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How to wash your down jacket or sleeping bag

Nerisha Lakha |

Nikwax Down Wash Direct has been specifically designed and optimized for down filled gear. It is a highly effective cleaner which removes body oils and dirt from both the fabric and the down fill. It also restores the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) of both the outer fabric and the down. This protects against rain and condensation, preventing the item from wetting out and maintaining the natural insulating properties of down. Additionally it revives breathability, allowing moisture vapor to pass through the item, optimizing performance in cold and damp conditions.

Nikwax Down Wash Direct prolongs the effective life of your down gear. It is the safe way to thoroughly clean your down clothing and equipment. Application in a washing machine is quick, easy, and ensures that the whole item is thoroughly cleaned.


Use Nikwax Down Wash.Direct® in a washing machine…

IMPORTANT: Use undiluted Nikwax Down Wash Direct to treat stubborn stains before washing. Remove all non-washable parts. Shake well before use. Follow item care label instructions. Do not use conventional detergents.

Clothing: 

  1. Remove all detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser.
  2. Place maximum of 1 garment in washing machine.
  3. Add 100ml.
  4. Run a 30°C synthetic cycle on a slow spin, with an extra rinse if possible.

Sleeping Bags* (8kg+ washing machine):

  1. Remove all detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser.
  2. Place maximum of 1 item in washing machine.
  3. Add 100ml for 8-11kg machines. For 12kg machines use 250ml, for larger 25kg+ machines use 500ml.
  4.  Run a 30°C synthetic cycle on a slow spin, with an extra rinse if possible.

Drying: Do not dry before waterproofing. If care label allows, tumble dry according to manufacturers instructions on a low setting until “clumps” have disappeared. This may take multiple drying cycles. Teasing apart clumps by hand between drying cycles will help restore the loft more quickly.

*Sleeping bags and very large jackets are best hand washed in a bathtub or equivalent, or washed in a large professional machine at a laundromat.

Hand Wash Icon
Nikwax Down Wash.Direct® can also be applied by hand…

IMPORTANT: Use undiluted Nikwax Down Wash.Direct® to treat stubborn stains before washing. Remove all non-washable parts. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions. Do not use conventional detergents. Use gloves. Sleeping bags and very large jackets are best hand washed in a bath or equivalent and then spin dried in a washing machine.

  1. For a maximum of 1 item: Add 100ml to 12-15L of warm water.
  2. Immerse item and agitate to mix, ensuring complete wetting.
  3. Leave to soak for 5 minutes, then agitate thoroughly.
  4. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
  5. To remove excess water transfer item(s) to a washing machine and spin dry 3 times (slow spin)

Drying: Do not dry before waterproofing. If care label allows, tumble dry according to manufacturers instructions on a low setting until “clumps” have disappeared. This may take multiple drying cycles. Teasing apart clumps by hand between drying cycles will help restore the loft more quickly.