Washing
Instructions
Caring for and repairing worn or damaged garments is one of the best investments you can make – for both your wallet and the planet. It not only extends the life of your clothing but also reduces the need for new production, helping to lower the overall environmental footprint.
This is a guide to how you best wash and re-impregnate shell and down garments.
To maintain the performance of your technical garments, it’s important to wash and reproof them regularly. Dirt, sweat and salt can clog the fabric, reducing water repellency, breathability and insulation over time.
Just like your shell layers, down garments also need proper washing and waterproofing. A lightweight down piece worn during intense activity will usually require more frequent cleaning than a heavier parka.
Always follow the care instructions on your garment’s label to ensure longevity and maintain warranty coverage. The process is straightforward, but we’ve also outlined detailed guidelines below on how to wash and care for both shell and down garments.
Proper care will help your gear perform at its best – and last for many seasons to come.
Gore-Tex &
Shell Garments
1. Preparation
Read the washing instructions on your garment’s care label.
Empty all pockets, and close all zippers and Velcro fasteners.
2. Washing
Select a gentle wash programme at a low temperature (40°C / 105°F) and with a low spin cycle. Rinse twice if possible.
Use a small amount of technical liquid detergent – we recommend Nikwax® Tech Wash, which also helps reactivate the DWR treatment.
Never use powder detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers or bleach, as these can damage the fabric or membrane.
Wash with other technical garments, avoiding heavily soiled items and without overloading the machine.
3. Drying
Hang-dry your garment or tumble dry on a gentle, warm cycle. Avoid high heat.
Once dry, tumble dry again for around 20 minutes to reactivate the DWR treatment. You can repeat this process whenever water repellency begins to fade.
4. Re-Apply DWR
The membrane itself will not be damaged or start leaking from wear or washing, but the DWR treatment on the outer fabric will gradually wear off – usually after 4–5 washes or periods of heavy use. You’ll notice this when the surface begins to absorb water instead of letting it bead off.
If this happens, wash the garment again using a waterproofing wash-in liquid, or apply a spray-on treatment to a damp or wet garment.
We recommend PFC-free Nikwax® TX.Direct or OrganoTex® products.
Finish by tumble drying gently or hanging the garment in a warm, ventilated place until completely dry.
Down & Insulated
Garments
1. Preparation
Read the washing instructions on your garment’s care label.
Empty all pockets, and close all zippers and Velcro fasteners.
2. Washing
Choose the gentlest wash programme, with a low temperature and a low spin cycle – many machines have a specific setting for down.
Use a specialised liquid detergent such as Nikwax® Down Wash or OrganoTex® Wool & Down Wash, which helps preserve the down’s natural oils. Never use powder detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers or bleach, as these can damage the filling and fabric.
Wash separately or with other down garments, avoiding heavily soiled items and without overloading the machine.
3. Drying
Drying a down jacket takes time, and it’s important not to rush the process with excessive heat.
Hang-dry your garment or tumble dry it on a gentle, low-heat, low-spin setting. Remove it periodically to loosen any clumped down and redistribute the filling by hand or with a gentle shake. You can add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help break up clumps, though this step isn’t essential.
The outer fabric will dry much faster than the down, so avoid using your dryer’s auto-stop feature and continue until the jacket is completely dry.
4. Re-Apply DWR
If the water repellency needs a boost – usually after 4–5 washes or periods of heavy use – wash the garment again using a waterproofing wash-in treatment made for down products, or apply a similar spray while the garment is still damp.
We recommend Nikwax® Down Proof or OrganoTex® Wool & Down Wash.
Finish by tumble drying on low heat or hang drying in a warm, ventilated place until completely dry.
Professional cleaning and re-proofing service
If you don't feel comfortable washing ad re-proofing your garments by yourself, you can use a professional service like the one from our partner online-impraegnierung.de