Before detailing the step by step guide below, here is a quick update on Storm Care products. As I said in my previous post we have been impressed with results that this range has given. We were first attracted to this range in summer 2019 and to be honest the brand is not as well known as the leading brands, and we have found it difficult to make sales. But we firmly believe in its efficacy and its environmental benefits.
We have received today details from their UK distributor, our supplier an endorsement of the product range from leading global outdoor supplier Patagonia famed for its environmental responsibility. They have chosen to sell Storm Care products in their retail stores and online. This decision is based on tests of 8 DWR re-proof options on the market. Storm was the only product to bring performance back to 'like new' and maintain performance after another wash cycle. This coupled with the environmental benefits outlined in my previous blog post.
We feel vindicated that we persevered with the range, give it a try you can find the range details here,
Introduction to our guide
Many people are scared of washing their down jackets and trousers, let alone a down sleeping bag at home, as they are worried about ruining expensive garments. So is it difficult? No it's nowhere near as difficult as you think. Follow this guide and the garments' care label instructions and you can get a great result.
Step 1 - Preparation
First, thoroughly clean the detergent and fabric conditioner trays in your washing machine. Then, run a quick wash cycle with just water to remove any remaining detergent and fabric conditioner from the machine. I use the Express cycle, which takes 30 minutes.
Run a short wash cycle to clean the detergent trays and remove any traces of laundry detergent before starting the main wash.
While this cycle is running, check the care label on each garment for special instructions and the recommended wash temperature, usually between 30°C and 40°C.
Next, fully close zippers and fasten cuffs to prevent them from rubbing against the fabric. For particularly dirty areas, such as cuffs and around the main zipper, apply some undiluted cleaner before placing the garments in the washing machine.
Step 2 - Cleaning (and Proofing)
After the short or Express cycle finishes, add Down Wash to the detergent tray. If you're using Storm Care products and need to re-proof your garment, add the Proofer to the fabric conditioner tray at the same time. For other products, first run the wash cycle with Down Wash, then add the Proofer, run another wash cycle, and wait an extra hour to complete the process. This is one of the benefits of Storm Care! Do not add the Proofer if you're using a different brand.
For Storm Care products, use 75 ml of Down Wash and 75 ml of Proofer per garment, adding them to the appropriate trays in your washing machine. For other products, check the label for the correct amount. If you have hard water, you might need to use more, as directed by the product label (this is not necessary with Storm Care).
Set your washing machine to the correct temperature for your garment. I recommend reducing the spin speed to 1000 rpm to minimise excessive creasing, but check the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific garment.
After the wash cycle (and Proofer cycle, if needed), run an extra spin cycle to remove as much excess water as possible before transferring the garment to the tumble dryer.
When the washing machine finishes, you might be alarmed by how the garment looks—like I was the first time I washed my £250 PHD down jacket. But as Jon Bon Jovi sings, "Keep the faith," it will turn out fine—trust me!
Your down garment can look pretty sorry for itself, but keep the faith it will turn out fine
Top to bottom, Left to Right: Place the garments into the washing machine. If you're using Storm products and need to apply both Wash and Proofer, measure them out at the same time. Use the appropriate settings on your washing machine (I use a Miele). After the wash cycle is complete, carefully transfer your garments from the washing machine to the dryer.
Step 3 - Place the garment(s) in the tumble dryer
The most crucial step is drying your garment to restore its fluffy down and loft. The tumble dryer not only dries your outdoor clothing but also reactivates the DWR treatment with heat. Before starting the dryer, check the care label for the correct settings. I recommend using the Delicate cycle and setting an alarm on your phone to check every 15 minutes. Gently shake the garment to help redistribute the down as it dries.
A very important bit of kit to use is drying balls, I would go with four if possible. You can buy these on our site on their own or as part of Storm's Down Care kit. Some people use clean tennis balls or even tennis shoes, but I haven't tried these alternatives myself. The purpose of drying balls is to break up clumps of wet down as it dries. Avoid trying to separate clumps by hand.
Dryer balls are very effective in helping with the drying process. Avoid pulling apart any clumps of down by hand.
Take the garment out of the dryer every 15 to 20 minutes. Gently shake it to redistribute the down, and continue doing this until the garment is fully restored to its fluffy, lofted state.
Left to Right: As the jacket dries, it starts to fluff back up again. The finished garments and DWR treatment is working well.
Storm's Care products can be found here.
Notes for Guidance
No Washing Machine: Many products can be used for hand washing. For Storm Care products, fill a bath with up to 50 litres of tepid water (just enough to cover the garments) and add the recommended amount of detergent. Agitate the water for a few minutes, then rinse the garments several times with clean water. Apply a Proofer if needed.
No Tumble Dryer: Air drying is possible but slow. Frequently return to gently shake the down over several hours. Dry the garment flat on a towel to avoid straining the baffles, ideally on a warm, sunny day, but out of direct sunlight. Flip the garment regularly. Ideally, use a tumble dryer—if you’re washing at home, consider taking it to a laundrette. Use low heat on the dryer, or have the garment professionally cleaned if you’re concerned.
Top Loader Washing Machine: Avoid using top loaders, as their agitation can damage the down. Use only a front-loading machine.
Do's and Don'ts
❌ Don’t use ordinary laundry detergent
❌ Don’t use fabric conditioner
❌ Don't dry clean
❌ Don’t use solvents or bleach
✅ Do use specially formulated cleaning and proofing products such as Storm
The guidance provided here is based on information from product labels, manufacturer websites, general internet sources, and our own experience over the years. For the best results, always check your garment care labels, manufacturer product labels, and appliance instructions, as they may differ from the advice in this blog post. We do not accept responsibility for any damage to your outdoor clothing.
Down Sleeping Bags:
I haven’t tried this at home, but you will need a front-loading washing machine with at least a 10 kg capacity, as most domestic machines typically have only a 7 kg capacity, which is too small. While it might be possible with the right equipment and effort, it’s generally best to leave this task to professionals.