Down filled items are used to provide lightweight insulation to keep you warm. The structure of down allows air to be trapped between its filaments and warmed by body heat to provide insulation for the user.

Through use, dirt and body oils build up on down items. This effects both the fabric and the down fill. Dirt attracts water; if the fabric absorbs water, rain and condensation can easily transfer into the down. If down gets wet it clumps together. This causes it to lose loft and insulation as it can’t trap air effectively. When wet, down loses all of its insulating properties, as water conducts heat away from the body up to 25 times faster than air. It will also gain weight and its breathability will be significantly reduced; leaving you feeling cold, wet and uncomfortable.

Down filled items are most likely to get sweaty and wet inside when used in damp or wet conditions. Therefore it is important to stop down filled gear from getting wet by maintaining Durable Water Repellency (DWR). The outer fabric of your down filled item, as well as the down inside, must be maintained to ensure comfort. Nikwax Down Wash Direct will revitalize the insulation and restore DWR.

Down is ideal for very cold and dry conditions…

Down has exceptional insulating properties, trapping air between its filaments to keep you warm. No other product offers so much insulation for so little weight and bulk. It’s ideal for sleeping bags, jackets, vests and down clothing in general.

Water, whether it is rain or condensation from sweat, compromises the insulating properties of down. If down gets wet it loses all of its insulating capacity and also causes weight gain. This reduces the comfort of the user, causing them to feel cold and wet, but more importantly the reduction in insulation is dangerous and in severe cases can lead to hypothermia. When wet, down loses all of its insulating properties, as water conducts heat away from the body up to 25 times faster than air.

Nikwax Down Wash Direct revitalizes insulation and the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) of both the outer fabric and down fill.

Treating your down with Nikwax Down Proof™ adds Durable Water Repellency (DWR) to both the outer fabric and the down fill. This prevents water absorption whilst maintaining insulation and breathability, keeping you warm, dry and comfortable.

Cleaning properly can be as important as waterproofing…

Using the right cleaning product is as important as using the right waterproofing product. Conventional detergents leave behind a thin water-absorbent film on materials, which masks their Durable Water Repellency (DWR) and can harm the down fill. Therefore, always clean your down items with Nikwax Down Wash.Direct. Remember that dirt itself works against DWR, so regular cleaning will enhance performance.

How Nikwax Down Proof™ protects…

Nikwax Down Proof™ has been specifically designed and optimized for down filled gear. It adds Durable Water Repellency (DWR), which protects against rain and condensation, improving the natural insulating properties of down.

Nikwax Down Proof™ prolongs the effective life of your down gear. It leaves a flexible water repellent treatment on individual down filaments and fabric fibers allowing moisture vapor to pass through, maintaining breathability and optimizing performance in cold and damp conditions.

Use Nikwax Down Wash.Direct in a washing machine…

Shake bottle before use. Do not use conventional detergents. Use undiluted Down Wash.Direct to treat stubborn stains before washing. Remove all non-washable parts.

Front Loading Machine Wash:

Clothing:

1. Remove all detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser.
2. Place maximum of 2 garments in washing machine.
3. Add 3.5fl oz/100ml.
4. Select a normal cycle using warm/cold water, slow spin and extra rinse if possible.

Industrial, laundromat size machine:

Sleeping bags:

1. Remove all detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser.
2. Place maximum of 1 item in washing machine.
3. Select a normal cycle using warm/cold water, slow spin and extra rinse if possible.
4. For 26lb/12kg machines use 8.5fl oz/250ml, for larger 55lb/25kg machines use 17fl oz/500ml.

Hand Wash (use gloves):

1. For 1 item: Add 3.5fl oz/100ml to 3-4gal/12-15L of warm water.
2. Immerse item and agitate to mix, ensuring complete wetting.
3. Leave to soak for 5-10 minutes, then agitate thoroughly.
4. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.

Drying: Slow spin dry multiple times. Dry on air only, or low heat setting. Teasing apart clumps repeatedly during drying process will help restore loft to the down.

Use Nikwax Down Proof™ in a washing machine…

IMPORTANT: Shake bottle before use. Conventional detergent can damage water repellency. Always clean item(s) with Nikwax® Down Wash.Direct in a separate wash cycle.

Front Loading Machine Wash:

Clothing:

1. Remove all detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser.
2. Place maximum of 2 garments in washing machine.
3. Select a normal cycle using warm/cold water, slow spin and extra rinse if possible.
4. Add 5fl oz/150ml.

Industrial, laundromat size machine:

Sleeping bags:

1. Remove all detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser.
2. Place maximum of 1 item in washing machine.
3. Select a normal cycle using warm/cold water, slow spin and extra rinse if possible.
4. Use 5fl oz/150ml for 1 season bags (1lb 12oz – 2lb 8oz); 10fl oz/300ml for 2-3 season bags (2lb 8oz – 4lb 8oz); 17fl oz/500ml for 4 season bags (4lb 8oz – 5lb 8oz).

Hand Wash (use gloves):

Clothing:

1. For 1 item – use 5fl oz/150ml in 2gal/7.5L of water. 2 items – use 10fl oz/300ml in 3-4gal/12-15L of water.
2. Immerse clean item(s) in warm water in a laundry tub or sink and agitate to mix, ensuring complete wetting.
3. Rinse in cold water until water runs clear.

Sleeping bags:

1. For 1 item – use 10fl oz/300ml in 3-4gal/12-15L of water.
2. Agitate to mix, leave to soak for 5-10 minutes, then agitate thoroughly.
3. Rinse in cold water until water runs clear. Repeat process, drain and gently press bag to expel excess water.

Drying:

Slow spin dry multiple times. Dry on air only, or low heat setting. Teasing apart clumps repeatedly during drying process will help restore loft to the down.