Frequently asked questions about down product care

Down insulates best in its natural, fully lofted state. Perspiration and dirt build up during use and affect the down, so it needs to be refreshed to keep its insulation. The shell and lining fabrics also collect dirt over time and need washing now and then.

Most down products are machine washable, but check the care label for your product. In general, do not wash your down product too often.

• Dirty: wipe the surface with a wet wipe or a damp cloth.
• Smelly: smoke, tobacco and other strong smells can often be removed by hanging the product outside in fresh air overnight.
• Damp: hang it to dry. If it is very wet, hang it near a low heat source for a while, or use a tumble dryer as described under "How do I dry my down product in a tumble dryer?".

You can wash your down product by machine or by hand. For drying, use a tumble dryer if the care label allows it, as this is an effective way to restore the loft of the down.

Store your down product uncompressed, as this is the natural state of the down. Only keep it compressed for shorter periods. Hang jackets on a hanger and keep sleeping bags in a storage bag.

During the season, air it regularly in dry conditions so the down can refresh.

Wash at max 30 °C, and only in a front-loading machine, not a top-loader.

1. Empty all pockets and close all zips and buttons.
2. Use a wash bag if you have one.
3. Ideally wash the product on its own. You can add a few similar items, but leave room for movement. Do not overfill.
4. Use a wool or down detergent. Never use a detergent with enzymes, as they damage the down permanently.
5. Choose a programme with low spin speed (down or wool programme) and start the machine.
6. When it has finished, the product will look flat and lumpy because the wet down has clumped together. This is normal. Pull it gently back into shape and lay it flat on a table.

Check the care label first. Some down products must not be tumble dried. In that case, see "How do I dry my down product without a tumble dryer?".

If tumble drying is allowed:

1. Put the product in the tumble dryer with 3 tennis balls. They break up the clumps so the down spreads evenly in the chambers.
2. Choose low heat and low speed (often a down or wool programme) and run a 30-minute cycle. The tennis balls are noisy. A few tea towels in the drum reduce the noise, but do not overfill. The product needs room to regain its volume.
3. Take the product out and check it. Repeat the cycle until it is completely dry and fluffy.
4. Hang it on a coat hanger in a warm, dry place for at least one day before you pack it away.

1. Put the product in hand-warm water in a tub or bath.
2. Add a down or wool detergent. Check the detergent instructions for the right dose.
3. Stir to mix, leave to soak for 5 to 10 minutes, then work the product thoroughly through the water.
4. Rinse in cold water until the water runs clear. For sleeping bags, repeat the rinse, drain the water and press the bag gently to remove water.
5. If you have a washing machine, run several spin cycles to remove excess water, raising the spin speed a little each time.
6. Dry the product in a tumble dryer as described above. If you cannot, see "How do I dry my down product without a tumble dryer?".

Heavily filled winter sleeping bags should be washed professionally by our Nordisk Wash Service.

We do not recommend drying down by hand, as it takes a lot of mechanical work to separate the down clusters again. If possible, use a tumble dryer as described above or our Nordisk Wash Service.

If you have to dry by hand, air the product as much as possible. When the down is dry, loosen the clumps with your hands and pat the chambers gently until the down spreads evenly in each chamber. This takes several minutes, and the longer you do it, the better the result.

Yes. Our Nordisk Wash Service in Görlitz washes and dries down products and can refill down. See Care & Repair for prices and booking.