How to wash synthetic insulators: 5 easy steps

A synthetic insulator, often casually referred to as “a puffy” or “a fill layer”, is a staple of the outdoor wardrobe. If your insulator's looking a bit grimy, then it's time to take some action! 

Dirt, grime, sweat, snot, dog hair, sand, smoke can all limit the insulation functionality of your jacket. If these remain embedded in the fabric fibers, the strength and integrity of the surrounding shell fabric – and the insulation contained inside – can cause the fabric to tear, a less than desirable odor and more.

So while we feel confident in the pro-level quality of our gear, we also know that maintenance can bring it back to its best, keeping you warm when the cold snaps hit.

Across our line of synthetic insulated jackets for men and women, you'll find 3 main types of insulation:

Lifaloft™ is the result of our collaboration with Primaloft®, in which we combined our proprietary Lifa® technology (the naturally hydrophobic and lightweight fiber we use to manufacture our base layers) with the warmth and insulation properties of Primaloft® synthetic insulation. Introduced in 2018, Lifaloft™ is lighter and still warmer than standard synthetic insulation due to the structure of the Lifa® fibers.

Primaloft® is an industry-leading insulation company, with whom we partner. We incorporate their top-quality levels of synthetic insulation into various pieces throughout our outdoor, ski, and sailing lines.

Locate and read the manufacturer care label on your jacket(s). For Helly Hansen jackets, that label is most often found on the left hip of the jacket. 

The common “DO NOTs” for synthetic insulators:

• Do not bleach;
• Do not dry clean;
• Do not iron;
• Do not use standard laundry detergent;
• Do not use fabric softener

Close all fasteners, including velcro straps and zippes. Then place your insulator in a front-loading washing machine or a top-loading machine without an agitator in the middle.

Different fabrics require different care and cleaner. All technical apparel should be washed by itself or with same-category items. Multiple insulators can be washed together as long as they are not mixed in with other types of fabrics or apparel (e.g. cotton, rain shells, base layers, denim, wool, etc.). 

Avoid laundry detergent. Instead, replace it with a technical cleaner specifically designed for cleaning synthetic fabrics. We recommend Grangers Performance Wash or a similar product. Each product has its own measurements, so make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle for specific amounts and directions.

Most often, use medium temperature water, and a medium-strength cycle. Consult the care label to be sure.

Follow the care label for specific drying instructions.

If the instructions are not clear, a common method is to tumble dry the garment(s). Make sure to stick to a low or medium heat. Extremely high heat can damage some synthetic fibers and materials.

When the tumble dry is nearing the end of its cycle, throw in a few dryer balls or clean tennis balls with the insulator. These break up any clumps of insulation that may be sticking together, enabling the jacket to evenly redistribute the insulation.

If your jacket has any water-repelling functionality, it probably has a coating on the outside. This coating is known as a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment, and enables water droplets to bead up and roll off. It's normal for DWR to fade over time, especially when exposed to dirt, grime and sweat. When this happens, you might notice that your jacket starts absorbing moisture instead of repelling it.

Remember that insulators are not designed to be waterproof (that is the job of a shell jacket), but it doesn't hurt to give your insulator the ability to shed some precipitation. Here's how to do it: 

• Follow steps 1-4 above if not done so already;
• Then run another cycle; this time using a down reproofing product, like Grangers Clothing Repel; 
• Lastly, follow step 5 above to activate the water repellency.

And finally, be sure to store your synthetic insulators in a way where they can be freely expanded. Compressing your insulators over an extended amount of time can have a lasting impact on its ability to re-loft.

If you love the outdoors as much as we do, you'll probably find some of your other gear requires a little specialized care. From base layers to shell jackets to down jackets and beyond, our product care hub has got you covered.