Winter has arrived, and with it comes the annual migration of puffer jackets from the back of the wardrobe to pride of place by the front door. The humble puffer is a non-negotiable winter staple for many of us—lightweight, toasty, and perfect for everything from a brisk morning walk to a quick dash to the shops.
But as much as we love these jackets’ warmth and comfort, there’s one cold, hard truth: cleaning them is a nightmare.
Let’s be honest—when did you last wash your puffer jacket? If you’re like most Australians, you probably avoid it for as long as possible.
And when you finally do bite the bullet, you’re left scratching your head, wondering: ‘Can I chuck this in the washing machine? Or will it come out looking like a sad, deflated pancake?’
The confusion is real. Despite a sturdy, machine-washable exterior, most puffer jackets are a little more high-maintenance than they let on. The fear of ruining that precious puffiness is enough to make anyone hesitate.
And while the temptation to take the easy route and toss it in with the rest of your laundry is strong, experts warn that this mistake could cost you your favourite winter warmer.
So, how should you clean your puffer jacket to keep it looking (and feeling) as good as new?
Enter home organising expert Anita Birges, who made it her mission to demystify the process and save us all from puffer jacket disasters.
Step 1: Read the label
Before you do anything, snap a quick photo of the care label inside your jacket. It might seem overkill, but those tiny symbols are there for a reason. Most puffer jackets recommend hand washing, and ignoring this advice is a fast track to a flat, lumpy mess.
Step 2: The gentle soak
Birges recommends using a laundry soaking tub (like the Australian-invented Strucket, but any large tub will do). Fill it with warm water and a gentle detergent, then submerge your jacket.
Give it a gentle swish to help the detergent work its magic, then let it soak for a while. This helps lift out dirt and oils without damaging the delicate filling.
Step 3: Rinse and repeat
Once your jacket has been thoroughly soaked, rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Be gentle—wringing or twisting can damage the filling and seams.
Instead, gently press the jacket between towels to press out excess water.
Step 4: Drying
Here’s where most of us go wrong. Hanging your puffer jacket on the line or over a heater might seem logical, but it can cause the filling to clump and lose shape.
Instead, lay your jacket flat on a clothes horse or drying rack, reshaping it as you go. This helps it dry evenly and keeps the filling distributed.
Step 5: The secret to restoring puffiness
Now for the magic trick: once your jacket is dry, pop it in the dryer on a low heat setting, with a clean, dry towel and two tennis balls. The tennis balls bounce around, fluffing up the filling and restoring that signature puffy look.
Just a short cycle is all it takes, and your jacket will look (and smell) like new.
Puffer jackets are an investment, and they can last for years with some care. However, washing them the wrong way can ruin the insulation, cause clumping, and leave you with a jacket that’s more limp than luxe.
By following these simple steps, you’ll keep your puffer in top condition—and save yourself the cost (and heartbreak) of a premature replacement.
Do you have a tried-and-true method for keeping your puffer jacket tip-top shape? Or have you had a laundry disaster you’d rather forget? Share your tips, tricks, and cautionary tales in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Also read: Coles slashes prices on winter essentials—how much will you save?
