How to wash down-filled gear the right way

Posted by Evan Haussmann on 30 August 2012
In a follow-up to the article on taking care of Down gear in the August issue of Getaway mag here are some tips on cleaning your own gear. This advice comes directly from the techincal clothing department of Cape Union Mart and K-Way team via Stevie Hector.
Thanks Stevie and the K-Way team.
Don’t dry clean! 
Dry cleaning isn’t appropriate for sleeping bags, especially down-filled bags. The solvents used in dry cleaning can strip the natural oils that help down retain its loft. Solvents are also very difficult to remove even from synthetically insulated gear.
It’s better to wash your bag yourself, using a gentle, non-detergent soap such as Nikwax Down Wash 2.0, which is made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items.
 
Washing 
For down bags, hand washing in a bathtub works best.
  • Fill the tub with warm water and add the soap. Gently work the soap into the bag, then allow to soak for 15 minutes.
  • Drain the tub and press out any remaining water.
  • Rinse with cold water, gently working out the soap. Leave the bag for 15 minutes and drain. Press out any remaining water.
  • Repeat the rinse until all the soap is removed.
It’s also possible, (according to some bag manufacturers) to machine-wash a downbag, as long as a front-loading washer is used – never use an agitator-style machine as the motion can damage stitching and insulation. Make sure to wash on the gentle cycle in cool water with adown soap.
 
Drying
Air-drying, preferably on a hot day, is safest but takes longest.
  • During the drying process it’s recommended you use a smooth, flat stick or an old tennis racket to gently spread the down along the channels of the sleeping bag every 20 minutes in a light, banging action (use a flat hand on a down jacket).
  • Repeat until all the down feels dry, well spread out and lump free.
 
If you tumble dry your bag, use very low heat or even better, a no-heat setting and keep an eye on it. Dryers have varying heat outputs, so you need to check periodically to ensure the shell and insulation aren’t overheating, which can melt the fabric. Add a couple of clean tennis balls when the bag is nearly dry to help break up any clumps of insulation and restore the loft.

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