Ive used Graingers down wash on multiple bags and it works well. If you follow the directions on wash and dry temp, use the spiked balls that come in the down wash kit, you'll be in good shape.
I went literally years and years and years without washing my down, out of laziness of not wanting to send it away for cleaning and fear of screwing it up myself. Turns out its easy.
The WM Sequoia is a great bag! Washing a bag is definitely something you can do at home. I have a nice large laundry tub that works well or you can use a bathtub. I've had good luck with Nikwax Down Wash. Your local outdoor shop might have it or order at REI or other Retailers. A good hand wash is the way to go. Don't toss it in your washer. You risk blowing out the baffles on an expensive bag! I'd rinse it good. Probably 5 or 6 times just to make sure all the soap is out. The Sequoia is a pretty lofty bag. I would go to a laundromat for drying. Your home dryer probably isn't big enough and risk melting the nylon if you have a unknown hot spot. Again another costly mistake if it happens. Will take a few hours to dry even in a Commercial Dryer. Bring a few rolls of quarters and a good book while hanging out.
I've never noticed a smell after using the Nikwax Down Wash.I washed a down jacket in the Nikwax. It turned out fine but had a funky smell. Did you notice any smell?
I've never noticed a smell after using the Nikwax Down Wash.
Hard to say. I know my bag had a bit of a funk to it and came out real nice. Lofted right back up and no noticeable scent that I could tell.Interesting, maybe I didn't wash it long enough and it was still just funky.
What a bummer! I have heard good things about Rainy Pass, but never tried using them. I guess I will stick to continuing to doing it myself.I used to wash my own goose down stuff, but heard Rainy Pass was good. I bagged and boxed my Sequoia GWS carefully and shipped it to RP. About 10 days later they called me and said they'd discovered a "clean" cut in the fabric of my bag (which was in flawless shape when I sent it). They blamed it on USPS. I inquired about the box I used and whether it had any cuts in it. They said the box was gone and no way to check it. Then they said they needed to repair it before it could be washed. I was frustrated but said okay...fix it. Then RP initiated the claim with USPS for damages. They settled it for $75 and kept half of it for patching my bag. So I ended up with a clean bag, obviously repaired, and a net loss of money.
Honestly I don't know who was at fault. Probably me for trusting anyone else to care for my $700 bag. I'll be washing my own down gear from now on. Period.