Puffer jackets are a winter wardrobe staple. But after a season of keeping you cozy—or a summer of getting musty in storage—they’re likely in need of a refresh. Whether your jacket is stuffed with natural down or synthetic fill, a proper wash can bring it back to life. Rest assured, though, that washing your puffer jacket doesn’t have to be an intimidating task. With the right approach, you can keep it clean and fluffy without damaging its insulation.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to wash your puffer jacket step by step. From spot cleaning to drying techniques that keep your jacket feeling brand new, we’ve got you covered.

Before Getting Started

First things first: Before washing, you’ll want to identify the type of insulation in your puffer jacket, as well as any manufacturer’s instructions. See the garment’s label for this information.

Whether your puffer jacket is filled with down or a synthetic material will determine your method for washing.

How to Wash a Puffer Jacket With Down Filling

Luckily, genuine down isn’t as fragile as you might think. “Down is remarkably durable and easy to maintain with regular home washes,” shares feather and down expert Neil Farmer. However, it should be noted that down should not be bleached or washed with fabric softener. 

How to Machine-Wash a Down Puffer Jacket

Many down-filled puffer jackets are machine-washable if you follow a few steps to maintain their loft and warmth.

1. Use a front-loading washing machine or a top-loader without an agitator. 
2. Select a gentle cycle with cold water.
3. Add a mild, down-safe detergent. 
4. Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent thoroughly.

How to Hand-Wash a Down Puffer Jacket

Hand-washing a down-filled puffer jacket is a gentler way to clean it, but it requires a few more steps to ensure a proper wash. If you want to take extra care or your jacket’s garment label doesn’t recommend machine-washing, it’s a great option that can be just as effective.

1. Fill a bathtub or large basin with cool to lukewarm water.
2. Add a down-safe detergent using the ratio recommended on the label. 
3. Submerge the jacket and gently agitate the water with your hands to loosen dirt.
4. Let it soak for about 30 minutes.
5. Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can damage the down and the outer fabric.
6. Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean, lukewarm water.
7. Gently press the jacket to remove detergent, repeating with fresh water until no suds remain.
8. Drain the tub. Press the jacket gently against the side of the tub to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist, as this can break down the down clusters.

How to Dry a Down Puffer Jacket

Air drying is not recommended even when hand-washing your down puffer jacket. “The down can be susceptible to damage if not fully dried,” Farmer explains. Down can clump and develop mildew if it dries too slowly.

To dry, place the jacket on a large towel and roll it to squeeze out excess water. Then, tumble dry on low heat with clean tennis balls or dryer balls to break up clumps and restore fluffiness. Check periodically and fluff by hand to distribute the down evenly.

Drying can take several hours, but ensure the jacket is completely dry before storing or wearing it to prevent mildew.

How to Wash a Puffer Jacket with Synthetic Filling

Synthetic-filled puffer jackets are another great option for keeping warm. As a bonus, “cleaning a synthetic-filled puffer jacket is even easier than cleaning down,” shares cleaning professional Stephanie Phillips.

How to Machine-Wash and Dry a Synthetic Puffer Jacket

Phillips washes synthetic puffer jackets using the following machine-washing method.

1. Use a front-loading washing machine or a top loader without an agitator. 
2. Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. 
3. Add a mild detergent, but skip fabric softener and bleach. 
4. Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent residue.
5. Tumble dry on low heat with clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help restore fluffiness. Check periodically to ensure even drying and prevent overheating.

How to Hand-Wash and Dry a Synthetic Puffer Jacket

If you prefer to hand-wash your synthetic-filled puffer jacket, you can follow the same steps above for washing a down-filled garment.

Unlike down puffer jackets, those with synthetic fill can be successfully air-dried by laying the jacket flat on a clean towel. Turn and fluff occasionally to prevent clumping and ensure that the garment is fully dry before hanging, storing, or wearing.

How to Spot Clean a Puffer Jacket

No matter what your puffer is filled with, spot cleaning is a safe and easy way to refresh it and ideal for small stains. The instructions are the same for down or synthetic-filled puffers. 

1. Mix a mild detergent with water and gently blot stains with a soft cloth or sponge.
2. Rinse with a damp cloth.
3. Air dry thoroughly.