What do the washing instructions say??
I have a mountain equipment down jacket and hand wash mine using nikwax, wrap it in a towel to soak excess moisture then dry flat. Like new each time.

Hi Ruth, basically to wash using g NikWax down wash but they recommend cleaning by Rab. They would wouldn't they! Just seeking some reassurance really. I think I'll try NikWax if you're happy.

I would definitely not wash it in the machine.

I've got a Berghous 3 in 1 ridgemaster. Straight in the washer with a tech wash. Then back in with the wash in using Nik.direct wash in. Crucial to dry using applied heat to bond the DWR. Just popped it in the dryer.
A week later massive rain storm on the Norfolk coastal path. I was a dry as a bone.
Hope that helps.But l suspect with DWR this has to be applied on a regular basis.

Sorry but what is DWR?

DWR = durable water repellent
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durable_water_repellent

Incidentally, dwr (with a circumflex accent over the 'w') means water in Welsh!

Can't remember what I used a few years ago when I wanted to wash my down jacket and trousers but I think it was a Nikwax product. (You can always ask in an Outdoors shop.) I think I washed by hand in the bath but may have used a quick and gentle wash in the machine. Whichever it was it worked a treat though. (Both garments looked AND SMELLED so good afterwards) You definitely don't need to send your jacket back to the manufacturer for cleaning!

Generally don't clean it unless it is muddy. The down tends to clump together after washing, eliminating the warm air capture, and making it less effective. I believe a slow tumble dry is recommended on low heat to prevent the clumping. Do lots of research before attempting is my view and I simply never bother even with sleeping bags, that's why I have a liner so I can wash that.

Hello Rachel,
I have washed many down items over the years.
If done carefully and properly it rejuvenates the item.

Special care has to be taken when there is a lot of down because it gets heavy and puts a great deal of strain on fabrics and seams.
I usually soak items in the bath with down wash and warm, not hot water.
If there are heavily soiled parts such as neck and cuffs on jackets then I use neat down wash and rub it in carefully.

I carefully move the item around to get the down wash all the way through. Once I am satisfied that liquid is all the way through I gently lift and squeeze out excess water lifting the item into a bucket or large washing bowl.
Then into the washing machine with as much of water and down wash rescued and poured in. An appropriate program, without a high temperature (30 or 40 depending on what your item says) and low or no spin. I do sometimes remove the items with lots of down and remove excess water by hand before putting back in the machine for a 400 spin.

some washing machines have load sensing and build up the speed gradually which works quite well.

the washing is fairly easy, drying can take more effort.

I always leave to drip first. Sleeping bags are put horizontal on a washing lime rather than hanging down.
I check after a while and squeeze the water that has collected on the lower edges.
Once the liquid is out it goes in the dryer, low heat setting.
I keep checking and fluffing up.
really important to do this, but done well it really will be as good as when it was filled in the factory.

Proofing down.
Some items need Down Proof to add water repellancy.
If this is required I remove from the machine after washing (Before drying) and soak the item in Down Proof, occasionally moving it to ensure the proofer is evenly distributed.
Then back in the washer and repeat as per the washing and drying cycle above.
I use a similar system for Waterproof items, always soaking them first because otherwise the water and products dont penetrate properly.

Hope that gives you some food for thought.
Nothing worse than smelly down..

I just sent my down sleeping bag away to be cleaned! Guess that makes me lazy but it was so easy.

Maz. Probably for the best.
Just remind me again..
How does one burn a boiled egg?��