Offering an unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio, down jackets are a staple in many outdoor enthusiasts’ wardrobes, as they keep you cosy and comfortable, whether hiking, camping, skiing, dog walking, and much more….
At Nikwax, we’re proud to partner with some premium outdoor brands – including Mammut®, Vaude®, BlackYak®, and Haglöfs®- who use our trusted Nikwax Direct.Dry® Down to power their high-performance down gear. Our PFAS-free hydrophobic down fill retains its loft and warmth even in wet conditions by absorbing 90% less water than untreated down, helping you stay outdoors and enjoy your adventures for longer!
© BlackYak
But did you know that both hydrophobic and untreated down-filled gear needs proper care to maintain its performance over time? To keep your gear in peak condition, season after season, starts with the right aftercare, and at Nikwax, aftercare is at the forefront of what we do. We’re passionate about helping you extend the life of your outdoor essentials, and our down aftercare has been expertly created to look after down filled garments and gear – plus, it’s very easy to use!
Whether you’re already relying on down to keep you warm or are planning to invest in new kit, caring for your gear is crucial to ensure it stays functional, performs, and is ready for every adventure.
Follow these simple steps to prep your down jacket for colder weather…
1. Prepare the jacket
Brush off loose mud or dirt.
Remove detergent build-up from the washing machine drawer; standard biological detergent can harm the natural properties of down.
2. Clean
Check the care label on your jacket for its washing instructions and wash just one down jacket at a time.
Add 100ml of Down Wash – our high-performance cleaner – to your detergent drawer and start the cycle.
Down Wash protects the natural properties of down whilst also reviving breathability, allowing moisture vapour to pass through the garment.
3. Proof
Once the cleaning cycle has ended, add 150ml of Down Proof to the detergent drawer and run the cycle again.
Down Proof adds water repellency to both the down fill and outer fabric of your down jacket, protecting against rain and condensation whilst enhancing the natural properties of down.
4. Rinse & Spin
After the proofing cycle, run a rinse and then spin! It is best to spin the jacket multiple times to get as much water out of the garment as possible, starting with a slow spin and then increasing the speed.
5. Dry
When the bulk of the water is removed, it is now crucial to dry it thoroughly, and as quickly as possible, to rejuvenate the down filling and loft.
If you can, we recommend tumble drying your jacket on a low setting. Adding a drier ball (or tennis ball!) will help break up clumps of wet down. Note: Down Proof does not require heat for activation so you can also air-dry your jacket.
Regularly check your jacket during the drying process to help tease apart clumps that you can see or feel and repeat this until your garment is fully dry and lump-free.
© Mammut
6. You’re set for the outdoors!
Once drying is complete, your jacket is ready to protect you in the cold, keeping you dry and comfortable for longer during winter adventures.
Climate action update – we have reduced the carbon footprint of Down Wash by 40%!
Our powerful, water-based cleaner for all natural and synthetic down filled gear is now even safer for the environment.
- Brand new, more effective soap formula = even better cleaning results = less washing needed
- Significant reduction in energy consumption during manufacture
- Bottle and cap made from 100% post-consumer recycled and recyclable plastic.
Header image: © Mammut