How to Wash a North Face Jacket

Co-authored by Ayad Mirjan

Last Updated: October 30, 2024 References

North Face jackets, even waterproof ones, need not be taken to a dry cleaner. However, you'll want to protect your investment should you decide to self-launder a North Face product. There are effective home solutions available for washing and drying your North Face jacket, regardless of what material it is, without ruining its integrity.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Washing a Waterproof North Face Jacket

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Place the jacket in a front-loading washing machine on a low spin, double rinse cycle. Make sure all pockets are zipped up and all Velcro straps are fastened.^{[1]
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- Do not use a top-loading washing machine; the center agitator will cause damage to the jacket, particularly the pockets.^{[2]
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Only liquid detergent will do; powder detergents will damage the material, as will fabric softener and bleach.^{[3]
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Move the jacket to a tumble dryer on a low setting. Drying your jacket this way will help maintain the integrity of the DWR (Durable Waterproof Repellant) coating.^{[4]
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- If you prefer to air-dry your jacket, hanging it on a line is perfectly fine. If you wish to iron it, use a medium setting with no steam, and either a silicone protective cover or cloth.^{[5]
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- If your waterproof jacket is particularly worn and beginning to absorb water, it may be time to revive the DWR coating. Spray-on or wash-in products are readily available online and in stores.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning a Fleece North Face Jacket

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Secure all pockets and turn the jacket inside-out. Washing the jacket this way will help prevent “pilling,” or the balling up of lint, on the jacket.
- If you notice "pills" beginning to form, you can take a razor and gently scrape them off the exterior of the jacket.
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Place the jacket in a front-loading washing machine. Using a low-spin setting, wash the jacket in cold water, as fleece should cannot handle high heat.^{[6]
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- You can use either liquid or powder detergent on fleece, but fabric softeners and bleach are still advised against, as they may damage the material.^{[7]
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Make sure it is completely dry before you place it in your closet. Due to it’s inability to handle high temperatures, tumble-drying or ironing fleece is not advised.^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Washing and Drying a Down North Face Jacket

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Place the jacket in a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle. Top-loading machines with an agitator will likely damage the construction of the jacket.^{[9]
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Research source} For best results, repeat the rinse and spin cycles to help remove all soap residue.^{[11]
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- Make sure all pockets are emptied out and zipped up.
^{[12]
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The tennis balls will help prevent the down from forming clumps, which would ruin the jacket.^{[13]
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Inspect the jacket every 15-30 minutes to ensure no clumps are forming. Repeat this process for about 2-3 hours, or until the jacket is completely dry.^{[14]
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- If you notice that clumps are forming, smooth them out by hand before placing the jacket back in the dryer. If the clumps are left alone, you may have to wash the jacket again in order to re-distribute the material.
- It's best to wash a down jacket in a washing machine to ensure it gets clean.
- If you do not have a machine, you can wash it in a large tub or bathtub using a small amount of natural detergent.
- Lay it flat to dry. Be sure to fluff back up to avoid the down from sticking together.

Community Q&A

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Question

Will a top load washer really damage my North Face jacket?

Community Answer

Yes because it will ruin the fabric and make it all disheveled and if you don't have a front loader washer/dryer you should take it to a laundromat or handwash it in the sink/bath/shower wash the jacket with cold water.

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Question

What temperature can I use for a North Face jacket? Hot, cold, or warm?

Community Answer

It should always be washed in cold water, as hot or warm water will damage the material. Cold water is easiest for almost every clothing.

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Question

Can I use a fabric spray on a jacket to waterproof it?

Lina DaSilva

Top Answerer

Yes. Just be sure the jacket is clean before applying the spray and look for a waterproofing spray designed for outdoor or technical fabrics.

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