Product Care
Following are general washing instructions and product care for your Icewear clothes. Please read the care label thoroughly before washing your garment, washing instructions may vary between similar garments.
Before washing any Icewear clothes, make sure the detergent compartment of your washing machine is clear of any detergent, bleach or softener. You might want to run your washing machine empty for one short, warm-water cycle to clear it of any residues.
Taking care of wool sweaters
Icelandic wool rarely needs washing, consider hanging it out in the fresh air first. Handwash only using lukewarm water and a special wool soap, if you do decide to wash it. Soak the garment for about 10-15 minutes. Do no rub or wring—just rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water, then squeeze out as much water as possible (still, no wringing). Lay the garment out flat on a towel and pull it gently into shape. Do no hang your Icelandic wool sweater since the weight of the water will stretch the wool. Your best course of action is to fold the sleeves across the body of the sweater so they don’t stretch.
Washing wool blankets
Simply hang your wool blankets outdoors in the fresh air for a couple of hours every now and then. If the rare washing is required, use dry cleaning only.
Washing merino wool
Wool has natural antibacterial properties which help keep body odor in check, meaning a wash is rarely needed. When the time does come, though, handwash is the safest way to go. Machine wash can be used only if a handwash or wool wash program is available on the machine, at a low temperature (max 85°F / 30°C). Do not use fabric softeners or bleach. Air dry with the garment laying flat on a towel.
Washing cotton / fleece
Wash with similar colors at 30°C / 85°F with the garment inside out. Hang to air dry.
Washing softshell / hardshell
Close all zippers, patches and flaps. Machine wash at low or moderate temperature (max 85°F / 30°C) on a gentle cycle. Use a liquid detergent designed for technical apparel (since the wrong detergent can ruin the water-repellent surface of the garment). Do not use washing powder, fabric softener, water softener or bleach. The more you wash the garments, the more it will affect their water-repellant performance. Do not dry on a radiator or hang too close to a fire.
Renewing the DWR (Durable Water Repellence)
Good DWR on a garment will allow water to bead up and fall off the jacket. If your garment is not functioning this way, you might need to reproof it using Nikwax or a similar product.
Washing rain coats and pants
Before washing your rainwear, close all zippers. Machine wash at low or moderate temperature (max 85°F / 30°C) on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent. Hang to dry and do not tumble dry or iron. Cleaning the garment with a wet cloth can often substitute machine wash.
Washing light down jackets
Before washing your light down jacket make sure all zippers, patches and flaps are closed and turn product inside out. Use detergent specifically designed for down or technical outerwear to avoid damaging the water-resistant properties. Tumble drying at low temperature with dryer balls is the best way to fluff the down back into shape. You might need to restart your dryer a few times before the down is completely lump-free, dry and fluffy, but only use low heat.
Washing polyester-filled parkas and jackets
Please read each care label before washing since some parkas need to be dry cleaned and others can be washed in a machine. IF the parka can be machine washed, only use detergents that are specifically designed for technical apparel from reputable brands, such as Nikwax or Grangers. Make sure all zippers, patches and flaps are closed, and remove hood trims if possible. Check each garment’s care label for water temperature, and wash on a gentle cycle. Hang the garment to dry.
If unsure about washing, consider an experienced dry cleaner.