Now, onto today’s selection, which is that of down cleaners. Why down-specific cleaners are important you can find out in the aforementioned guide, now it’s time to take a look at some of the best and essential products needed to properly wash a down-insulated coat.

It comes with a very light and pleasant fragrance, which is not irritating to either skin or lungs. Nikwax Down Wash Direct It contains no bleach or other chemicals that might damage down, like sulfates or enzymes, and thus it is 100% biodegradable and safe for the environment.

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It helps protect the natural oils that is contained in the down feathers by preventing it from drying out and also helps preserve the feathers’ loft. For this reason, the washing process will not cause the down to lose its insulating ability nor lose its shape. The reason why this 2-step method is so important is because of down’s incapability to insulate if it gets wet, therefore a water-repellent treatment is a necessary step. Gear Aid ReviveX Down Cleaner, 12 Ounce Nikwax’s Down Wash and Down Proof products are two of the typically recommended products when it comes to washing down garments.

This cleaner is environmentally-friendly and free of VOC and Fluorocarbon, and it is also Bluesign Certified. The last product on our list is by Smart Sheep, a set of 3 reusable dryer balls that are made of 100% Premium New Zealand wool. They shorten drying time and help to naturally soften fabrics without the need of the harsh chemicals contained in fabric softeners. The Down Wash Kit is an all-in-one kit designed to clean down articles, restore loft and remove unpleasant odours. Down Wash and Drying Balls included. New formula now offers 12 washes instead of 6 – doubling the life of the bottle! The last wash-in product, before we move onto drying-essential products is by Grangers, the Down Wash Kit. This is a product that comes not only as a wash-in cleaner but it is accompanied by dryer balls, too.

Gear Aid ReviveX Down Cleaner, 12 Ounce

Also by Nikwax, Down Wash Direct is a down cleaner formulated for all types of down that comes as a one-step cleaner. It not only cleans the feathers, but also helps restore their water-repellency, therefore it is suitable to be used with hydrophobic down as well as regular down. Whitmor’s dryer balls come in a set of 4, in the color blue. They are made of reusable and non-toxic material and designed with soft spikes that help massage the fabric of any garment, therefore substituting fabric softener.

With winter almost upon us, it will soon be time to take out the heavy coats. Parkas are usually the coat of choice and preferably those that come with Down insulation. They are, of course, suitable to be used with down garments as well, as they help break up the down clumps and fluff up the feathers. Smart Sheep Reusable Wool Dryer Balls This kit comes with three dryer balls which when thrown in the dryer, will help to keep your down garments lofted. A great idea. Just make sure your furry little friends doesn't get hold of them first as they do look something like a dogs chew toy. Because this is a one-step cleaner that washes away dirt from the feathers and also helps to waterproof them, it saves time and effort as you only have to do the cleaning process once. Green Meadows by Le Blanc® is a universal down cleaner, meaning that you can use it in all types of down and all down garments, including duvets, comforters, quilts and sleeping bags.