Award-winning Nikwax Down Wash Direct keeps your gear fresh and clean, without affecting performance.
Down Wash Direct is specifically formulated for hydrophobic or regular down-filled clothing, Conventional detergents can affect the water-resistant properties of your coats or sleeping bags, which is why we recommend using Nikwax. It's water-based, non-flammable, and doesn't use solvents or fluorocarbons.
Regular use of sleeping bags and coats inevitably results in a build up of particles of dust and body oils on the fabric and down. As dirt attracts water, your gear becomes less water-resistant over time, and damp gear doesn't keep you as warm.
A simple wash with Down Wash Direct can revive the water-resistant properties of newly acquired items, and regular reproofing with Nikwax Down Proof will prolong the life of your gear.
Sleeping bags and very large jackets are best hand washed in a bath or equivalent and then spin dried in a washing machine.
Machine Wash instructions (for down clothing only):
- Shake the bottle before use.
- Apply neat Down Wash Direct on any stubborn stains before washing. Remove all non-washable parts.
- Make sure you scrape out all the soapy residue from the detergent dispenser.
- Wash 2 items max at a time.
- Add 100 ml of Down Wash Direct.
- Follow the washing instructions on the care label, preferably on low setting and slow spin.
- After the washing cycle has finished, spin-dry your item/s, starting slow and then on each spin increasing the speed, to remove excess water.
- NB Sleeping bags should be hand-washed (in the bath), or washed in a professional machine).
Hand-washing instructions (best for sleeping bags)
- Shake the bottle before use.
- Apply neat Down Wash Direct on any stubborn stains before washing. Remove all non-washable parts.
- Read and follow the care label instructions.
- When hand washing, use gloves.
- Add 100 ml Nikwax Down Wash Direct per 12-15 litres of hand-hot water.
- Make sure the item is fully under water, and give it a proper scoosh to make sure it's completely soaked.
- Leave to soak for 5-10 minutes, then give it another scoosh.
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
- To dry, transfer to a washing machine and spin-dry your item/s, starting slow and then on each spin increasing the speed, to remove excess water.
Now put the proofing in there with Down Proof.