Winter is just around the corner, which means it’s time to break out the shells built to endure the harsh weather. Most high quality shells are made with GORE-TEX® to help combat the snow, sleet, rain, and other winter environments that are hard on outerwear.
Before you take your GORE-TEX® jackets and pants out on the slopes, make sure they are ready to handle the beating you are going to put them through. Washing GORE-TEX® garments is essential to improve their performance and increase their lifespan. But don’t just throw them in with a regular load of laundry. Refer to the tag on the jacket or pants for specific directions to that product. Then follow these guidelines.
What You Need
Nikwax Tech Wash – Using common detergents can actually damage the garment. Nikwax Tech Wash is designed to maintain the special qualities of GORE-TEX® materials.
Front Loading Washer – The agitator in the center of top loading washers does more harm than good to GORE-TEX® jackets and pants. So if it’s possible, use a front loading washer.
Three Steps
Before Washing – Close all of the zippers and pockets, including any venting zipper (i.e. in the armpit). Release any tension on draw cords. Wipe down any easy to remove dirt and mud from the garment. After that, clean out the washer, including the detergent compartment, of any leftover detergent from previous cycles.
Wash – Preferably in a front load washing machine, adjust settings to a warm cycle permanent press wash (105° F / 40° C). Refer to the instructions on the Nikwax Tech Wash to figure out how much to add. Do not use powder detergents, fabric softeners, conditioners, stain removers or bleach. They damage the garments performance. Nikwax Tech Wash is designed to retain the performance of gore-tex material.
Dry – Tumble dry on a warm, gentle cycle. Heating the jacket reactivates the DWR (durable water repellent) treatment on the outer material. If you can’t tumble dry: line dry and then iron the garment on a warm setting by placing a towel in between the iron and the garment. This will help reactivate the DWR.
*If you notice that your jacket is absorbing water rather than shedding, then it’s time to replace the original DWR treatment. We recommend adding Nikwax TX. Direct Wash-In to the washing cycle, or using the Nikwax TX. Direct Spray-On.