# Can I launder my down jacket?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-launder-my-down-jacket/280175>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [December 16, 2004, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-launder-my-down-jacket/280175 "2004-12-16T16:55:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Chicken\_Scratch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@Chicken\_Scratch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chicken_Scratch)\
**Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-launder-my-down-jacket/280175/1 "2004-12-16T16:55:37Z")

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I have a white quilted down jacket that’s looking rather dingy. The local dry cleaner offered to clean it for $20–half of the jacket’s price. The shell is polyester & nylon, the filler is down & faethers, and the label says, “dry clean only.” Can I safely launder it with a couple of tennis balls to fluff the feathers? I’ve tried spot-cleaning it, and it doesn’t do much. Ideas? Thanks!

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**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\
**Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-launder-my-down-jacket/280175/2 "2004-12-16T17:03:03Z")

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I don’t see why not. Use cold water, a mild detergent, and dry on low with tennis balls. The only caution is making sure the down and feathers are dry.

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**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\
**Post date:** [December 16, 2004, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-launder-my-down-jacket/280175/3 "2004-12-16T17:10:04Z")

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Here is a good link for washing down items: [http://www.nunatakusa.com/Down\_Care\_Washing\_Storing.htm](http://www.nunatakusa.com/Down_Care_Washing_Storing.htm)

Definately go to a commercial side loading machine, not a top loader. Use soap specially designed for down, as some soaps will damage the down. Follow their directions and things should be OK. Definately check the seams and fabric for rips and tears before washing.