Dirty down products can start to absorb water, simply because they are dirty. Start by cleaning your down product with Nikwax Down Wash™, and for new products, cleaning will be sufficient to maintain the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. However, for well-used down products, it's also recommended to use Nikwax Down Proof™ after cleaning with Nikwax Down Wash™ to maintain waterproofing. This adds DWR to both the fabric and the down fill.
For best results, first remove all non-washable parts, then wash with Nikwax Down Wash™. Drying between washing and waterproofing is not necessary. Shake the down fill well before use. Follow the washing instructions:
- Remove any soap residue from the detergent drawer.
- Place the garments in the machine.
- Use 150 ml per garment.
- Wash at 30°C.
To preserve the waterproofing, always wash with Nikwax Down Wash™ and do not use fabric softener.
To remove as much water from the down as possible, it’s best to spin the clothes several times, gradually increasing the spin speed each time. If the clothes are spun too quickly while they still contain large amounts of water, it could damage the internal chambers.
Nikwax Down Proof™ does not require heat to maintain the DWR effect. However, using a tumble dryer is recommended to ensure the down dries as quickly as possible. BRGN down jackets can be tumble dried at 60°C or shaken well and evenly after washing to ensure the down dries and settles evenly in the jacket again.
After washing/tumble drying, it is recommended to dry the jacket for at least one day in a warm and dry place before packing it away.