top of page

How to Clean Down: Keep It Lofty, Light & Long-Lasting

Care tips to refresh your down gear without compromising performance.

DIY Repair Tips to Keep Your Down Gear in Great Shape

Down jackets, sleeping bags, and other insulated gear are built for adventure — but sometimes accidents happen. Small holes, broken zippers, or loose seams don’t have to mean the end of your favorite gear. With a little care, many common issues can be fixed at home!

Basic Repair Techniques You Can Try

1. Patching Small Holes and Tears

  • Use a down-specific repair patch or lightweight fabric tape to cover holes up to about 1 inch in size.

  • Clean and dry the area thoroughly before applying the patch for best adhesion.

  • For fabric tears, gently trim any loose threads and smooth the edges before patching.

2. Re-Stitching Seams

  • For small seam splits, use a strong nylon or polyester thread and a sharp needle.

  • Sew with small, tight stitches along the existing seam line to maintain insulation integrity.

  • Avoid sewing too tightly to prevent fabric puckering.

LAKE 3.jpg

What to Look for in a Down Detergent

Choosing the right detergent is key to keeping your down gear loftly, soft, and long-lasting. Here’s what to consider:

  • Specifically labeled for down:  Use detergents designed for down or delicate insulation—they protect natural oils and maintain loft.

  • Free of harsh additives:  Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and optical brighteners, which can damage down’s delicate structure.

  • Low residue - Down feathers are easily weighed down by leftover soap, so pick detergents that rinse clean without leaving coatings.

  • Water-based and biodegradable (optional but ideal) - Eco-friendly formulas are gentler on both your gear and the planet.

  • Detergents to Avoid: 

    • Heavily scented formulas

    • Detergents made for aggressive stain removal

    • Products containing bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh surfactants not made for technical gear

Pro Tip: Less is more. Use the minimum recommended amount, and rinse twice if needed to ensure all residue is gone. Clean down means warm down! 

When to Seek Professional Repair Services

Some repairs require specialized tools, materials, or expertise to maintain your down gear’s warmth, loft, and durability. Contact a professional repair service if you notice:

  • Large or complex tears (over 1 inch or along multiple seams)

  • Significant fabric damage that can’t be safely patched at home

  • Down leakage or loss of loft after repair

  • Complete zipper replacement or heavy-duty zipper damage

  • Severe seam damage that affects insulation or waterproofing

  • Repairs requiring fabric matching or specialized stitching techniques

STEPS

WHAT TO DO

WHY IT MATTERS

Wash, Don’t Fear

- Use a down-specific detergent (no bleach or fabric  softener)
- Use a front-loading washer
- Select gentle cycle, cold water

Proper washing restores loft and extends the life of your down gear.

Wash, Don’t Fear

- Tumble dry on low heat
- Add clean tennis balls or dryer balls to prevent clumping
- Dry for 2–4 hours, fluff by hand occasionally, expect longer time for sleeping bags. 

Drying thoroughly ensures the down regains its full loft and insulation.

Don’t

- Do not wring or twist
- Avoid hang drying (can cause clumping)
- Never store damp, always air out completely

These can damage the down clusters or lead to mold and mildew.

Don’t

Clean your down once a season—or after heavy use.

Clean down = warm down. A little TLC keeps it adventure ready.

bottom of page