Figuring out how to care for your new Gore-Tex garment can feel overwhelming. What temperature should I wash it at? Should I line, or air dry? Where can I find a magnifying glass so I can read the care instructions typed on this tag?
If questions like these have burdened your mind, look no further. We’ve compiled a Gore-Tex care guide that will have you looking (and smelling) fresh in no time.
Why Wash It?
There are often misconceptions about whether or not it’s a good idea to wash Gore-Tex clothing regularly. You might be worried that washing it could wear out the garment or decrease its waterproofness. Not so! In fact, residue from body fats, sunscreen, skin care products, and the like can permanently damage your apparel, making it less breathable and waterproof. A lack of washing can also ruin the tape that covers garment seams, causing it to peel up or come loose. Avoiding the wash means increased likelihood of stains as well. Bad news all around!
How Often to Wash
As a general rule, if your Gore-Tex clothing looks/feels dirty, doesn’t smell great, or if water no longer beads on its surface, then it’s time for a wash. However, depending on your activity level you may need to wash it a bit more. For moderate, everyday use you can plan on washing your apparel every 10 to 20 days. If you’re engaging in strenuous activities where you sweat a lot, throw that thing in the wash every 5 to 8 days. Regular washing will keep your clothing’s performance top-notch and help you avoid the risk of damaging certain components.
Steps for Care
Ready for the main event? Let’s jump right in. Read on to learn how to care for your clothing like a pro.
Before the Wash:
- Ensure that all zippers and closures are done up, including pockets and any ventilation zippers
- Fasten any loose flaps/straps
- If your clothing has a drawcord, you will want to loosen that a bit
- Read and follow the garment manufacturer’s instructions, usually found on the inner label. (Annoying, we know, but it’s a wise thing to do.)
Washing:
- Machine wash in warm water (temperature of 105°F/40°C) on the delicate cycle
- Use a small amount of liquid detergent (about half a cap)
- Don't wash with heavily soiled clothing
- Rinse twice, keeping the spin speed on low
- Don't use powder detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, or bleach
- No need for any kind of special detergent- just make sure you use liquid, NOT powder!
Drying:
- Tumble dry on a gentle cycle at low temperature OR line dry
- Don’t dry at a high temperature
Heat Treatment:
This final step is crucial to reactivate your garment’s durable water repellent (DWR), an ultra-thin coating applied to the outside of your gear. A Gore-Tex garment is typically composed of two layers: the outer textile layer and the Gore-Tex membrane. Although the membrane preserves the waterproofness of your garment, no matter what, the DWR on your outer textile layer keeps you from feeling cold and clammy. That being said, DWR isn’t permanent and needs to be reactivated/occasionally reapplied. Cue the heat treatment!
How to heat treat your garment:
- Once your clothing is completely dry, tumble dry again for an additional 20 minutes
- If a dryer isn’t available, follow the instructions below for ironing:
- Iron on a gentle, low temperature setting
- Place a thin towel or cloth between the garment and the iron
- Don’t use steam
After being reactivated, the DWR will better prevent water from soaking into the outer layer of your garment, ensuring that moisture beads and rolls off. Anytime it seems like your DWR needs a little TLC, you can apply heat treatment to the dry garment- washing it first isn’t necessary. However, you will want to heat treat every time you wash/dry your clothing or apply more DWR.
DWR Reapplication:
If you notice that water isn’t beading/rolling off even after washing, drying, and heat treatment, it’s time to reapply some DWR. To do this, simply:
- Use a DWR product of your choice (there are spray-on and wash-in options)
- Following application, apply heat treatment as outline above!
Wrapping it Up
That’s it! By following the steps above, you’ll be able to give your Gore-Tex gear the care it deserves and make it last for years to come. It’s hard to beat an epic day on the mountain- but it’s even better when you’re warm, cozy, and dry!
Written by Mariah Bowles
