How to Wash a Puffer Jacket in 4 Easy Steps

How to Wash a Puffer Jacket

1. Prepare Your Jacket

   • Empty the pockets and zip the front zipper all the way up. This will prevent the zippers from snagging on anything in the machine and help the jacket keep its shape.
   • Read the care tag on your jacket to see what type of material the filling is made out of. Most fillings are either down or synthetic polyester.

2. Add the Jacket to the Washing Machine

   Place the puffer jacket in the washing machine. If your jacket has a synthetic polyester filling, add the appropriate amount of gentle detergent to the machine. If you have a down jacket, use a down-specific detergent, like Nikwax's Down Wash Direct or Rivevex's Down Cleaner, if possible. Puffer jackets have fillings and coatings that are sensitive to harsh soaps and chemicals, so it's important to use the right laundry detergent.

   Tip

   If your jacket is quite small, place a clean towel or two alongside it to prevent the washer tub from becoming off-balance.

3. Select the Water Temperature and the Washing Cycle

   Select the delicate or wool cycle on your washing machine and wash in cold water. Heavy agitation or spinning can damage your jacket's filling, and hot water can ruin the exterior material. If your machine has an option to add an extra rinse to the end of the wash cycle, select it. This will ensure no soap or detergent residue is left behind in or on the jacket.

4. Air-Dry Your Jacket

   • Remove your jacket from the washing machine—once the wash cycle has run its course—it will probably still be quite wet. Lay your jacket across the flat surface of your drying rack and let it air-dry. It may take a while.
   • Check on your jacket every few hours and smooth out any clumps in the filling that develop as it dries. Once the jacket has completely dried, you're good to wear it.

   Warning

   Do not take any steam or heat to a puffer jacket as it can melt the material.

How Often to Wash a Puffer Jacket

Assuming it's been made well, you shouldn't need to wash your puffer jacket very often. In fact, you don't want to, as frequent washing can threaten the integrity of your jacket's filling and any waterproof coating it has on its surface. Instead, wash it at the end of each season, before you put it away for the year. However, if you wear your puffer jacket practically every day, you can consider giving it a mid-season wash. Likewise, if a large spill or stain occurs, wash it immediately.

Treating Stains on a Puffer Jacket

Dirt, sweat, even salt from shoveling in the winter can all stain a puffer jacket. Due to the delicate outer shell, it is best to use diluted detergent as a stain remover. Mix half detergent and half water in a spray bottle and spray directly on the stain. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.

Puffer Jacket Care and Repair

If your puffer jacket has a hole, rip, or tear, patching it is the best option. Down jacket repair patches can be found online in a variety of colors, including clear, if you are unable to match the color of your jacket. Clean the area around the tear with rubbing alcohol and wait until it is completely dry before applying the patch. Most patches can take up to two days to cure, so while it adheres to the jacket, it is best to keep the jacket laying flat and out of harm's way.

Storing a Puffer Jacket

Make sure your puffer jacket is clean before packing it away for the season. Avoid compressing the jacket, folding it, or piling other items on top of it in a tight space, as this could cause lumps in the feathers. It is best to store the jacket in a closet to breathe.

Tips for Washing a Puffer Jacket

• Do not use bleach or fabric softener when washing your puffer jacket, as these solutions can damage the jacket material.
• After removing your jacket from the wash, you can give it a gentle squeeze to remove some of the water, which will speed up drying time.
• Avoid dry-cleaning your jacket, as the solvents used at the dry cleaner can also damage your jacket and compromise its insulation properties.