Down Jacket Wash problems.

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benjj2000 20 Feb 2017
Hi all,

After some advice, I have washed my Rab Microlight down jacket and reproofed it using the relevant nikwax products. For some reason the jacket is now feeling completely different, the outer material is stiffer and not as comfortable, and almost like there is a film on it. It also seems shinier too!
Anyone else had similar problems? All instructions were obeyed!
Removed User 20 Feb 2017
In reply to benjj2000:

> ... the outer material is stiffer and not as comfortable, and almost like there is a film on it.

How much of the Nikwax stuff did you put on there? Maybe you overdid it?

benjj2000 21 Feb 2017
In reply to Removed UserFuchs:

My thoughts too first, I used half the recommended amount as it's was only a small jacket, I've rinsed it through again too with just water! Still the same!
In reply to benjj2000:
>All instructions were obeyed!

As mentioned above I would guess you used too much for what the jacket needed. I discovered long ago, the recommended quantity was far too much for my gear.
For all nikwax reproofers I only use a third of the recommendation max, sometimes less depending on whether the old proofing was stripped out, etc. Why I've no idea - combo of washing machine, water quantity, water hardness, etc. ??

Plain water rinsing by itself will not now strip the proofer out btw.
In reply to benjj2000:

Did you tumble dry it? Maybe it got too hot?
benjj2000 21 Feb 2017
In reply to Climbing Pieman:

OK thanks. Any ideas for how to remove some of it?!
Rigid Raider 21 Feb 2017
In reply to benjj2000:

Don't mess around now trying to remove the stuff; you have no way of controlling the action of the wash and will end up in a worse mess.

FWIW I have a Sprayway Goretex cycling jacket, which had lost its repellency and was getting "wet" although it was still keeping rain out. It had suffered some damage in falls and has a couple of patches so, reckoning it owed me nothing after 20 years I sprayed it with Thompson's Water Seal, which is a wax or silicon-based liquid in a volatile carrier, normally used to waterproof buildings. Once the carrier had evaporated off the jacket felt stiff and slippery just like yours, which I put down to the wax or whatever swelling and stiffening the fibres. However after a few wears it softened up and is now, if anything, softer and more flexible than before. It still works well and the repellency is mostly restored. I just can't kill the damned thing!
In reply to benjj2000:
I would agree with what RR has said. Given it's a down jacket, would not try as you could end up in a far worse position. Ordinarily for other non down overproofed jackets washing in detergent will remove the nikwax stuff, and then you start again with tech wash, etc. Personally I would not do that with down though if I cared about the jacket. You have of course still to establish if it has been overproofed or it's something else. Sounds like it's the same as when I've overproofed jackets in the past though.

If you decide you really have to do a re clean, one option is to send to a down specialist cleaner though that would be costly.


Rigid Raider 21 Feb 2017
In reply to benjj2000:

Does it matter? If water beads up and runs off and the jacket doesn't lose loft and keeps you warm, that's the stuff doing its job.
benjj2000 21 Feb 2017
In reply to Rigid Raider:

Thanks guys.

Unfortunately it's not lofting properly, I'm assuming this is probably due to breathability if it's been over proofed.
 Timmd 21 Feb 2017
In reply to benjj2000:

> Thanks guys. Unfortunately it's not lofting properly, I'm assuming this is probably due to breathability if it's been over proofed.

I wouldn't be too ready to put it not lofting properly down to it being over proofed. It could possibly be due to how it's been washed and dried.
 Snowdave 22 Feb 2017
In reply to benjj2000:

If you live in a soft water area defo use less than what they state (even for soft water areas)......I did that a couple years back in a nice new Mielie washing machine... foam bath, had to stop it & set it to drain & then scoop loads of foam out into the washing up bowl & I had foam bergs on the driveway...

I use Half of what they state for wash & proofing, always wash on most gentle action programmes & turn the spin speed down to 600rpm...

What you want is a slow methodical agitation, like hand washing....not spin it like a fairground ride..
Rigid Raider 22 Feb 2017
In reply to benjj2000:

Loss of loft will be because you've coated those delicate strands of down with wax. Down is so soft that it relies on there being lots of fronds to create the space that traps the air. We all know what happens to down if you make it damp or virtually damp as you have done.
Removed User 22 Feb 2017
In reply to Snowdave:

Plus I've read recommendations to give it an additional cycle without any detergent (or at least use the 'Extra rinse' option). When it comes to tumble drying, add several clean tennis balls for extra loft.

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