Washing down jackets, such as this Berghaus Furnace III, can be done safely

It’s getting nippy out there, as winter starts to take a grip on the UK.

So now’s the time to root out that down jacket that lurks at the back of the wardrobe all through the warmer months.

But what if it’s a bit, well, whiffy? Can you wash a down jacket and still rely on its insulating properties, without trashing its performance?

Help is at hand from leading brand Berghaus, who have a detailed, step-by-step guide to cleaning your expensive down jacket without ruining it.

Definite no-nos are ironing a down jacket and washing in biological detergent, and Berghaus points out that washing should be done sparingly, but you really don’t have to put up with an antisocial piece of foul-smelling kit.

Down jackets are never cheap items of outdoor clothing, so it’s important you follow the best advice to prolong their life.

The guide to cleaning down jackets, including those using hydrophobic filling, is on the Berghaus community web pages.