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A children’s down jacket can last for many seasons if it is washed and dried correctly. The most important thing is to always follow the jacket’s care label, as materials, membranes, and down filling may require different care.
How to wash a children’s down jacket
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Read the care label. Check the recommended temperature, wash cycle, and drying method. Always follow the label’s instructions over general advice.
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Prepare the jacket. Empty the pockets, fasten zippers and Velcro, and remove any loose dirt. Gently treat visible stains with a little mild detergent designed for down.
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Use the right detergent. Choose a gentle detergent designed for down. Avoid fabric softener, bleach, and strong stain removers, as they can affect the filling and outer fabric.
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Wash gently. If the care label allows machine washing, choose a gentle cycle and the temperature stated on the label. Ideally, wash the jacket by itself so it has plenty of room in the drum.
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Rinse thoroughly. Use an extra rinse if needed to make sure no detergent remains in the down.
How to dry a down jacket without clumps
After washing, the down is heavy and can clump together. Gently press out excess water without wringing the jacket.
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Tumble-drying: If the care label allows it, dry on low heat with clean dryer balls. Take the jacket out periodically, shake it gently, and distribute the down with your fingers.
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Air-drying: If the jacket cannot be tumble-dried, lay it flat in a well-ventilated place. Turn and shake it regularly, and gently break up any clumps of down.
The jacket must be completely dry before it is put away. Moisture in the filling can cause odors and make the down less fluffy.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning down jackets
Can you wash a down jacket in the washing machine?
Yes, if the care label allows machine washing. Use a gentle cycle, the correct temperature, and detergent designed for down.
Why is the down jacket flat after washing?
Wet down often clumps together. Once the jacket is completely dry and the filling is loosened and redistributed along the way, much of its loft usually returns.
Can you use fabric softener?
As a general rule, avoid using fabric softener on down jackets unless the manufacturer specifically says otherwise.
How often should a down jacket be washed?
Only wash the jacket when it's visibly dirty or needs it. Small stains can often be spot-treated, so the whole jacket doesn't get washed unnecessarily.
View down jackets for children
See our selection of down jackets and down transitional jackets for children.
Sources and additional care advice
The specific instructions on your jacket always take priority. You can also read the manufacturers' general advice from Helly Hansen and Patagonia.
Three extra care tips that make a difference
Avoid washing the down jacket more often than necessary. Small stains can often be gently spot-cleaned, so the whole jacket doesn't need to be washed. Once the jacket is dry, you can shake it lightly and redistribute the filling with your fingers if the down is still unevenly distributed.
How to store your down jacket after the season
The jacket should be completely clean and dry before it is put away. Store it loosely rather than tightly compressed, so the filling isn't kept squashed for a long time. Check the care label again when it's time to use the jacket next season.
See also our practical guides to children's jackets for more advice on sizing, layering, and choosing a winter jacket.
If the down is still in small clumps after drying, give the jacket a little more drying time and gently work the filling apart with your fingers. Avoid putting the jacket away until both the outer fabric and filling feel completely dry.
