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Down Care

How to wash your down jacket at home 

 

Maintaining the freshness and performance of your down jacket or vest is essential to keep it feeling fresh and performing well. 

We recommend washing it at least once per season, or more frequently if it becomes visibly dirty or if the down fill appears clumpy or compressed. 

For a hassle-free cleaning experience, consider using Rab Wash, our specialized downwash service.  

Alternatively, if you prefer to handle the cleaning yourself... 

Step-by-step guide for cleaning your down jacket or vest 

  1. Prepare your washing machine by ensuring it's clean and free of detergent residue. Close all pockets and zippers. 
  2. Turn your jacket inside out to protect the fasteners and facilitate cleaning of the down. 
  3. Place your jacket in the washing machine, ideally washing one item per load. 
  4. Use a detergent specifically formulated for down, though a standard non-biological soap can suffice. 
  5. Wash your jacket on a long, gentle cycle to effectively clean the outer fabric and down insulation. 
  6. Rinse your jacket thoroughly to remove any lingering detergent. 
  7. Spin your jacket to eliminate excess water. 
  8. Dry your jacket in a tumble dryer on a medium to low heat setting. Depending on size and fill, drying may take 2-4 hours. 
  9. Periodically remove the jacket from the dryer to redistribute the down within the baffles until fully dry. 

For further assistance, don't hesitate to contact our customer support team. 

 

Tips 

  • For top-loading washing machines, consider using a mesh bag to protect the jacket. 
  • If a tumble dryer isn't available, air-dry the jacket on a clothesline or drying rack, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent damage to the down. 
  • Extend the lifespan of your down jacket by storing it in a clean, dry environment when not in use. 

 

Should you manage to rip your jacket while out on adventures we’ve got some simple techniques that will see you through until you can send it to our Service for a permanent fix.

For smaller holes where individual feathers are escaping, it's unlikely you’ll need a patch or repair. Simply pull any exposed down back into the jacket from the inside so as not to make the hole larger. Then wet your fingers and rub the fabric to seal the pin prick sized hole.

When the tear is larger than a pin prick, push and pinch any exposed or lost down back into the baffle and clean the affected area where possible. Apply a Rab repair patch of suitable size or another repair patch. A circle is going to be best for this, it’ll avoid lifting at the corners. But any patch is better than none. You should try and avoid patching across stitching/baffles where possible.

Make sure you apply the patch smoothly as well – using the back of your nail can help with this. Once home from your trip, it’ll be time for a permanent repair. You can consider a permanent solution; the Rab Service Centre is always here to help you keep your garments going for as long as possible.

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