Soak your down jacket for up to 60 minutes in a sink.
Can you machine wash a down coat. Prepare the garment for washing in the machine. Plus front load washers have a higher capacity and will accommodate large items like comforters sleeping. Put your down coat right-side out into a front-loading washing machine which has a gentler motion thats better for cleaning down.
Prepare the special balls for washing the down jacket beforehand. Wash nylon fleece and down-filled jackets in cold water on the gentle cycle. If there isnt a care tag then a general rule is that these materials are machine-washable.
The agitator of a top-loader can damage down feathers. It is four years old now and for two of those winters I was a grad student and wore a backpack over it. If its available select the extra rinse option.
Remove all detergent build up from the detergent dispenser. Place your jacket in the washing machine on a warm cycle not hot or cold and put in the down wash as directed. Clean the detergent drawer and then run one or two rinse cycles.
Rinse your washing machine out before use. Hand-washing a down jacket. Down is natures most efficient insulator but to get the best out of your down gear you need to take care of it properly.
If the manufacturer recommends machine washing of your down jacket it is quite simple to care for it. Scroll down to learn how to wash almost every type of winter coat in your closet DIY style. Make sure the pockets are empty.