your down jacket deserves gentle treatment.
• Manual wringing: never wring your down jacket, even if it's heavy. If necessary, gently shake it to remove excess water while supporting its weight.
• Wearing the down jacket when wet: wait until it is completely dry before storing or wearing it. Otherwise, it will be damp and will smell bad.

Washing your down jacket

Machine wash

1. Machine wash your down jacket on a delicate cycle at 30°C. If possible, select the "extra rinse" option.
   Use a specific down detergent, such as Grangers Down Wash Concentrate.
2. Avoid the spin cycle: it is better to let the down jacket drip dry and/or use a tumble dryer.

Hand wash

1. Soak your down jacket for up to 60 minutes in a sink or basin.
   Also use a specific down detergent (e.g. Grangers Down Wash Concentrate).
2. Rinse by gently squeezing to remove excess water (without wringing!) then follow the drying steps below.

Drying your down jacket

• Once washing is complete, carefully remove it — it will be heavy — and lay it flat on a drying rack.
• Drying will take 24 to 48 hours depending on weather conditions. During drying, air it regularly, especially around areas where the down forms wet clumps.
• When the down jacket is almost dry, put it in the tumble dryer on a low temperature and check it regularly.
  To maximize down loft, add 2 to 3 tennis balls or reusable Grangers dryer balls. This will help to fully restore the volume of your down jacket.