How to Wash a Puffer Jacket the Right Way

A puffer jacket is very functional and versatile option for cold weather dressing. However, the same insulation that makes these jackets so cozy and warm can also make them a bit complicated to clean. It’s important to get your puffer clean and refreshed without damaging the filling or ruining its signature shape. So, we talked to two experts to discover the best methods for washing a puffer jacket, while keeping it in good condition. Keep reading to find the right method for you.

How to Spot Clean a Puffer Jacket

If there are stains on the puffer jacket, Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company, recommends spot cleaning them with a mild liquid detergent. Pour a drop or two of the liquid detergent on the stain (if it’s a bigger stain, you may need a few more drops). She says you can use your fingers to rub the liquid into the stains.

Allow at least 15 minutes for the liquid detergent to soak into the stain. If you only plan to spot clean the puffer jacket, you can use cold water to rinse the liquid detergent off and hang to dry. However, if you plan to clean the entire jacket, proceed to the instructions for hand washing or machine washing.

Another option to treat stains, according to Alessandro Gazzo, cleaning expert at Emily’s Maids, is to use oxygen bleach powder. “Grab some oxygen bleach powder and mix with water until you form a thick paste,” he says. “Then, spread it on the surface, wait 15 minutes and then wash as per normal.”

Hand Washing a Puffer Jacket

Step 1: Spot Treat

Follow the instructions above to spot treat any stains before washing the rest of the jacket.

Step 2: Prep a Container

Filling a sink or large container with cold water. Then, add a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent.

Step 3: Soak the Jacket

Place the jacket in the water, and give it a swirl. Let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Hang to Dry

Remove the jacket from the water, gently squeezing to remove excess moisture. Be careful not to wring or twist the jacket, as this can clump the insulation. Hang the jacket to dry in a spot with good air circulation to promote faster drying.

How to Machine Wash a Puffer Jacket

Step 1: Spot Treat

Follow the instructions above to spot treat any stains before putting the jacket in the washing machine.

Step 2: Prep the Coat

Be sure to zip up the coat and any zippered pockets before putting it in the machine. Leaving the zippers exposed could lead to rips and snags in the fabric of the jacket.

Step 2: Select the Proper Settings

Gazzon recommends using a cold water setting and washing the jacket on a delicate cycle. Mock agrees, adding, “To maintain the [jacket’s] appearance and insulation, use detergent and washing machine cycles that are designed for delicate fabrics.”

Step 4: Dry

Some jackets can be placed in the dryer on low heat—but Mock recommends checking the jacket’s care label to be sure. If a jacket can be put through the dryer, the next thing you need to worry about is maintaining the jacket’s fluffiness. Both Mock and Gazzo recommend throwing in a couple dryer balls or tennis balls to help maintain the shape and fluff of the insulation. Gazzo also adds that it may take a few cycles for the puffer jacket to dry completely, so be patient and make sure to check that the jacket is fully dry before removing it from the dryer.