Nikwax | SKU: 191P12

Down Wash Technical Cleaner

€9⁵⁰

Volume

300 ml

Product variants

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Description

Speciality cleaner designed to revitalise the water repellency and insulating properties of down filled gear. Easy to use in your washing machine, non flammable and PFAS free.

For cleaning hydrophobic and regular down

New improved formula
Technical cleaner for both hydrophobic and regular down clothing and sleeping bags
Cleans effectively, revitalises insulation and restores the water repellency of hydrophobic down
Revives the performance of your down gear, keeping you warmer and drier
Recommended for Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, Hydrodown and all other down clothing and sleeping bags

Suitable for:

Down Jackets
Sleeping Bags

Specifications

Specs
Why Down Loses Its Warmth When Dirty
Down is prized for being light, compressible, and incredibly warm. Its insulating power comes from the way the fine filaments trap air, which your body heat then warms.
But through use, dirt and body oils build up on both the fabric and the down fill. Dirt attracts water, and if the fabric absorbs moisture, rain and condensation can seep into the down. When down gets wet, the filaments clump together and lose their loft. Without loft, down can’t trap air, meaning it loses all of its insulating properties.
Wet down also gains weight, breathes poorly, and conducts heat away from your body up to 25 times faster than air — leaving you cold, damp, and at risk of hypothermia in severe conditions.
Why Down Performs Best in Dry Conditions
Down offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any insulation, which is why it’s used in sleeping bags, jackets, vests, and expedition gear. But its weakness is water: even condensation from sweat can collapse insulation.
That’s why it’s essential to maintain Durable Water Repellency (DWR) on both the outer fabric and the down fill. Nikwax Down Wash Direct® safely cleans away contaminants, revitalises insulation, and restores water repellency.
When to Use Nikwax Down Wash Direct®
- If your down gear is dirty or soaking up water, first wash with Nikwax Down Wash Direct®. This removes dirt, sweat, and detergent residues that mask DWR.
- For newer or recently treated items, washing may be enough to restore water repellency.
- For heavily used gear, follow up with Nikwax Down Proof™ after washing to reapply DWR to both fabric and down fill.
Why Standard Detergents Don’t Work
Conventional detergents leave behind residues that attract water, causing down and fabrics to wet out. They can also reduce loft by redepositing dirt inside. This is why specialist care is essential. Nikwax Down Wash Direct® is formulated specifically for down gear, cleaning safely without residue, and restoring insulation and DWR.
How to Care for Your Down
- Washing: Use a gentle cycle with a slow spin. Wet down is heavy, so spin several times, increasing speed gradually to protect baffles.
- Rinsing: Make sure items are thoroughly rinsed.
- Drying: Tumble drying is strongly recommended (if the care label allows) to restore loft. Tease apart clumps throughout the process. Leaving down damp can permanently damage it.
- Air drying: After tumble drying, air the item in a warm, dry space for at least a day before storing.
How Nikwax Down Wash Direct® Works
- Safely removes dirt, sweat, and body oils from fabric and down fill.
- Restores DWR to both outer fabric and down filaments.
- Revitalises loft and breathability for maximum warmth and comfort.
- Optimised for down-filled jackets, sleeping bags, and vests.
- Easy to use in a washing machine for thorough cleaning.
Safe for You and the Environment
Like all Nikwax products, Down Wash Direct® is water-based, non-flammable, and PFAS-free. It’s safe for your gear, safe for you, and better for the outdoors.
Ideal for

Everyday

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How to use

Nikwax Down Wash Technical Cleaner

How to Use Nikwax Down Wash Direct®

Important: Use undiluted Down Wash Direct® to treat stubborn stains before washing. Remove all non-washable parts. Shake well before use. Follow the item care label. Do not use conventional detergents.

Machine Wash – Clothing

Remove any detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser.
Place a maximum of 1 garment in the washing machine.
Add 100ml.
Run a 30°C synthetic cycle on a slow spin, with an extra rinse if possible.

Machine Wash – Sleeping Bags (8kg+ washing machine)

Remove any detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser.
Place a maximum of 1 item in the washing machine.
Add 100ml for 8–11kg machines. For 12kg machines use 250ml, for 25kg+ machines use 500ml.
Run a 30°C synthetic cycle on a slow spin, with an extra rinse if possible.

*Sleeping bags and very large jackets are best hand washed in a bathtub or equivalent, or washed in a large professional machine at a laundromat.

Drying

Do not dry before waterproofing.
If the care label allows, tumble dry on a low setting according to the manufacturer’s instructions until all “clumps” have disappeared. This may take multiple drying cycles.
Tease apart clumps by hand between drying cycles to help restore loft more quickly.

Hand Wash

Important: Use undiluted Down Wash Direct® to treat stubborn stains before washing. Remove all non-washable parts. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions. Do not use conventional detergents. Wear gloves. Sleeping bags and very large jackets are best hand washed in a bath and then spin dried in a washing machine.

For a maximum of 1 item: add 100ml to 12–15L of warm water.
Immerse the item and agitate to mix, ensuring complete wetting.
Leave to soak for 5 minutes, then agitate thoroughly.
Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
To remove excess water, transfer to a washing machine and spin dry 3 times on a slow spin.

Drying After Hand Wash

Do not dry before waterproofing.
If the care label allows, tumble dry on a low setting according to the manufacturer’s instructions until “clumps” have disappeared. This may take multiple drying cycles.
Tease apart clumps by hand between drying cycles to help restore loft more quickly.

Nikwax

Nikwax has been the trusted name in waterproofing and aftercare since 1977, creating products that help your outdoor gear perform better and last longer. Their water-based, PFC-free treatments restore and improve the waterproofing of jackets, boots, tents and outdoor equipment, keeping you protected in wet weather without harming the environment.

From easy-to-use sprays for footwear to wash-in solutions for waterproof jackets, Nikwax products are simple, safe and highly effective. They not only refresh water-repellent finishes but also maintain breathability and extend the life of your kit, making them an essential part of any outdoor wardrobe.

Shop Nikwax online at 53 Degrees North with fast delivery across Ireland, or visit us in Carrickmines, Blanchardstown, Cork City Centre or Arnotts Dublin City Centre. For fast and convenient pickup, select Click & Collect at checkout.

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