Clean your insulated jacket properly and it will last for years.

There is a persistent fallacy that down insulated jackets (and sleeping bags) should never be washed. However, if you want many years’ use from your jacket (and given its price, you’ll surely want to), washing it at least once a year will improve its longevity substantially. Even an old, sad-looking synthetic insulated jacket can be restored to its former glory with a decent clean.

Choose the correct cleaning product 

Forget regular laundry detergents, which leave a residue that prevents down and synthetic insulation from repelling moisture and lofting properly. Instead, use a specialised wash such as Gear Aid Down Cleaner, Nikwax Down Wash Direct (or Nikwax Tech Wash for synthetic insulated jackets), or Grangers Down Wash for any insulation type.

Hand or machine washing 

→ Your jacket can go in a washing machine if you have a front loader; top loaders aren’t suitable as the central agitator can harm the garment. Alternatively, hand wash it in a bath or large tub.

→ For a machine wash, add the recommended amount of cleaning solution and run the wash cycle as per the jacket’s cleaning instructions (usually a cold or 30°C wash with an extra-slow spin cycle).

→ If hand washing, add the cleaning solution to cold or tepid water and gently press the jacket into it until it’s saturated. Leave to soak for at least 40 minutes, agitating occasionally. Rinse the jacket, gently pressing out the water until it runs clear. Avoid wringing the jacket as this could damage it.

Reproofing 

If your jacket has water-repellent down and fabric, this can now be reproofed.

→ In the washing machine, add your chosen reproofing solution (such as Nikwax, Grangers, Gear Aid) to the detergent drawer and run another cycle. 

→ If by hand, dilute the reproofing agent in fresh water and immerse the jacket again, pressing it down until saturated as before. Leave it to soak for about 15 minutes before rinsing it as you did during the cleaning process. Gently press out as much water as you can.

Drying 

Dry the jacket fully to restore its loft and insulating properties. Down will clump together when wet and needs to be separated in the drying process.

→ Air-dry the jacket out of direct sunlight.

→ When most of the moisture has evaporated, put the jacket in a dryer with a couple of tennis balls. Run the dryer on a low heat cycle. The balls and a small amount of heat help to break up the insulation clumps and loft the jacket. If you don’t have a dryer, air dry the garment then agitate it vigorously by hand.

Further care tips 

Insulated jackets compress well, which comes in handy for tramping, but keeping a jacket compressed for extended periods can damage the insulation and reduce its ability to trap warmth. Store your garment uncompressed when not in use to allow the insulation to loft. 

Insulated jackets (along with most pieces of outdoor gear) can also be readily repaired. Zips, rips and other ailments can be fixed by repair agents (or do it yourself).