Wash GORE-TEX® on a warm cycle with a regular liquid detergent, then tumble dry on warm. The heat is what reactivates the DWR finish and keeps water beading on the face fabric. Full steps below.
1. Prep. Empty the pockets, close all zips, and wipe off any substantial dirt.
2. Wash. Wash GORE-TEX garments on their own cycle using a regular liquid detergent with no fabric softeners or added oils. Grangers is ideal. Tide works in a pinch. Set the machine to warm, 30-40°C, on a wrinkle-free or permanent press cycle if you have one.
3. Dry. Hang the garment until it stops dripping, then tumble dry on warm until completely dry. The heat reactivates the DWR treatment. Repeat this step any time you notice the water repellency dropping off.
A regular liquid detergent, free of fabric softeners and added oils. Grangers is ideal, Tide works in a pinch.
Never use powder detergent, bleach, or fabric softener. Powder doesn't rinse out cleanly and leaves residue in the membrane. If you normally use fabric softener, run an empty rinse cycle before washing GORE-TEX.
Warm, 30-40°C. Use a wrinkle-free or permanent press cycle if your machine has one.
Air-dry first, then tumble dry on warm for about 20 minutes. That heat is what reactivates the durable water repellent finish on the outer fabric.
Air-drying first uses less energy and is gentler on the garment. Do not tumble dry GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ pieces, their DWR doesn't need reactivating.
GORE-TEX needs regular washing to keep breathing, even when it doesn't look dirty. Body oils, dirt and grit block the membrane, and a blocked membrane is what makes you cold and clammy on a long day out, not the rain getting through.
If your shell is starting to wet out, or mud is clinging to the surface rather than shedding, it's time for a wash. With GORE-TEX ePE this matters more than it used to.
We repair GORE-TEX at our Squamish headquarters, and through certified repair centres in the UK, Europe and the US. If care isn't enough, start a warranty claim.
We build shells of our own, for riding, and for everything that happens once the ride is over. See the Explore collection.
