Our philosophy has always been to design well and design to last. But all gear needs a little love from time to time, to keep it adventure-ready. Should you put your down jacket in the washing machine? Is tumble-drying rainwear okay? Find out the best product care tips for your Down and Rain garments.
How to wash your down jacket
Down is nature’s most efficient insulator, meaning you can count on your down jacket or vest to keep you warm, but in order to get the best out of your garment, a little love goes a long way. This guide will show you how to properly care for your down jacket and increase its lifespan.
What happens when down gets dirty?
The unique structure of down means that it easily traps air, which is then warmed by your body heat, creating an insulated air space. However through prolonged use, dirt and oils tend to build up on the fabric and are transferred through to the down. This can cause down to lose its loft and thus its ability to insulate effectively, meaning your garment won’t perform as well as it should. For this reason, we strongly recommend you clean your down garments from time to time.
How to wash your down jacket
- If hand-washing, use a non-detergent, pure soap, then rinse your jacket well by gently kneading the down. We recommend using a down-specific cleaner such as Nikwax Down Wash®.
- If hand-washing isn’t an option, use a cold gentle wash in a front-loading washing machine with non-detergent, pure soap or a down-specific cleaner.
- Don’t use bleach or fabric softener.
How to dry your down jacket
- Down tends to hold a lot of water, so ensure you remove excess water by gently squeezing your jacket and then rolling it in a clean towel.
- Turn your jacket inside out and tumble dry on a cool setting with clean tennis balls to help break up wet down clumps, or alternatively, place it on a flat surface to dry.
- While drying, periodically shake your garment to ensure the down fill has completely regained full loft — this may take a few hours.
- Don’t dry clean your down jacket.
- Once dry, store your jacket uncompressed in a dry place.
Restoring your DWR treatment
- If your garment is DWR treated, you can restore this fabric treatment with products like Nikwax TX.Direct® Spray-On (when your garment’s still damp) or alternatively, the Nikwax Down Proof™ wash-in solution.
Things to watch out for
- Make sure to check out ‘The Dos and Don'ts of Down Care’ for what not to do.
My jacket is leaking down, what should I do?
A little loss is completely normal
The fabrics we select for our down-filled garments are ‘down proof’ – which means the weave is dense enough to prevent down leakage. The fabric is lab tested both during the selection process, and during the manufacturing process, so we can be sure those standards are upheld.
Despite that, a small amount of down loss is normal, especially when your jacket is new, and mostly happens through the seams. This will settle down over the first few times your jacket is worn.
Pull the feather in, not out
The down we use is a blend of down and small feathers. Down plumules don’t have a quill point, but the small feathers do, and typically it is the point of these small feathers that work their way through the weave of the fabric. If this happens, it’s best not to pull the feather out of the fabric, which could result in more down loss, and enlarge the hole. Ideally, grip the feather or down from the inside of the garment, pull it back in, and then rub the fabric gently to ensure the weave is restored.
For any additional concerns, it’s best to contact your local store or get in touch with our customer care team here: customercare@macpac.co.nz.
How to wash your rain jacket
Your waterproof Macpac garment is made from either Reflex™, Pertex® Shield or Pertex® Shield Pro. While they’re all quality fabrics, regular care and maintenance will help you get the best out of your wet weather gear. This guide will outline the steps you need to take to keep your gear in tip-top condition.
What happens when your rain jacket gets dirty?
Over time, the build-up of dirt, sweat and other contaminants can impact the effectiveness of your waterproof garment’s Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating and the breathability of the fabric. Washing your garment from time to time will help it remain in good condition.
How to wash your waterproof garment
- Before washing, ensure all zippers and fasteners are closed
- Cold gentle machine wash in a protective mesh bag (like Guppyfriend™) using a non-detergent soap — we recommend using a specialised product like Nikwax Tech Wash®.
- Don’t use bleach or fabric softeners.
How often to wash your rainwear
- For heavy activity, wash your garment after approximately every ten days of use. For light activity, once every 20–30 days may be sufficient.
Drying your rainwear
- Line dry your garment in shade away from direct sunlight.
Restoring your DWR treatment
You’ll know your garment’s DWR coating is deteriorating if water isn’t beading on its surface, or if it’s feeling clammy. You can remedy this by washing and drying your garment, but if that doesn’t work then it’s time to re-apply the DWR:
- If the DWR treatment needs to be re-activated, tumble dry on a cool temperature, or alternatively, once your jacket’s dry, iron on cool synthetic setting.
- You may also need to re-apply the DWR treatment after extensive wear. We recommend a specialised product like Nikwax TX.Direct® Spray-On (when your garment’s still damp). Alternatively, you can use Nikwax TX.Direct® Wash-In.
Things to watch out for
- Don’t dry clean your garment.
- Some oil-based products such as sunscreen and alcohol-based chemicals commonly found in hair products can be absorbed into the Pertex® fabric and cause staining. Damage caused by these products doesn’t affect the performance of the garment and therefore isn’t covered under warranty.
- Keep insect repellents away from your garments where possible, as the harsh chemicals can cause damage to the waterproof membrane.
