Insulation Care Guide
The right insulated jacket is one of the best investments you can make, and if properly cared for, will accompany you on adventures for many years. Preserving and restoring your insulation's warmth and water repellency requires a few different steps, but remember to always check your item's care label for any specific instructions.
How To Wash A Down Jacket
Caring for down can be complicated! This step-by -step guide explains how to wash a down jacket, as well as dry and reproof it afterwards.
Washing Your Down Jacket
We highly recommend having down jackets and sleeping bags professionally cleaned, as it is a very technical process which can ruin the garment if done incorrectly.
However, if you do wish to wash your jacket at home, always check the care label to make sure you wash it at the right temperature. Use Nikwax Down Wash or a similar product designed specifically for down jackets.
Drying Your Down Jacket
The best way to dry down is in a tumble dryer. Always check the care label of your jacket for guidance on heat settings.
Every 20-30 minutes, check your jacket by removing it from the dryer, shaking it out and pulling the clusters apart. Ensure it is totally dry to avoid any clumps, then air it out for a few days.
An easy mistake to make is tumble drying your down jacket until the outer fabric is dry, assuming that the down clusters inside are also dry. When down gets wet, the clusters collapse and form clumps, and if left to dry like this the jacket will be rendered useless and will need to be replaced.
Store your jacket uncompressed and do your very best to keep it dry - always bring a waterproof shell with you to protect your jacket in the event of rain.
How To Wash A Synthetic Jacket
Synthetic jackets require a slightly simpler process and can be treated more like regular clothing. However, always check the care label for instructions.
Washing Synthetic Insulation
To machine wash your synthetic insulated jacket at home, check the care label to ensure you set the right temperature on the washing machine and use a non-bio detergent with no added fabric softener.
Drying Synthetic Insulation
Like down jackets, synthetic jackets are best dried in the tumble dryer. Always check the care label for guidance on heat settings, and regularly check the itm by taking it out and shaking it. Ensure the garment is totally dry, then air out for a few days.
Durable Water Repellency
To replace DWR (durable water-repellency), repeat these washing steps using Nikwax TX Direct wash-in treatment. Doing this will revive your jacket’s water repellency and improve breathability.
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