How to care for your down

As with most high-quality outdoor gear, caring for down products correctly means that they will last longer and retain their properties. So here are a few tips to help you look after your down.

Cleaning

We recommend that all down filled products are professionally cleaned, however it is possible to clean your down items at home where necessary. Here are some simple guidelines.

To wash:

  • Hand wash down products in warm water
  • Use a soap solution Do not use detergent
  • Use a Nikwax wash to restrore water repellency
  • Rinse thoroughly to make sure no soap is still present
  • Squeeze out all excess water gently with your hands

To dry:

  • Down products can be most effectively dried in a tumble dryer
  • Always dry on a ‘cool’ setting
  • Check the product regularly, give it a gentle shake and turn it inside out
  • Make sure the product is completely dry to avoid damp clumps inside
  • Air the product for a few days before use

Note: Down does not perform well when damp or wet. Damp products should be aired until they are completely dry and if airing is not sufficient, the steps above should be taken to dry the product.

Storage

Store your down products uncompressed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If compressed or packed down small for travelling, the down will need to be gently shaken and manipulated to fluff it back up and restore the loft so that it will retain heat..

Nikwax Down Wash

Down Wash is the number one way to give your down jacket a new lease of life. Nikwax Down Wash has been specifically formulated to restore the loft and natural water-repellency of down garments and comforters.

Nikwax Down Proof

Down proofing is a wash-in solution which has been designed specifically to add waterproofing to down-filled clothing and gear. Using this treatments rivives water repellancy and breathability in your down products, helping them last longer and perform better.