HOW TO WASH A GORE-TEX JACKET?
Skiing, snowboarding or ski touring, the waterproof and breathable jacket is an outdoor sports essential. Find out how to wash a Gore-Tex jacket to maintain its technical performance and prolong its lifespan.
Why a special cleaning for Gore-Tex?
Gore-Tex equipments are a must for outdoor sports and especially those practised in winter or in the rain. Thanks to this membrane, they have very good technical qualities that allow them to be both breathable and waterproof. Thus, the micro-pores that make up the membrane are too small to allow water, snow and external humidity to penetrate the garment, but large enough to guarantee good evacuation of perspiration and thus keep you warm. It is therefore important to wash your Gore-Tex jacket with the utmost care in order to preserve its waterproofness without damaging its breathability and thus prolong its life.
TIP: NEVER DRY WASH IT!
If there's one thing to remember when washing a Gore-Tex jacket, it's that you should never dry wash/clean it. This is because the solvents used can completely damage the membrane and you will go from a waterproof jacket to a non-waterproof jacket. If you really have no choice, inform your dry cleaner that a distilled hydrocarbon solvent should be used for rinsing and that a water-repellent spray should be applied to the entire surface of the garment before drying.
What products should you use to wash your Gore-Tex jacket?
Generally, a conventional liquid detergent may be suitable if it is not or only slightly scented. Never use washing powder which could clog the micro-pores of your waterproof jacket, fabric softener, chlorine or stain remover. If your Gore-Tex jacket has specific stains or more embedded dirt in certain areas, rub them lightly with a washcloth soaked in Marseille soap before washing.
It is still advisable to use a soap-based detergent specifically designed for cleaning Gore-Tex jackets. It will wash your waterproof jacket and refresh/reset its breathability and water repellency.
Waterproofing a Gore-Tex jacket
If your jacket is starting to age or you have noticed, during your last outings, that water no longer slipped off it but penetrated, it is recommended that you apply a specific treatment after washing your Gore-Tex jacket. All you need to do is proceed as you would for a normal wash, then clean the detergent compartment of your washing machine before adding the treatment. Program a normal cycle and dry.
You could also opt for a spray to apply to your clean waterproof jacket. It is not necessary to dry your jacket before application. So when you take it out of the washing machine, you can position it on a flat, protected surface and spray all over the garment about 15 cm from the fabric. Wait a few minutes before wiping off any excess product with a damp cloth. Only apply your Gore-Tex waterproofing to the outside of the fabric.
Then wait 4-5 days before wearing your waterproof jacket again.
The right things to do to clean a Gore-Tex jacket
Washing a Gore-Tex jacket is actually extremely simple. Unless otherwise instructed by the manufacturer, you can clean it in the washing machine at 40°C. Preferably, put your waterproof jacket in the drum alone and never with heavily soiled clothes. Program your washing machine to stop at full capacity and then rinse twice to remove all traces of detergent. Then spin at medium speed so that your Gore-Tex jacket is not too wrinkled.
How to dry your Gore-Tex jacket
Washing your Gore-Tex jacket is one thing, but drying is also very important to keep your equipment performing well. Indeed, heat will reactivate the original water repellent treatment of your waterproof jacket. You should use a moderate temperature and a programme designed for delicate garments. Check your Gore-Tex jacket's dryness level regularly and, when all the moisture has been removed, leave it for a further 20 minutes.
It is also perfectly fine to wash your Gore-Tex jacket and air dry it as long as you put it in the shade. Once dry, you'll need your iron to optimise the water repellency of your waterproof jacket without affecting its breathability. Set it to the temperature intended for delicate laundry and iron your Gore-Tex jacket, having taken care to protect it with a towel.
If you have applied a treatment to reactivate the technical performance of your waterproof jacket, machine drying may be advisable depending on the product used. Indeed, some re-waterproofers also need heat activation. Proceed then as for drying after washing.
PIECE OF ADVICE: BEWARE THE PADDING
If your waterproof jacket has a down or feather lining, drying it will require a little more attention. In the dryer, be sure to place wash balls in the drum and turn it over regularly. If you want to air dry it, turn it over regularly, break up any clumped feather balls and shake it out to help it regain its volume.
There's no successful outing without a waterproof jacket and, in this respect, Gore-Tex is a must-have membrane. By adopting the right steps to wash your Gore-Tex jacket, you'll be able to enjoy its flawless waterproofing for longer without sacrificing its breathability, which ensures that your sweat is wicked away and you're always kept warm during your excursions.
THE THREE KEY POINTS TO KNOW HOW TO WASH YOUR GORE-TEX JACKET:
- To avoid damaging the technical qualities of your waterproof jacket, ban washing powder, chlorine, fabric softener, stain removers and dry cleaning.
- It is possible to wash your Gore-Tex jacket with a conventional detergent, but products specifically designed to clean them are to be preferred.
- To improve the waterproofing of your Gore-Tex jacket, you can apply a dip or spray treatment.