Down jackets, puffers and winter coats take a lot of wear, and washing them wrong can leave the filling clumped and flat. Here is how to wash a down jacket or puffer coat, how to dry it, and when it is easier to hand it to a professional.
Check the care label first
The label tells you whether the coat can be machine washed, what temperature to use, and whether it needs professional cleaning. Washable down jackets usually say to use a gentle cycle and low heat. If it says dry clean only, do not wash it. See our laundry care symbols guide for what the symbols mean.
How to wash a down jacket or puffer coat
- Zip up and empty the pockets. Close all zippers and fasteners so they do not snag.
- Treat visible stains gently. Dab rather than scrub.
- Use a large machine. The coat needs room to move. A front-loader without an agitator is gentler.
- Choose a gentle cycle, and cold or warm water as the label allows.
- Use a mild or down-specific detergent and skip fabric softener, which can coat the filling.
- Run an extra rinse so no detergent stays in the coat.
How to dry a down jacket
Drying is the step that matters most. Dry the coat on low heat, and add a few clean dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help break up clumps. Pause every so often to fluff and shake the coat. It can take longer than you expect, and it must be completely dry inside before you store it, because damp filling can develop odor or mildew.
Can you dry clean a down jacket?
Some coats are labeled for dry cleaning, and a professional can be the safer choice for bulky, heavily soiled or valuable coats. At Top Hat Cleaners, coat dry cleaning starts at $17.99 for a medium coat and $20.99 for a long coat, and final pricing is confirmed after inspection. If you are unsure whether your coat can be cleaned, call 214-348-0666 or ask when you drop it off.
Other winter items we clean
- Leather and suede jackets from $74.99 per item. See our leather jacket guide.
- Comforters at $30.99 and blankets at $22.99. See how to wash a comforter.
Pickup and delivery
Bulky coats are easy to hand off. Pickup and delivery is free on qualifying orders of $45 or more in participating areas. See how it works or find your nearest store on our locations page.
Ready to book? Schedule a pickup or call 214-348-0666.
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Skip the DIY. We'll clean it for you.
Top Hat Cleaners picks up and delivers across Dallas-Fort Worth. Dry cleaning, wash & fold laundry, pressing, and specialist saree care, with free pickup and delivery on qualifying orders.
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