How to Wash a Rab Down Jacket
Knowing how to wash a Rab down jacket properly is essential if you want it to continue offering warmth, comfort, and dependable performance season after season. Rab jackets are trusted by walkers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts for good reason. They are carefully engineered, thoughtfully filled, and built to handle demanding conditions. Looking after them correctly helps protect that investment.
At John Norris, we often hear questions about washing down insulation, particularly when mud, sweat, or everyday wear begins to show. This guide explains how to wash a Rab down jacket at home using trusted methods approved by Rab themselves. With a little care and patience, your jacket can look and feel ready for the outdoors once again.
Why Proper Rab Jacket Care Matters
A Rab down jacket relies on loft to trap warmth. Over time, dirt and body oils can cause down to clump, reducing insulation and comfort. Washing restores that loft, improves breathability, and keeps the jacket feeling lighter and more comfortable to wear.
Good Rab jacket care also helps protect the outer fabric and internal baffles, extending the lifespan of your jacket and keeping it ready for cold weather walks, hill days, and winter layering.
What You Need Before You Start
Before learning how to wash a Rab down jacket, it helps to have everything ready.
You will need:
• A washing machine with a gentle cycle
• A non-biological detergent or a technical down specific wash
• Clean tennis balls or tumble dryer balls
• Access to a tumble dryer
• Time and patience
Avoid fabric softeners and standard biological detergents as these can damage down and outer coatings.
When to Wash Your Rab Down Jacket
A Rab jacket does not need frequent washing. Clean it when:
• Loft looks reduced
• The jacket feels heavier
• Dirt or odour is noticeable
• Performance begins to drop
Less frequent washing helps preserve the down and fabric. Rab recommends washing your jacket once a season.
How to Wash a Rab Down Jacket Step by Step
Following Rab’s official guidance ensures the best results when learning how to clean a Rab down jacket.
1. Prepare the Washing Machine
Rinse your washing machine before use. Detergent residue and fabric softeners can harm down insulation. Clean the detergent drawer and run one or two rinse cycles.
2. Prepare the Jacket
Empty all pockets and close every zip. Turn the jacket inside out to protect fasteners and allow the down to wash evenly.
3. Load the Machine
Place one jacket in the machine. Washing a single item prevents unnecessary stress on seams and baffles.
4. Add the Detergent
Use a small amount of non-biological detergent or a technical down wash. Add it directly to the detergent drawer.
5. Select the Wash Cycle
Wash on a cool setting using a long, gentle cycle. This allows the down to clean thoroughly without damage.
6. Rinse Thoroughly
Run an extra rinse cycle if possible. Removing all detergent is key to maintaining loft.
7. Spin Carefully
Spin the jacket to remove excess water. Once complete, lift the jacket carefully. Support the weight to avoid strain on internal compartments. A bath towel can help here.
Drying Your Rab Down Jacket Correctly
Drying is just as important as washing when learning how to wash a Rab down jacket.
1. Tumble Dry on Low to Mid Heat
Place the jacket straight into the tumble dryer. Do not leave it damp for extended periods.
2. Restore the Loft
Every 20 to 30 minutes, remove the jacket, gently shake it, and pat the baffles to redistribute the down. Adding clean tennis balls or dryer balls helps break up clumps.
3. Be Patient
Drying can take between three and five hours. The outer fabric may feel dry before the down inside. Continue drying until the jacket feels light and evenly puffy.
4. Final Airing
Once dry, hang the jacket and allow it to air for a couple of days before wearing.
Can You Wash Other Rab Jackets the Same Way?
Down jackets require different care compared to shells.
• A Rab waterproof jacket should not be washed with down detergent. Use a technical wash designed for waterproof fabrics.
• Always check the care label before washing any Rab jacket.
• Never dry a waterproof shell with tennis balls.
Understanding the difference helps protect every layer in your outdoor wardrobe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When learning how to wash a Rab down jacket, avoid these common errors:
• Using fabric softener
• Washing with other heavy garments
• Removing the jacket from the dryer too early
• Air drying only, which can cause clumping
• Storing the jacket damp
• Good Rab down jacket care is as much about drying as washing.
FAQs About Washing a Rab Down Jacket
Why is my down jacket clumping after washing?
Clumping usually means the jacket has not dried properly. Washing it again and gently redistributing the down before tumble drying can help restore the loft.
Can I hand wash a Rab down jacket?
Yes, but machine washing on a gentle cycle gives more consistent results.
Can you let a down jacket air dry?
Air drying is possible, but Rab advises using a tumble dryer to help the down spread evenly through the baffles. If air drying is your only option, regular shaking is essential to encourage loft. For added peace of mind, you can also send your jacket to us for a professional wash.
What detergent is best for down?
A standard non biological soap can be used, but a down specific wash such as Nikwax® Down Wash Direct is preferred. It cleans the down gently while helping maintain the water repellency of both the filling and outer fabric.
Can I wash my Rab jacket with other clothing?
No. Always wash down jackets on their own.
Understanding how to wash a Rab down jacket properly helps protect warmth, comfort, and performance for years to come. With gentle washing, careful drying, and a little patience, your jacket can continue supporting every outdoor moment ahead.
Explore our full Rab collection online or visit John Norris in-store for expert advice on jackets, layering, and ongoing care for outdoor clothing you can rely on.
