After a big winter and spring season, our jackets took a beating from being in dirt, rain and rocks. Apart from the funky smell the jacket is developing, it is also looking dirtier. So I have decided to wash it!
The common argument for GORE TEX Garment is can we wash it? The answer is Yes of course we can and if we do it frequently and correctly, not only will it make your GORE TEX garments last longer, it will also make it perform better, increasing the water repellency of the jacket.
Here’s a step by step guide on how to wash your GORE TEX garments.
Step 1 Zip all the zippers on my Alpha SV and the Beta SL pants and release all elastic bands and cuffs.
Step 2 Separate the Alpha SV and the Beta SL pants into 2 separate laundry bags. I like separating the items out in case the zippers gets caught during the spinning process.
Step 3 I put the 2 items into my top load washer and pour 3 cups of Grangers’ 2 in 1 Washer and proofer liquid in the washing machine
Step 4 Leave the machine on gentle wash and start the process!
Step 5 Before the wash, I knew my DWR was still in good shape (the water run off the shell in beads and not absorbed in the shell) so I will not treat it with the Grangers’ Performance Repel. If your DWR is worn off, then you will need to reapply the DWR evenly on your damp jacket before the next process. I will pay attention to high wearing areas like the harness/waist area and shoulder backpack straps area.
Step 6 Shake off any excess water in the jackets and pants and leave it in the dryer for 25-40 minutes depending on your dryer. The low heat in the dryer is going to re-activate the DWR treatment on the GORE TEX Garment.
Note, I do not have a conventional clothes dryer and instead uses a hanging dryer which works very much the same except it does not spin.
There you have it, a step by step guide to washing your GORE TEX garments. Now there is no more reasons to use a dirty and smelly GORE TEX jacket and stop spreading the old wife’s tales of never washing a GORE TEX garment!
Attached below is the official Arcteryx video on washing and waterproofing your GORE TEX garments.
You can buy Grangers’ products here and receive free shipping!
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