As winter gets closer and those temperatures continue to head south, you’ll be looking for a way to stay warm – and that’s where a good down jacket is worth its weight in gold! The perfect edition to any winter wardrobe, but for the outdoor- loving Aussie, they’re an absolute must have! Whether you’re lacing up the hiking boots and braving the trails, throwing the boat in for an early morning fishing mission, or watching the little one’s footy match in the middle of winter - these beauties really are a jack-et of all trades! To ensure your down jacket can go the distance season after season, it’s well worth giving it the occasional dose of TLC.
Here’s how to look after your down jacket, so it’s there to look after you!
What’s the fuss about cleaning a down jacket?
Down isn’t your run of the mill fill; it’s nature’s best insulator, capable of keeping you toasty in the coldest of conditions. Over time, things like moisture, dirt and oils can really have an effect on your jacket, with a loss in loft and overall insulation reducing the life expectancy of your garment, and no one wants that! There are a few steps you need to follow when cleaning a down jacket. Check them out below!
Caring for your down jacket
- Only wash it when it really needs it – unless you’re the type who practically lives in their puffer, you should be able to get away with only cleaning your jacket 2 to 3 times a season. Over-washing can make the down lose its puff and warmth!
- Drying it properly is key – In order to maintain loft and prevent clumping, it’s important that your jacket is dried correctly. If you have a dryer on hand, that’s a win, but otherwise, simply laying the jacket in a warm and dry spot and turning it every so often will also do the trick
- Keep an eye out for tears – Any tears in the fabric can cause long term damage to the jacket’s insulation properties. By mending them quickly, you’ll ensure your jacket lasts longer
How to wash your down jacket
Before you chuck it in the wash, check the care tag for any specific instructions. Some jackets have special coatings or insulation blends which require specific treatment. Skip this step and you’re asking for trouble!
Can you get away with a spot clean?
While no one wants a dirty jacket, killing yours with kindness is also the wrong approach! If you’ve just copped a wayward bit of coffee or maybe some dirt from the hiking trail wanted to come home with you, there’s no need to whip out the washing machine! Grab a damp cloth, some lukewarm water, and a touch of soap, and gently dab the spot clean. Avoid being too rough or forceful, as this can mess with the feathers or damage the shell.
Machine wash the right way
Choose the right detergent
- Using a detergent that is down-safe is crucial if you want the best for your jacket.
- Regular laundry detergents are capable of stripping down feathers of their natural oils, which reduces loft and insulation.
Select a gentle washing cycle
- A front-loading washing machine is strongly recommended, as top loaders with an agitator are too rough for what you’re after.
- It’s important not to overload the machine, and if you’re able to wash it on its own or with similar lightweight gear, that would be preferred.
- Chuck it in with either cold or lukewarm water (30 °C max) to protect the down.
- Some of our range contains ALLIED HyperDRY down, which is a water-resistant treated down that repels moisture better than your regular stuff. For these jackets, we recommend less frequent washing, as HyperDRY down resists moisture and clumping and should be restricted to once or twice a year (unless she’s REALLY dirty)!
How to dry yourdown jacket
To restore your jacket to its fluffy best, you’ll want to ensure that it’s dried correctly. As we mentioned above, there are multiple ways to do this, and here’s a look at both of the biggies!
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Air drying
- The sun is your best bud here! Find a sunny and well-ventilated area where you can lay your jacket flat. Place a towel underneath to absorb any excess water, and keep your jacket nice and clean
- It’s super important to turn the jacket every few hours and give it the odd shake to redistribute the down fibres
- This can take as long as 48 hours, but be sure the jacket is fully dry before storing
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Tumble drying
- Once you’ve removed your jacket from the washing machine, you’ll need to handle it with care, as you’ll notice a dramatic difference in weight when your jacket is wet
- To remove excess water, you’ll want to start by spreading your jacket out on a towel and rolling the excess water away - wringing or twisting your jacket is a big no no!
- Be sure to turn your jacket inside out before placing it in the dryer
- Add 2-3 clean tennis balls, as these do a ripper job at restoring loft and breaking up clumps (yes, we are serious!)
- Put it on a low to medium heat and let it spin for several cycles, stopping on occasion to redistribute the down.
Store it right
When winter’s done and dusted, there’s a few things you can do to ensure she’s good to go next year.
- Hang it up in a dry wardrobe
- Keep it away from damp or direct sunlight
- Let it breathe so the down stays lofty
- Don’t leave it crumpled up in the corner all summer long
How to repair your down jacket
Let’s be honest, for adventure-loving Aussies, the conditions here can be rough on your gear, and your down jacket is bound to cop a rip or two. While a hole might look small, once those feathers start floating off in the breeze, it’s game over for your insulation. Lucky it’s not difficult to repair your down jacket, but you need to act fast, or you’ll be shivering your way through winter. Here are a few different options and how to use them.
Use gear repair tape or a patch kit
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These are a quick and inexpensive repair job; they’re waterproof and easy
to use
- Cut the patch into a circle or oval shape, avoiding edges as these tend to peel
- Make sure it’s at least 2-3 cm wider than the tear in all directions
- Apply the patch with firm pressure, while ensuring there are no air bubbles
- Let it set for 24 hours before wearing
For bigger holes or a leaky seam
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If it’s a larger tear or positioned a little too close to a seam, these
can be trickier to handle
- A heat patch is a stronger alternative to your standard patch kit and will last a lot longer. It’s important to check the tag before using one of these puppies as some jackets do not do well around heat
- If the tear is quite significant, you may need to go as far as getting a full baffle replacement. This involves replacing damaged panels to restore full insulation and can be organised at your local BCF store
Your down jacket doesn’t need a babysitter, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be cared for! Treat it right, and it'll be there to keep you warm in almost any situation. Wwhether you’re off grabbing the morning brew or having some BCFing fun, a down jacket makes the perfect winter plus one.