Why Wash Your Down Jacket?

Over time, body oils, sweat, dirt, and environmental residue accumulate on down feathers, causing them to clump together and lose their insulating properties. Regular washing (once or twice a year maximum) can actually restore your jacket's loft and warmth by cleaning the delicate down plumes and allowing them to fluff up properly again.

Before You Begin

Check the Care Label

Always start by reading the care instructions on your jacket's label. This provides specific guidance for your particular CAYA model.

When to Wash vs. When to Spot Clean

Spot clean for minor stains like coffee spills or small dirt marks

Air out if your jacket simply smells like smoke or needs freshening

Full wash when the jacket is visibly dirty, has lost its puffiness, or isn't keeping you as warm as it used to

What You'll Need

Front-loading washing machine (with at least 8kg capacity)

Down-specific detergent (recommended: Nikwax Down Wash Direct, Grangers Down Wash, or similar)

Tennis balls or dryer balls (4-5)

Tumble dryer with low heat setting

Patience (drying can take 2-4 hours)

Step-by-Step Washing Instructions

Preparation

Remove loose dirt: Brush off any visible mud or debris from the jacket exterior

Empty all pockets: Check every pocket thoroughly

Close all zippers and Velcro: This protects the fasteners and fabric during washing

Turn inside out: This helps clean the down more effectively and protects exterior details

Washing Machine Setup

Clean your machine first: Rinse out the detergent drawer to remove any residual powder or fabric softener that could damage the down

Place jacket in machine: Wash only one jacket at a time to give it plenty of room to move freely

Add detergent: Use approximately 1/3 cap of down-specific detergent (follow bottle instructions)

Important: Never use fabric softener - it will cause the feathers to clump and lose their insulating properties

Avoid regular household detergents as they can strip the water-resistant coating

Wash Cycle Settings

Temperature: Cold wash (maximum 30°C/86°F)

Cycle: Delicate, wool, or gentle cycle with minimal drum rotation

Spin: Gentle spin at 800 rpm maximum

Extra rinses: Run 2-3 additional rinse cycles to ensure all detergent is removed

The jacket will absorb water and become quite heavy during the wash - this is normal.

Drying Your CAYA Down Jacket

Proper drying is critical for restoring your jacket's loft and preventing mildew. Never air-dry a down jacket as this takes too long and promotes bacterial growth and odors.

Tumble Drying Process

Transfer carefully: When wet, down jackets are heavy. Cradle the jacket like a baby to avoid tearing seams or fabric

Add tennis balls or dryer balls: Place 4-5 tennis balls or dryer balls in the dryer with your jacket. These help break up clumps and restore the down's fluffiness

Set low heat: Use the lowest heat setting (30-60°C). High heat can melt synthetic materials and damage the fabric

Initial drying: Run the dryer for 20-30 minutes

Check and fluff: Every 20-30 minutes:

Remove the jacket

Gently shake it

Feel the baffles and carefully manipulate any clumped down with your fingers

Return to dryer

Continue drying: The process typically takes 2-4 hours total

Ensure complete dryness: This is crucial! Even if the outer fabric feels dry, the down inside may still be damp. When in doubt, dry for another 20-30 minutes

Final airing: Once fully dry, hang the jacket for several hours (or overnight) to allow it to reach full loft and air out completely

Signs Your Jacket Isn't Fully Dry

Jacket feels flat and not puffy

Down feels clumped together

Musty smell

Cold spots when wearing

If you notice these signs, return the jacket to the dryer immediately.

Hand Washing Alternative

If you don't have access to a front-loading washing machine, you can hand wash your CAYA jacket:

Fill a large bathtub or sink with lukewarm water

Add a small amount of down-specific detergent

Submerge the jacket and compress it to remove air

Gently push up and down to work in the suds

Let soak for 15-30 minutes

Drain and press (never wring) water out

Rinse repeatedly (at least 6 times) until water runs clear

Gently press out excess water

Place in washing machine for a gentle spin cycle only (to remove water)

Follow tumble drying instructions above

Important Don'ts

❌ Don't use fabric softener - it ruins the down ❌ Don't use top-loading washers with center agitators - they can damage the jacket ❌ Don't use high heat - it can melt materials and damage fabric ❌ Don't air dry - takes too long and promotes mildew ❌ Don't wring or twist the jacket when wet ❌ Don't wash more than twice per year - over-washing wears out the materials ❌ Don't store compressed long-term - keeps on a hanger instead

Storage Tips

When not wearing your CAYA down jacket:

Hang on a wide hanger or hook to maintain loft

Avoid compression - don't store in stuff sacks long-term

Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

Ensure completely dry before storage to prevent mildew

Quick Repairs

Escaping Feathers

If you notice feathers poking through the fabric:

Don't pull them out - this enlarges the hole

Push back in: Pinch the feather from underneath and pull it back inside the baffle

Massage the fabric: Roll the area between your fingers to close the hole naturally

Temporary fix: Use adhesive tape in the field

Permanent fix: Use McNett Tenacious Tape or similar repair patches at home

When to Seek Professional Cleaning

Consider professional cleaning if:

Your jacket's care label specifically requires it

The jacket has special materials beyond the down filling

You're uncomfortable washing it yourself

The jacket has extensive damage or very delicate details

Maintaining Water Resistance

If your CAYA jacket has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating, washing with down-specific detergents like Nikwax Down Wash Direct can help restore some water resistance. For additional protection, you can apply a DWR treatment after washing, following the product instructions.

Final Tips

Wash only when necessary - typically 1-2 times per year

Be patient with drying - rushing this step causes problems

Check frequently during drying to break up clumps

Don't compress unless traveling - proper storage maintains loft

Your CAYA jacket is an investment - proper care ensures it lasts for many Norwegian winters

By following this guide, your CAYA Norway down jacket will maintain its warmth, comfort, and distinctive style for years to come. The combination of quality Norwegian craftsmanship and proper care will ensure your jacket remains a reliable companion through all your cold-weather adventures.