Down wash instructions
Down clusters trap air to retain warmth. When the garment becomes dirty, sweat, dirt, water and other contaminates transfer into the down causing it to clump. Without the trapped air in the down clusters the garment loses its insulation value.
Down should be washed whenever it is dirty, losing loft or clumping in order to maintain its performance. Unnecessary washing should be avoided.
How to wash down
1. Prepare your washing machine
Run an empty rinse cycle in your washing machine to remove any residue.
2. Prepare your gear
Close the main and pit zippers. Open pocket zippers. Release tension on all elastic draw-cords. Loosen and secure the cuff Velcro®. Front load washing machines are recommended; putting your garment inside a mesh bag will help protect it.
3. Wash
Put your garment in the machine, add your preferred techical down detergent. Always check the care label on the product for exact guidelines. Wash on medium heat (40°C/104°F) at permanent press or gentle cycle settings. Double rinse to make sure that no soap or residue is left on the garment.
4. Prepare for drying
Turn your garment inside out.
5. Dry
Place your garment in the dryer on low heat (permanent press cycle) with two “dryer balls” or clean tennis balls to prevent the down from clumping and to help it regain its loft. It will be necessary to periodically turn your garment inside out throughout the cycle to help it dry properly.
6. Reapply DWR if needed
For down garments with GORE-TEX®, test your clean garment with a light spray to see if water beads off the surface. If water is not beading off your product, apply DWR treatment.
GORE-TEX® detergents
Arc’teryx technical outerwear including GORE-TEX® are high-tech materials; standard detergents contain additives such as softeners and brighteners that are deposited during washing that may negatively affect performance. Always use a technical detergent to care for technical outerwear.
