Many think that Down is hard to care for and that washing can cause a lumpy, flat and ruined product. This is not the case! By following our carefully put together steps, we promise your jacket will look good as new.

Ensure that all valuables are removed from pockets. All zips must be securely fastened

Only wash one garment at a time, removing the risk of damage. Always use a non-biological detergent. The chemicals used in biological detergent are often too abrasive and can damage any coating applied to the product.

Care tip: Always remember to check the wash temperature stated on your products care label.

Carefully Squeeze any excess water from the product before placing in the tumble dryer. Add 2-3 drying balls to the load (tennis balls also work perfectly). Choose a low heat setting (make sure to double check the temperature on your products care label). Too high of a heat setting can damage the down feathers. Once the cycle is finished, place the product on a flat surface and pat down with your hands, this will help to free up the down feathers and avoid clumping. Repeat this process until the product is fully lofted.

If there clumps of down can still be felt, then this is an indication that the product is not completely dry. Repeat the drying process.

After multiple use of your waterproofs, there will be a build-up of excessive dirt, body oils and abrasion from those adventures in the outdoors. Your Gill products will be in need of some serious TLC!

It is a common myth that waterproof products should not be laundered, many believe that the process can damage the chemical finish… we here at Gill actively promote the opposite.

The DWR (durable water repellent) finish that we apply to our products are naturally re-activated by applying warm heat, removing the immediate requirement for re-proofing sprays or washes.

Ensure that all valuables are removed from pockets. All zips must be securely fastened

Only wash one garment at a time, removing the risk of damage. Always use a non-biological detergent. The chemicals used in biological detergent are often too abrasive and can damage the chemicals used in our DWR finish.

Care tip: Always remember to check the wash temperature stated on your products care label

Ensure that all excess water is shaken off before placing in the tumble dryer. Choose a low heat setting, if the temperature is too high it may damage the seam tape. Once laundered, water will now bead off the face of the fabric. This indicates that the DWR is restored. If the laundering process does not provide the beading effect then we would recommend using our own Re-proofers.

Mould growing on waterproof garments is a common occurrence and happens when products are stored in a damp, humid environment for some time.

Fill a bucket (or kitchen sink) with warm water. Add ½ cup of white vinegar and ½ cup of Oxi Action in Wash Stain Remover. Mix until everything is dissolved.

Wet the sponge/cloth and place a small amount of soap onto it. Use the sponge/cloth to wipe all areas of the bag; inside and out. Use the soft brush for any stubborn dirt areas.

Once you have scrubbed all of the stains, remove your product from the water and ensure any excess liquid is shaken off. Place the product on a flat surface and leave the garment to air dry, preferably outdoors - avoid leaving in direct sunlight.

Bags accompany all of your adventures, getting thrown, heaved and hauled around. It will be first on the list for a good clean!

To give your bag a freshen up you will need;

Mild soap (no fragrances or other additives as these can damage the chemical finishes on the fabric)
Lukewarm water
Clean sponge or cloth
Soft nylon- bristled brush or clean toothbrush

Wet the sponge/cloth and place a small amount of soap onto it. Use the sponge/cloth to wipe all areas of the bag; inside and out. Use the soft brush for any stubborn dirt areas.

Leave the bag to air dry, preferably outdoors before sealing back up- avoid leaving in direct sunlight.

After those long days on the water, you need to ensure your wetsuit is clean so you can enjoy it just as much next time!

Perhaps an obvious tip to the more seasoned wearer but we do not recommend placing your wetsuit in a washing machine. The machine cycle can damage the integrity of the neoprene.

Gill recommends the following;

Turn the wetsuit inside out

Use lukewarm water to hand wash, do not use soap or washing detergent as this will be absorbed by the neoprene and release once wet again in the future. Ensure that areas such as the underarm and crotch are rinsed well.

Hang the wetsuit on a hanger and air dry- preferably outside however avoid leaving in direct sunlight. Ensure that the product is completely dry before storing. Do not store this product in a warm and humid environment.

It is important to give your buoyancy aid a quick once over before use to ensure that all elements are intact to provide the ultimate protection and safety;

Check there are no rips in the main body fabric. Feel around the edges of the inner foam to ensure that no pieces have broken. Check zips are in working order and do not stick. Ensure clips are free of dirt and not broken. Check that the webbing is not frayed or damaged.

Not to be forgotten, keeping your tools clean is it important to prevent rust and increase the longevity of the product.

For the best care, Gill recommends;

Regularly wipe all blades and tools with an oiled cloth. Occasionally, oil the locking and folding mechanisms of your Marine Tool with a drop or two of oil. Unfold all mechanisms of your tool and clean out all sand and grit. Sharpen any dull knife blades (dull blades can be dangerous). After contact with seawater you should rinse thoroughly with fresh water and dry completely inside and out.

Not only do you want to keep your footwear free of grit and dirt, you also want to protect the surface of your boat.

Here are Gill’s best ways to keep your footwear clean;

Lukewarm water. Clean sponge or cloth. Soft nylon- bristled brush or clean toothbrush.

Remove the insole if present. Wet the sponge/cloth. Use the sponge/cloth to wipe all areas; inside and out. Use the soft brush for any stubborn dirt areas. Flex the boot at the toe to ensure that all dirt and grit are removed from seams or panels.

Stuff the footwear with newspaper and leave to air dry- outdoors is preferable however ensure that they are not left in direct sunlight.

Not only do you want to keep your footwear free of grit and dirt, you also want to protect the surface of your boat.

Here are Gill’s best ways to keep your footwear clean;

Lukewarm water. Clean sponge. Soft nylon- bristled brush or clean toothbrush.

After every use, we recommend that you clean the exterior of your boots with a stiff brush and wipe with a wet sponge, leaving them to dry naturally. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Avoid extremes of temperature, especially sources of direct heat and sunshine. Please note that boat cabins and stowage lockers can be subject to significant changes in temperature.

Should the inside of your boots become wet, you should thoroughly dry before use or long-term storage. Crumpled newspaper will help draw out moisture and can help speed up the drying time. Heat and a lack of abrasion can cause the outside surface of the sole to stiffen and become shiny over time. You can renew the rubber material with a grit paper or by regularly walking over rough surfaces such as asphalt or concrete.

Although this product is made of 95% waterproof fabric, we do not recommend that you launder this in the same way as a waterproof product. Gill Drysuits incorporate the neoprene collar and cuffs which need to be cared for differently.

Gill recommends the following wash instructions;

Open all zips so that the inside of the product can be accessed

Use lukewarm water to hand wash, do not use soap or washing detergent as this will be absorbed by the neoprene and release once wet again in the future

Hang the Drysuit on a hanger and air dry- preferably outside however avoid leaving in direct sunlight. Ensure that the product is completely dry before storing. Do not store this product in a warm and humid environment.