Launderig Gortex?

M

maury

Joined
Sep 24, 2000
Messages
606
Can anyone suggest best way to machine wash a gortex jacket? I have an older (5 years) jacket. It looks clean enough, but I want to make sure I don't do anything to ruin the water repelent character of the cloth.

Will cold water wash with reguolar household detergent be OK or do i need the fancy stuff (Nik Was r similar)?

Thanks!
 
every gore-tex thing I've owned has said "dry-clean" only.

I'm not sure it was because of the gore-tex though.

YMMV.
 
Follow the directions on the tag. Checking two of my GT jackets one says "Wash in warm water with powdered detergent and tumble dry medium heat" while the other is the same except it changes warm water to hot and medium heat to high. Both clearly state not to dry clean.

I've washed several GT items over the years and never had a problem.
 
I have had good luck with a product called Nixwax. They have a non-detergent cleaner specially for breathable products. I got it from REI and followed the directions on the label.

Bruceter
 
Best to use the Nikwax or comparable. At 5 years, it's got to be due for some Revivex, too.
If you do decide to use detergent, make sure it has no fabric softener, scent, etc.
I use Tide Free for washing breathable synthetics like fleece and softshells, but would only use something like Nikwax or Granger's "Performance Wash"(Eddie Bauer stores sell this) on a Gore-Tex shell.
 
Washing with normal detergent will destroy the outer DWR layer. If this happens, the gore-tex will still keep the water out, but the jacket outer will become saturated quickly. This will seriously reduce the breathability of the jacket.

I would wash with Nikwax Techwash or equivalent. If the jacket is no longer beading water well, a tumble dry on a low setting may revive the DWR layer. If not, you will need to reproof.
 
Washing actually improves old Gore-tex membranes by unblocking the micropores,hence its breathability.Wash on a standard synthetic cycle,no conditioner and as above use one of Nikwax's products.I think they do a wash-in liquid that is then heat-activated using a tumble dryer.
 
Millhouse said:
Washing with normal detergent will destroy the outer DWR layer. If this happens, the gore-tex will still keep the water out, but the jacket outer will become saturated quickly. This will seriously reduce the breathability of the jacket.

I would wash with Nikwax Techwash or equivalent. If the jacket is no longer beading water well, a tumble dry on a low setting may revive the DWR layer. If not, you will need to reproof.
Click to expand...

Yes, this. Regular liquid detergent can ruin the coatings on a jacket. Powder detergent is better, but if you spent $300+ on your jacket, I would recommend spending the extra few bucks and get Nikwax that is specifically made for high tech fabrics.

Drying the jacket is key. The heat reactivates the material.
 
i've only ever washed my gore-tex shell jacket in the shower with regular soap.

never had a problem.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top