Regular detergents can damage the natural properties of down. Cleaning with Down Wash Direct will clean down items and restore the durable water repellency (DWR) of hydrophobic down. Carefully read the washing instructions of Down Wash Direct for either machine wash or hand wash, for best results. If down gets wet it clumps together. This causes it to lose loft and insulation as it can’t trap air effectively. When wet, down loses its insulating properties, as water conducts heat away from the body up to 25 times faster than air. It will also gain weight and its breathability will be significantly reduced; leaving you feeling cold, wet and uncomfortable. If care label allows, tumble dry according to manufacturer's instructions on a low setting until 'clumps' have disappeared. Teasing apart clumps repeatedly during drying process will help restore loft to the down. Down filled items are used to provide lightweight insulation to keep you warm. The structure of down allows air to be trapped between its filaments and warmed by body heat to provide insulation for the user.

Many people can be nervous about washing down items, but cleaning them with the right product is important to maintain performance, and Nikwax has the perfect aftercare product for you to use! Alternative waterproofing products are often solvent-based aerosols; alternatively, they may be water-based and use fluorocarbons. Aerosol products are flammable. Fluorocarbons pose a potential risk to the environment and to the long-term health of the consumer. Rinse clothing in cold water until water runs clear. For sleeping bags repeat rinsing process, drain and gently press bag to expel water. Nikwax Down Wash Direct is the high performance technical cleaner specifically designed for both hydrophobic and regular down filled items. Easy to use, Down Wash Direct cleans effectively whilst restoring water repellency, maintaining fill power and reviving insulation.

For best results always clean item(s) first with Nikwax Down Wash.Direct ®. No need to dry item(s) before waterproofing. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions.

Additionally, alternative waterproofing products that are not designed specifically for the treatment of down items may compromise the loft properties of down. Often these are just surface treatments which will only treat the fabric and not the down fill. Your down gear could be soaking up water just because it is dirty. First, try cleaning it with Nikwax Down Wash Direct, and if it is fairly new, or recently re-waterproofed, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) will be revitalised just from cleaning. But, once the gear has been thoroughly used, you will need to add DWR, using Nikwax Down Proof™, after cleaning first with Nikwax Down Wash Direct. This will add DWR to the outer fabric of the gear and also the down fill. Down items need Nikwax Down Proof ™ to maintain insulation...Down filled items are most likely to get sweaty and wet inside when used in damp or wet conditions. Therefore it is important to stop down filled gear from getting wet by applying Durable Water Repellency (DWR). The outer fabric of your down filled item, as well as the down inside, must be maintained to ensure comfort. Through use it will eventually wear off and need to be renewed with Nikwax Down Proof ™. Down is ideal for very cold and dry conditions... To maintain waterproofing always wash with Nikwax Down Wash.Direct ®. Do not use detergents. Make sure to thoroughly dry your down filled gear… During the drying process tease apart the clumps regularly to restore loft to the down. Tennis/dryer balls can be used in the drying process to break up clumps.