Covered in mud? Less waterproof than it used to be? The daily commute left a mark? Whether it's after a day or a season, knowing how to wash your GORE-TEX jacket is key so you can rely on full protection and give your jacket a long life.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE: HOW TO WASH YOUR GORE-TEX JACKET
STEP BY STEP GUIDE: HOW TO WASH YOUR GORE-TEX JACKET
Is it time to wash your jacket? Understanding how to care for a GORE-TEX jacket is key to making it last for years. There are some very visible, and some less obvious factors, that can impact the performance of your jacket:
- Dust and dried mud
- Sweat stains (these can impact the waterproof coating)
- Friction through motion or wearing a backpack
- Campfire smoke, sunscreen or bug repellents
Step 1: How to prepare your waterproof jacket for washing
Knowing how to wash your GORE-TEX jacket starts with the right preparation. Lay your jacket flat to get a good look at all zippers, pull tabs, hooks, loops and velcro tabs that need to be adjusted before washing it.
- Open pocket zippers and empty pockets
- Close all the zippers and fasten all the straps
- Loosen all elastics so they are slack
Step 2: How to wash your GORE-TEX jacket
Always look at the information on your jacket's label for information on how to wash your waterproof GORE-TEX jacket, as well as the following guidance:
- Use a gentle laundry detergent (sometimes labeled for ‘Delicates’)
- Check the jacket's label for the recommended temperature
- Use 30ml or 2 tablespoons of detergent to wash one jacket
- Wash on a normal cycle and minimize spinning speed
- Add an extra rinse cycle to get rid of all soap residue
- For best results, don't wash your jacket with heavily soiled clothing
Step 3: How to dry your GORE-TEX jacket
Knowing how to dry a waterproof jacket correctly can extend its lifespan. Never dry your jacket on a high-heat setting.
- Line drying is perfect for the jacket and the environment
- Alternatively, tumble dry the jacket on low heat, maximum 60°C/140°F
Step 4: How to re-activate the water-repellent coating on a GORE-TEX jacket
If water is no longer forming into droplets on the jacket surface, its water-repellent coating has worn off. This will reduce the breathability of the jacket, and may cause you to feel cold and damp from sweat on the inside. The water-repellent coating can be re-activated by heat, using an iron or tumble dryer. Repeat this step whenever the water-repellent coating on your jacket needs a boost.
- Iron the jacket on low heat without steam
- Use a cloth between the iron and the jacket to avoid any direct contact between them
- Alternatively, tumble dry on low heat, 140°F/60°C maximum, for an additional 20 minutes after the jacket is dry
- Sprinkle water onto the jacket to check if water beads up on the surface
Step 5: How to re-waterproof a GORE-TEX jacket
If you have tried to re-activate the coating but water is still soaking into the outer fabric, it's time to apply a new water repellent treatment. Here is how to re-waterproof your GORE-TEX jacket with a durable water repellent (DWR) spray.
- Buy a DWR pump spray and read the label carefully
- Hang your jacket so you can easily get to all sides
- Close all the zippers - You can choose to only apply the spray to areas of high friction, such as the shoulders under backpack straps, Or, do the whole jacket
- Spray the area, leave for three minutes, then wipe off any excess with a damp cloth
Step 6: How to dry your GORE-TEX jacket after a DWR treatment
Leave the jacket to air dry naturally in a well ventilated area. Depending on the specific DWR spray used, you may then need to activate the coating with heat as in Step 4. However, not all sprays require this step.
What is DWR?
adidas GORE‑TEX and adidas Rain.Rdy jackets are treated with an ultra-thin durable water repellent (DWR) coating that pushes water into droplets on the surface of the material. Regular wear and tear, dirt and exposure to impurities cause the water repellency to wear off. This reduces the breathability of the jacket as water can then sit in the top layer of the material. If the water-repellent coating can no longer be re-activated with heat from an iron or tumble dryer, it's time to re-apply the coating using a DWR spray. Always read the instructions carefully before starting the reapplication.
Extra info on how to take care of your GORE-TEX jacket
Can you machine wash waterproof jackets?
It is safe to machine wash waterproof jackets like GORE-TEX jackets. Read the manufacturer's label inside the garment and follow the instructions above on how to wash a GORE-TEX jacket.
How do you clean a waterproof jacket?
To clean a waterproof jacket, start by reading the manufacturer's label inside the jacket for specific cleaning guidance. In general, it is recommended to wash your waterproof jacket in the washing machine but avoid stain removers, fabric softeners, bleach and high-speed spin cycles as these can damage the jacket's water-repellent layer.
Can GORE-TEX jackets go in the dryer?
You can dry your GORE-TEX jackets and other waterproof garments in the tumble dryer. It's important to set it on low heat and tumble dry the garment for at least 20 minutes, or until dry, to re-activate the water repellent coating.
Can GORE-TEX lose its water repellency?
Yes, GORE-TEX can lose its water-repellent properties. It is important to know what can cause this and how to care for your GORE-TEX jacket when it loses its waterproofness. Dirt, sweat, and abrasion, as well as exposure to smoke from campfires and chemicals such as bug repellents can impact the water-repellent coating on a GORE-TEX jacket. Our blog post above takes you through the steps of how to wash and how to re-waterproof your GORE-TEX jacket.
Can I use either powder or liquid detergent?
For best results, a mild liquid detergent is recommended.
How much laundry detergent do I use?
Depending on your local water quality and the load fill it is recommended to use 30ml (2 teaspoons) per load.
Can I use stain removers on my GORE-TEX jacket?
The use of stain removers is not recommended. Instead, use a drop of liquid detergent directly on the stained areas or select the pre-wash cycle of your washing machine to remove stains and heavy dirt. If your washing machine does not have a pre-wash cycle, soak the jacket in warm water with liquid detergent for 30 minutes.
