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Posted by timmarcella on December 24, 2007 at 10:41:58 am EST
In reply to Cleaning an Older Down Bag posted by mmmthmtskier on December 15, 2007 at 5:21:37 am EST

Having worked in a few different outdoor retail stores I get this question alot. Down can be washed successfully if a few rules are followed.

1. always wash in a front loading machine (agitators tear baffles) on a low water setting with a NON-DETERGENT. Nikwax down wash is great. Detergent draws water into fabrics and breaks down any DWR on the nylon.

2. Dry on air setting only (or line dry, prefered). The hot plate in a dryer, even on a low setting can burn the nylon. To increase loft you can place a CLEAN tennis ball in the dryer for a few minutes at the end of the drying cycle.

3. As for people telling you not to wash it, this can harm the bag. A clean down bag with loft more and insulate better. Grease and oils from sweat can cause the down to be weighed down or stick together. But as will all your outdoor gear follow care instructions carefully and when in doubt ask the manufacturer.

TIP: Make sure to store down products (bags, jackets, pants) in a cool dry place, and never compressed.
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