Sport Products
As an avid outdoorsman, Ive learned that down gear is a worthwhile investment but only if it's properly cared for. Over time, down jackets and sleeping bags can lose their loft, become less water-resistant, and just generally look worn out. That's where Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 comes in. This product promises to clean, restore, and re-waterproof your down gear all in one step. I put it to the test on a well-loved jacket that had seen better days, and heres my full review.
Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 comes in an eco-friendly pouch containing concentrated liquid detergent. It's designed specifically for down garments and sleeping bags and is formulated to restore loft, revive appearance, and add durable water repellency (DWR). The formula contains a blend of surfactants that effectively lift dirt and grime from the feathers while protecting natural oils that keep them supple. Plus, it includes Grangers proprietary Down Repel technology to repel water and prevent down clumps from forming when wet. Key Features:
One of the biggest concerns when cleaning down items is damaging them. I was pleased to find that Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 didn't cause any noticeable harm to my jacket during testing. The formula seems gentle on feathers and fabric, maintaining their integrity while effectively removing dirt. Its reassuring to know you can clean your down gear without risking premature wear and tear.
The real test of this product is whether it delivers on its promises cleaning and re-waterproofing my down jacket. I started by thoroughly brushing off any loose dirt from the jacket, then applied a generous amount of Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 directly to the garment while it was still damp (as recommended). After letting the detergent soak in for about 15 minutes, I washed the jacket on a delicate cycle with cold water and tumbled it dry on low heat. The results were impressive. The jacket looked significantly cleaner no more grey streaks or discolored patches! But even better, the DWR treatment worked remarkably well. After applying the product, I sprayed the jacket with water, and droplets beaded up beautifully instead of soaking in. This is a critical feature for any down garment, as it prevents moisture from reaching the feathers and reducing their insulating properties.
Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 is incredibly easy to use. The concentrated formula means you don't need much per wash just about two tablespoons for a jacket or sleeping bag. It can be applied directly to the garment during washing, making it convenient and hassle-free. Following the instructions on the pouch ensures optimal results without any complicated steps.
I scoured online reviews of Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 from various outdoor gear retailers and forums to see what other users had to say about this product. Here's a summary of their experiences:
Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 typically retails for around $15-20 per pouch (depending on the size), which is comparable to other down care products on the market. Considering its effectiveness in cleaning, restoring, and re-waterproofing your gear all in one step it's definitely worth the investment. Properly maintained down gear lasts longer and performs better, making this product a smart choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their equipment.
Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 is an excellent product that delivers on its promises. It effectively cleans dirt and grime from down garments, restores loft, revives appearance, and adds durable water repellency. The ease of use and gentle formula make it a safe choice for all types of down gear. If you own any down jackets or sleeping bags, this product is an essential addition to your outdoor care kit. I highly recommend Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2!
Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 in 1 is a specialized detergent and water repellent designed specifically for down-filled clothing and equipment. It's formulated to clean, revive the loft of your down items while simultaneously adding durable water repellency (DWR) - all in one simple wash! This product helps maintain both the performance and longevity of your outdoor gear.
Regular detergents can strip away natural oils from down, reducing its lofting ability and making it less effective at insulating. They also don't provide any water repellency. Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 is specifically designed to clean your down items without harming the feathers or their protective coatings while adding a durable DWR finish that helps shed moisture.
This product works best on down jackets, sleeping bags, and other clothing items filled with down or synthetic insulation. It's also suitable for waterproof/breathable fabrics containing a membrane. Always test a small inconspicuous area first to ensure colorfastness.
The frequency of washing depends on how frequently you use your down items. Generally, we recommend washing them at least once or twice per season, or more if they get particularly dirty or wet. Washing too often can degrade the down over time.
Yes! This product is safe to use in both top-loading and front-loading machines. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully, especially regarding water temperature and rinse cycles. Avoid using fabric softeners as they can coat down feathers and reduce their lofting ability.
Always use cold or lukewarm (30C) water when washing your down items. Hot water can damage down clusters, reducing its insulation value. Using colder temperatures also helps prevent shrinkage of fabrics and reduces energy consumption!
Follow the dosage instructions on the Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 bottle based on the size of your wash load. Generally, a capful is sufficient for small loads (e.g., a single jacket), while larger loads may require two or three caps. Overdosing can leave residue on your gear which affects performance.
Use the normal cycle length on your washing machine. However, ensure there's an extra rinse cycle to remove any remaining detergent from the fabric and feathers. This helps prevent soap scum buildup that can reduce breathability.
Tumble drying is recommended for optimal loft restoration and DWR finish application. Place your washed down item(s) into the dryer with two clean tennis balls (or similar items). Dry on low heat until completely dry, ensuring to check occasionally that the items are not overheating. Avoid using high heat which can damage down clusters.
While it is possible to air-dry your down items, you might experience a loss of loft and reduced water repellency compared to tumble drying with tennis balls. If air drying, ensure the item(s) are completely dry before storing them to prevent mildew growth.
Grangers is committed to producing environmentally-friendly products. Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 meets Oeko-Tex Standard 100 requirements and doesn't contain any PFCs (perfluorinated compounds). However, as with all cleaning products, its important to use them in a well-ventilated area and keep out of reach of children.
The durable water repellent finish applied by Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 typically lasts for several washes or around 30 days of wear depending on conditions. You can reapply the DWR treatment with a separate product from the Grangers range if necessary.
While it is designed primarily for down, Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 can also be used safely on synthetic insulation like PrimaLoft. However, it may not provide as much water repellency compared to using a dedicated synthetic insulation wash and DWR treatment.
Once completely dry, ensure your down items are stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. It is best to loosely fold them rather than compressing them tightly into storage bags, as this can damage the down clusters over time and reduce lofting ability.
Yes! The concentrated formula of Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 makes it perfect for backpacking or travel as you only need a small amount per wash load, saving valuable space in your pack. It also cleans and reproofs effectively with minimal water usage - ideal for those mindful of their environmental impact while hiking.
Grangers Wash + Repel Down 2 is available online at reputable outdoor retailers such as Amazon, REI, Backcountry, Moosejaw, and directly from the Grangers website (grangersoutdoor.com). You may also find it in select brick-and-mortar camping supply stores near you!