Quick guide: the right detergent and impregnation
Start with the care label. It controls temperature, program, spin and drying. Then read the instructions on the care product. Choose a different method or ask us if the advice cannot be combined.
| What you want to care for | For cleaning | For water repellency when needed |
|---|---|---|
| Shell jacket and shell pants | Nikwax Tech Wash | TX.Direct Wash-In or TX.Direct Spray-On |
| Down jacket and down sleeping bag | Nikwax Down Wash Direct | Nikwax Down Proof when the garment or sleeping bag's care instructions allow the treatment. |
| Synthetic sleeping bag and compatible synthetic garments | Nikwax Tech Wash | Assess the outer fabric, lining and manufacturer's recommendation before choosing a waterproofing. |
| Tents and tarps | Start with water and gentle hand cleanser. Check the manufacturer's advice. | Tent & Gear SolarProof for compatible synthetic fabrics. |
| Wool, shoes and gloves | Select a product for the current material. | Wool washing · Shoe care · Glove care |
Washing, impregnation and waterproofing – three different things
On a regular membrane-equipped shell jacket , DWR, the durable water-repellent finish , helps water bead up on the outer fabric. The membrane is responsible for the waterproofness. When the outer fabric absorbs water, the jacket can feel cold and clammy even though the membrane is still tight.
Impregnation improves the water repellency of the surface. It does not repair holes, loose seam tape or a damaged membrane. If water penetrates, the cause needs to be investigated.
Wash first and then assess the need for impregnation. Dirt and detergent residue can impair water repellency. A proper wash may be enough to make existing treatment work better. You therefore do not need to impregnate after every wash.
How to wash shell clothes and ski clothes
- Prepare the garment. Empty pockets, close zippers and fasten Velcro according to the care instructions.
- Wash according to the label. Use a suitable liquid detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, bleaches and powders for GORE-TEX garments.
- Rinse thoroughly. An extra rinse helps remove detergent residue.
- Dry in an approved manner. Permitted temperature and possible tumble drying are determined by the garment.
Clean the detergent compartment of old residues before using Nikwax Tech Wash . Dose according to the bottle and do not overfill the machine. Do not mix detergent and impregnation in the same treatment.
When does the shell jacket need to be impregnated?
Test the water repellency on the clean, dry outer fabric. If water still spreads and darkens the fabric after the recommended washing and drying, it may be time to renew the surface treatment.
For many GORE-TEX garments, heat can reactivate existing DWR. Follow the garment's advice. Special materials may be exceptions: GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY, for example, should not be tumble dried or treated with regular DWR.
Impregnate clothes: choose spray-on or wash-in
| Method | When it is useful | What you need to check |
|---|---|---|
| Spray-on | When you want to treat the outer fabric and control where the agent ends up. | Apply evenly and wipe off excess according to the bottle instructions. |
| Wash-in | When the entire garment is suitable for impregnation in the washing machine. | The product also reaches the inside of the garment. Check what the manufacturer says about lining and filling. |
Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On is applied to clean, wet outer fabric. Protect the work surface, follow the instructions and remove excess. The treatment can air dry.
Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In is used in a separate treatment after washing. The garment does not need to be dried between steps. The product develops water repellency when air-dried and therefore does not require heat activation. Tumbling is only an option if the garment allows it.
You can also find OrganoTex Spray-On Textile Waterproofing with us. Application and drying differ between products: follow your bottle, even when switching between two sprays.
OrganoTex Wash-In Textile Waterproofing is another option for textiles that can be machine-washed. Check the product's material list and drying instructions before use.
Want to buy wash and impregnation together? See Nikwax Duo Pack with Tech Wash and TX.Direct .
Washing down jackets and other down clothing
The airy structure of down traps air and provides insulation. Dirt and body oils can affect performance, while wet down clumps. Choose a detergent designed for down, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct , even when the down has a water-repellent treatment.
- Check the care instructions and the size of the machine. The jacket must fit without being squeezed tightly.
- Wash with down detergent. Follow the dosage, program and spin cycle for the garment. Rinse thoroughly.
- Handle the wet garment carefully. Lift with support underneath the entire garment and avoid placing pressure on thin seams with wet filling.
Drying determines whether the down becomes fluffy again.
If the label allows it: use a spacious tumble dryer on low heat. Take breaks, feel the filling and gently distribute any clumps. Do not pull hard on the fabric or down channels.
A dry outer fabric does not mean that the down is dry. Continue until the filling is completely dry and airy. If you are unable to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, a laundry service is a practical alternative.
Need new water repellency? Nikwax Down Proof is intended for down gear and is used after cleaning, in a separate treatment. First, check that the garment manufacturer allows the impregnation. A treated down jacket is still not a substitute for a waterproof shell jacket.
Book a wash for a thin down jacket · Book a wash for a thick down jacket
Washing a sleeping bag: down and synthetics require different product choices
First, check the filling. Down needs down detergent; synthetics need a suitable functional detergent. A large sleeping bag may require a larger machine than you have at home. Avoid machines with a central agitator, which can damage the construction.
- Choose the permitted method. Follow the sleeping bag's instructions for hand or machine washing, temperature and spin.
- Rinse thoroughly. There should be no detergent left in the load.
- Support the entire sleeping bag when it is wet. Do not lift it by a narrow end. Wet filling puts stress on partitions and seams.
- Dry the entire filling. Use a large enough tumble dryer on the heat setting recommended by the manufacturer. For down, clean dryer balls can help when the manufacturer's advice allows them.
