Nikwax Down Wash 2026

Nikwax Down Wash 2026

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

Features

• Technical cleaner for all types of down clothing and sleeping bags
• Cleans effectively, revitalizes insulation and restores the water repellency of outer fabrics and waterproof down fill
• Revives the performance of your down gear, keeping you warmer and drier
• Recommended for Nikwax Direct.Dry Down, Hydrodown™ and all other down clothing and sleeping bags

Why down items lose their insulating properties when they get dirty.. 

Down filled items are used to provide lightweight insulation to keep you warm. The structure of down allows air to be trapped between its filaments and warmed by body heat to provide insulation for the user.

Through use, dirt and body oils build up on down items. This effects both the fabric and the down fill. Dirt attracts water; if the fabric absorbs water, rain and condensation can easily transfer into the down. If down gets wet it clumps together. This causes it to lose loft and insulation as it can’t trap air effectively. When wet, down loses all of its insulating properties, as water conducts heat away from the body up to 25 times faster than air. It will also gain weight and its breathability will be significantly reduced; leaving you feeling cold, wet and uncomfortable.

Down filled items are most likely to get sweaty and wet inside when used in damp or wet conditions. Therefore it is important to stop down filled gear from getting wet by maintaining Durable Water Repellency (DWR). The outer fabric of your down filled item, as well as the down inside, must be maintained to ensure comfort. Nikwax Down Wash will revitalize the insulation and restore DWR.

Down is ideal for very cold and dry conditions…

Down has exceptional insulating properties, trapping air between its filaments to keep you warm. No other product offers so much insulation for so little weight and bulk. It’s ideal for sleeping bags, jackets, vests and down clothing in general.

Water, whether it is rain or condensation from sweat, compromises the insulating properties of down. If down gets wet it loses all of its insulating capacity and also causes weight gain. This reduces the comfort of the user, causing them to feel cold and wet, but more importantly the reduction in insulation is dangerous and in severe cases can lead to hypothermia. When wet, down loses all of its insulating properties, as water conducts heat away from the body up to 25 times faster than air.

Nikwax Down Wash revitalizes insulation and restores the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) of both the outer fabric and down fill. This prevents water absorption and maintains breathability, keeping you warm, dry and comfortable.

How Nikwax Down Wash maintains your down items

Nikwax Down Wash has been specifically designed and optimized for down filled gear. It is a highly effective cleaner which removes body oils and dirt from both the fabric and the down fill. It also restores the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) of both the outer fabric and the down. This protects against rain and condensation, preventing the item from wetting out and maintaining the natural insulating properties of down. Additionally it revives breathability, allowing moisture vapor to pass through the item, optimizing performance in cold and damp conditions.

Nikwax Down Wash prolongs the effective life of your down gear. It is the safe way to thoroughly clean your down clothing and equipment. Application in a washing machine is quick, easy, and ensures that the whole item is thoroughly cleaned.