Tips for Maintaining and Cleaning Your Hardshell Jacket, Whether Gore-Tex or Not
The lifespan and effectiveness of this magical membrane truly depend on keeping it clean. Better yet, beyond the aesthetic aspect, you can easily reactivate the water repellency and waterproofing of a hardshell membrane with a simple wash.
Let’s remind ourselves that Gore-Tex, or another membrane made by the manufacturer, isn’t the visible part of your jacket or pants but the laminated liner that forms the interior layer of the fabric. You might sometimes feel like your jacket is no longer waterproof if the outer fabric seems to be absorbing water. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s no longer effective, as it’s the Gore-Tex membrane that blocks moisture, not the outer fabric, which is primarily for water repellency.
To maintain your garment’s effectiveness over time, start with a simple rule: don’t wait until the garment is very dirty to wash it. Each brand has specific care recommendations for this. As a general guideline, for moderate or occasional use, it’s a good idea to wash your hardshell after each winter or summer season.
For washing, use a washing machine. A detergent without fabric softeners or additives is sufficient, although you can also buy specialized gentle Gore-Tex cleaners. A delicate wash at 30 degrees is enough. For stains, you can apply a bit of detergent directly without scrubbing too hard before placing it in the machine. Avoid stain removers, as they can cause reactions that might damage the fabric/membrane laminate. Be sure to close all zippers and loosen drawcords.
After washing with a gentle spin cycle, you can reactivate the membrane’s effectiveness by using a dryer. Set it to medium heat for 30 minutes with the garment still slightly damp. Finally, a little water-repellent spray will complete the job.
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