Air out after use and store the sleeping bag dry and uncompressed, preferably in a spacious storage bag. A sleeping bag liner helps keep the inside clean between washes.
For large winter sleeping bags, it is wise to plan the washing well in advance of your departure. With us you can book washing of down sleeping bags , washing of synthetic sleeping bags and service for expedition sleeping bags .
Cleaning and impregnating tents and tarps
Follow the tent's own care instructions. The outer tent, inner tent and floor may have different materials and treatments. Choose gentle hand cleaning; do not use a washing machine or dryer for the tent fabric.
- Empty and brush out. Remove loose dirt and grit. Clean zippers gently with a soft brush.
- Clean with water and a sponge. Hilleberg recommends lukewarm water and advises against using detergents for their tents. Other brands may have different advice.
- Let everything dry completely. Also check the floor, seams and the space between the inner and outer tent before packing away.
When is tent impregnation suitable?
Hilleberg recommends Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof for their outer tents when water repellency has deteriorated after use. They do not recommend the treatment on a new tent. For inner tents they specify a different product and method.
Therefore, check for approved treatments for your fabric and coating, such as silicone or PU. Do not automatically use the same agent on the outer tent, inner tent and floor. Impregnation does not restore the tear strength of a worn-out fabric.
On compatible materials, apply Tent & Gear SolarProof evenly to clean, damp fabric. Test on an inconspicuous area first, wipe off excess, and allow to air dry completely. The product provides water repellency and protection against UV degradation; it is not a seam sealer.
Synthetic garments, backpacks, wool and other equipment
Synthetic-lined jackets and softshells
Tech Wash is an option for compatible functional materials and synthetic sleeping bags. Always follow the full product care instructions, even when the outer fabric looks like a shell jacket.
Check in particular whether the lining or filling can be treated with wash-in. If only the outside is to be impregnated, choose an approved spray and follow its instructions. You can also book washing of synthetic-lined jackets .
Backpacks and duffel bags
Rinse or hand-clean packing bags according to manufacturer's instructions and allow to air dry. Taped seams and coatings can be damaged by inappropriate heat or harsh chemicals. Store equipment in a dry, ventilated area.
Tent & Gear SolarProof can be used on compatible synthetic backpack fabrics. Follow the material guidelines and avoid spraying the backpack straps.
Wool, shoes and gloves
Choose a wool detergent for wool garments and follow the garment's program and drying instructions. For shoes and gloves, the care product needs to be suitable for leather, suede, textile or the material mix. Start in the shoe care and glove care categories, or ask us if the material is unclear.
Book washing and impregnation at Outdoor Buddies in Åre
Do you need help with washing, impregnation and drying? Choose the service that corresponds to the garment or sleeping bag. For down jackets and down sleeping bags, lofting is also included, which helps the down regain its airiness.
| Equipment | Book here |
|---|---|
| Shell and ski clothing | Washing and impregnation per garment Washing and impregnation of set: jacket + trousers |
| Down jackets | Thin down jacket Thick down jacket Larger down jacket or parka |
| Sleeping bags | Washing a down sleeping bag Washing a synthetic sleeping bag Expedition sleeping bag |
| Synthetic-lined jackets | Washing a synthetic-lined jacket |
How it works: drop off and pick up at our store in Åre. Pick up and drop off can also be booked at the checkout according to the options there. Normal time is stated as 1–3 days depending on the season. Contact us before booking if you need the equipment by a specific date.
Do you have a tent, an unusual material combination or damage that needs to be assessed? Contact us with the model name and preferably pictures and we will help you choose the next step.
When the equipment needs more than washing
Take pictures before treating a garment or tent with obvious damage. Show where the problem is and describe whether it is surface water repellency, leakage, lumps in the filling or a peeling coating.
Holes and broken seams need to be assessed for repair. A coating that comes off will not be healed by a new round of impregnation. See products for patching and repair or ask us for advice before choosing a treatment.
Frequently asked questions about washing and impregnation
Do I have to impregnate after every wash?
No. Wash first and check function after proper drying. New impregnation is needed when cleaning and any permitted reactivation are not sufficient.
Can I use the same product for shell garments and down?
Start with the material. Down should have a down filler. Impregnation must also be approved for the garment's outer fabric, filling and construction.
Does impregnation have to be heat activated?
It depends on the product. Nikwax TX.Direct develops water repellency when air dried. Follow the drying instructions on the bottle and the garment care label.
Can I use fabric softener for the shell jacket?
Avoid fabric softeners for technical shell garments. GORE-TEX also advises against bleach and powder detergents. Always follow the garment's own label.
Why is down lumpy after washing?
Wet down clumps. Follow the drying advice, distribute the clumps carefully during drying and check that the entire filling is dry before storing the garment.
How do I store a sleeping bag after washing?
Let the filling dry completely and store the sleeping bag in a dry, airy and uncompressed place. Pack it in the compression bag before your trip.
Can I impregnate all parts of the tent with the same spray?
No, follow the manufacturer's advice for the outer tent, inner tent and floor. The materials may need different treatments or no impregnation at all.
Will waterproofing make a leaky jacket waterproof?
Impregnation improves the water repellency of the surface. It does not repair a damaged membrane, hole or loose seam tape. The cause of the leak needs to be assessed.
Can Outdoor Buddies wash my sleeping bag?
Yes. You can book laundry service for down and synthetic sleeping bags as well as expedition sleeping bags. Select the correct service when booking and contact us if you are unsure.
Find the care products or let us help you
Please send us the model name and a picture of the care label when you ask us. This will make it easier to choose the right product or laundry service for your equipment.
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