Before you start, check the pockets. Who knows, you might find snacks from your last trip. Close the main zipper, leave the zippers of the outer pockets open and turn the jacket or sleeping bag inside out. Loosen all drawcords and your product is almost ready to wash.

WHAT ELSE TO CHECK BEFORE WASHING?

• CLEAN THE DETERGENT DRAWER: Residues of liquid detergents and powders can damage down.

• CHECK THE WASHING MACHINE DRUM: Sharp edges can damage the delicate fabric. Slide your hand, wrapped in a thin pair of tights, along the inside of the drum. If anything snags, smooth it out before you wash.

• PRE SOAK THE PRODUCT: Modern washing machines adjust the water level to the weight of the load. Down products are light, so the machine may use too little water. Soak your jacket or sleeping bag in a bathtub, ideally fully submerged, and gently press it under the surface.

• REMOVE HEAVY STAINS: Gently rub them with a sponge and lukewarm soapy water. For greasy marks you can carefully use a small amount of white spirit or a specialist stain remover. Remember to shift the down away from the area you are cleaning.

• PAY ATTENTION TO MAXIMUM LOAD: A wet sleeping bag can weigh more than six kilograms, which may overload a home washing machine. For very thick models consider hand washing in a bathtub or using a professional laundry.

Now it is time to give the down a proper clean.

Set the washing machine to 30 °C and use a detergent designed for down products, for example Granger’s® Down Wash Cleaner is solid option. If your jacket or sleeping bag is filled with hydrophobic down, choose Nikwax® Down Wash Direct or another detergent designed for this type of fill.

REMEMBER!

• Regular detergents can damage the natural properties of down. It is better to avoid them completely.

• Select a gentle washing cycle with an extra rinse to remove any remaining detergent.

• If you are washing a sleeping bag, consider hand washing it in a bathtub with lukewarm water. Soak it completely, clean it gently and take your time to rinse it very thoroughly.

This is the last step and it is just as important. Put the jacket or sleeping bag in a tumble dryer set to a low temperature and add a few tennis balls. They help to break up the wet down and restore its loft.

REMEMBER, DRYING CAN TAKE SEVERAL HOURS:

• Stop the dryer from time to time and gently break up clumps of down with your open hand.

• You can also carefully separate compacted down with your fingers through the fabric. This helps it regain loft more quickly.

• If you do not have access to a dryer, lay the product flat in a warm and well ventilated place. Check regularly that the down does not form hard clumps. Gently tap each baffle with your open hand until the down is evenly distributed.

• Make sure that the down is completely dry before you store the product. Damp down loses its insulation properties.

• EVERY MORNING AIR YOUR SLEEPING BAG: even ten minutes in the sun or a light breeze will help moisture escape.

• USE A SLEEPING BAG LINER: it reduces dirt and extends the time between washes.

• SLEEP IN CLEAN CLOTHING: this limits sweat and oils transferring into the down.

• AVOID BREATHING INTO YOUR SLEEPING BAG: moisture from your breath can condense inside and make the down wet.

For your down sleeping bag or down jacket to serve you for as long as possible, look after it between trips as well:

• After each use, give it a good shake to remove dust and small particles.

• If it has been exposed to rain or sweat, let it dry completely.

• For jackets pay particular attention to the collar and cuffs, where sweat and sunscreen often build up.

• Clean the zippers regularly so that they keep working smoothly.

When you are not using your down gear, proper storage is essential:

• Keep your sleeping bag and jacket in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight.

• Avoid compressing them in tight stuff sacks. Use a breathable storage bag, like the one supplied with our sleeping bags, or hang the product on a hanger.

• Before long term storage, for example between seasons, make sure the product is completely dry and clean.

• Let the down breathe and it will insulate you well for many years.

Caring for down products may seem complicated at first, but with the right approach and a little patience it becomes an easy and satisfying routine. By looking after your gear, you give it a long life and you secure your own comfort on many future adventures.