Product Care

How to wash and care for your Down garment

Down relies on air between its clusters to retain warmth. Without the pockets of air between the down clusters, the garment loses its insulation properties.

Down is best washed only as necessary. To maintain performance, wash your garment when it shows signs of dirt or sweat, or the down is starting to clump. When possible, it is best to use a cleaning agent made specifically for technical down products.

 

 1. Prepare the garment for Washing

  • close the main zips
  • open pocket zippers
  • release tension on all elastic drawcords
  • loosen and secure the cuff Velcro®

Front load washing machines are recommended; however, if you have a top loading washing machine, put your garment inside a mesh bag, this will help protect it.

 

2. Wash

  • put your garment in the machine
  • add cleaning agent
  • wash on medium heat (40°C/104°F) at permanent press or gentle cycle settings
  • double rinsing is recommended

3. Re-apply DWR (if necessary)

If the face fabric of your garment no longer beads water, even after it has been washed and dried, you should re-apply DWR.

  • Remove your garment from the machine and shake off excess water.
  • Close all zippers.
  • Hang it and spray DWR on the face fabric, concentrating on high-wear areas.

4. Dry

  • turn your garment inside out
  • lay it on a flat surface
  • remove excess moisture by gently pressing on it with a clean towel
  • place your garment in the dryer on low heat (permanent press cycle)
  • add two “dryer balls” or clean tennis balls to prevent the down from clumping
  • occasionally turn your garment inside out throughout the cycle to help it dry properly

Down must be completely dried before storing to avoid clumping or mold. Be prepared for the process to take upwards of three hours.

 

How to re-apply Durable Water Repellent (DWR) to your Softshell garment

DWR is a polymer substance applied to the face-fabric of an Nalle  Softshell garment. When your Nalle  Softshell garment is no longer shedding surface moisture—even after it's been washed and dried—you should reapply the DWR.

  • after washing close all zippers
  • hang the wet garment on a hanger and spray DWR evenly onto the wet face fabric of the garment
  • place the garment in a tumble drier on a medium heat setting (40°C / 104°F) for 40 to 50 minutes.

Use a spray DWR instead of a wash in DWR as this can easily be applied directly and evenly to the entire garment.

How to care for your fleece garment

Machine wash in lukewarm water and tumble dry at a low temperature.

  • do not bleach
  • avoid use of fabric softeners
  • do not iron or dry clean
For best results, wash garments with like-colours.

  

Waterproof Washing Instructions

Why you should clean your Nalle  waterproof garment

To maintain optimum performance of your Nalle  waterproof with routine care of your garment. Dirt buildup and body oils from sweat can compromise the membrane and overall effectiveness of the textile’s Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment. DWR encourages water to roll off the surface –this is called ‘beading’. Regularly washing and re-applying DWR will restore the performance and extend the lifespan of your waterproof garment.

 

When to wash your Nalle  waterproof garment

It depends on how often and how hard you use your gear.

As a rule of thumb: 

  • Heavy use (e.g. running, ski-touring) – wash every 10 to 12 days of use
  • Light use (e.g. dog walking, urban use) – wash every 20 to 30 days of use

If your garment looks dirty or is no longer beading water, it’s time to give it a wash.

 

How to wash your Nalle   waterproof garment

1. Prepare for Washing 

  • close the main and pit zips
  • open pocket zips
  • release tension on all elastic drawcords
  • loosen and secure the cuff Velcro®.

2. Wash

  • Put your garment in the machine
  • add cleaning agent
  • Wash on medium heat (40°C/104°F) at regular cycle setting

It is advised to use a second rinse cycle to remove any residual soap which will compromise DWR and garment performance.

 

3. Re-apply DWR (if necessary)

If your garment is no longer beading water, you should re-apply DWR. A spray-on DWR treatment will offer superior performance and the ability to target high-wear areas.

  • remove your garment from the machine and shake off any excess water
  • close all zippers
  • hang the garment and spray DWR on the face fabric –concentrating on high-wear area
  • turn the garment inside out for maximum uptake by the face fabric before placing in dryer.

4. Dry

Place your damp garment in the dryer on medium heat for 40 to 50 minutes (or until dry to the touch) to effectively activate DWR.

Which cleaning agent to use?

When possible, use a cleaning agent made specifically for technical fabrics. Outdoor specialty retailers carry various brands.

You may also use a liquid free-rinsing soap or gentle detergent. Avoid detergents that contain fabric softeners, fragrance, whiteners or colorants. We recommend running an extra rinse cycle on your washing machine to ensure any potential residue is fully removed from your garment. 

 

How to prepare your Nalle   waterproof garment for washing

To prepare the garment for washing:

  • close the main zips and pit zips 
  • open pocket zippers
  • release tension on all elastic draw cords
  • add cleaning agent to the machine and wash the garment on a medium heat letting (40°C / 104°F)
  • remove the garment, shake to remove excess water
  • place it in the dryer
  • DWR is reactivated best when tumble dried at a medium heat setting (40°C / 104°F) for 40 to 50 minutes