Down can take washing, but it does not forgive mistakes in drying. Before you decide, look at the care label.
First: what the label says
- Tub with a number: the garment can be machine washed up to the temperature shown. One line under the tub means a delicate programme, two lines mean very delicate.
- Crossed-out tub: do not wash with water at home.
- Circle with a letter: an instruction for professional cleaning. If the circle is crossed out, the jacket must not be dry cleaned.
The symbols are standardised in Europe; there is an explanation in the GINETEX table.
If the label allows washing at home
- Use a delicate programme and a down wash or a mild liquid detergent. Don’t use fabric softener.
- Close the zips and turn the jacket inside out.
- Don’t wash it together with heavy garments.
- Add an extra rinse so that no detergent stays in the down.
Drying decides everything
Wet down clumps together. If it dries like that, the jacket loses its warmth and may smell. Tumble dry on a low temperature if the label allows it (square with a circle), with 2 or 3 dryer balls, and check often. Without a tumble dryer, dry it flat and break up the clumps every few hours. Drying completely can take a day or two.
When it is better to take it to a dry cleaner
- The label forbids washing with water.
- The jacket has a fur collar, natural hair or leather details.
- There are greasy stains or a strong smell.
- You don’t have a tumble dryer and the jacket is long and bulky.
For reference: at The Clean Spot, cleaning a short down jacket costs €13.50 and a long one €16.00 with a 3-day turnaround. See other dry cleaners in the list of dry cleaners. trqbvami.com has an editorial partnership with The Clean Spot.