There's a right and a wrong way to wash a puffer jacket.

When was the last time you washed your or your family's puffer jackets? If the answer is never... it's okay, you're not alone. But it is probably something you should consider trying.

One of the reasons I think so many of us don't (myself included) is because they so easily lose their 'puff'. You know — that devastating moment when your once-fluffy puffy jacket comes out of the wash looking like a sad, flat pancake.

But according to organisation expert and queen of all domestic hacks Anita Birges — the founder of Mise En Place — there is one particular trick to keep the puff intact. And honestly, it's a game-changer.

Watch: Organisational expert Anita Birges on decluttering kids toys. Post continues below.

Here is her expert guide to washing a puffer jacket without losing the puff:

Step 1: Check the care label (and actually follow it).

"First things first, I take a photo of the label and then go back to my photos. You'll see under information, it says, laundry, hand wash only," Anita explained.

This step is crucial — many puffer jackets require handwashing rather than machine washing, which is often where we go wrong.

Step 2: Empty and prep.

Empty out all the pockets completely. You'd be surprised what you might find lurking in there from last winter!

Step 3: Set up your washing station.

Grab a large bucket and fill it about halfway with warm water. Add a small amount of gentle detergent — you don't need much. Bonus points if you have a 'strucket'. This is a bucket with a straining attachment (I also didn't know these existed).

Step 4: Soak and agitate.

Put the puffer jackets in the soapy water, give them a gentle agitate, and leave them to soak for one hour.

"When you see the dirty water after soaking you will see why you need to give them an annual wash," Anita notes. Trust us, it's eye-opening.

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly.

After soaking, rinse the jackets thoroughly with clean water until all the soap is gone. This might take a few rinses, but it's worth it.

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Step 6: Dry flat overnight

"Next, this is really important. You need to lay them down flat on a washing line to dry overnight," Anita emphasises.

Resist the urge to hang them up — laying them flat prevents the filling from clumping together.

Step 7: The magic puff-restoring trick

Here's where the magic happens: "To get the puffiness back into these puffer jackets and vests, I throw in two tennis balls and a dry towel and put the dryer on low heat, and you're basically done."

The tennis balls help break up any clumps in the filling and restore that coveted puffiness, while the dry towel helps absorb moisture.

The result?

"Then you can enjoy, touch and smell the cleanliness of these puffer jackets and puffer vests and be ready for winter and the rest of the year ahead," Anita says.

And honestly, there's something so satisfying about a freshly washed, properly puffy jacket. Your winter wardrobe (and your family) will thank you.

You can follow Anita Birges for more organisational ideas and hacks on Instagram @mise_en_place_aus.

Feature Image: Supplied.