Washing Goretex clothing

[cristphoto]

Just want to get my Goretex rain gear ready for the upcoming season. The Gore website simply says use a liquid detergent with no bleach or fabric softener. I generally use plain old Tide (contains no bleach or fabric softener) as my go-to product. Is this fine or is there a better option? I see there is a Nikwax Tech Wash product available (fairly pricey though). Is this much better than normal detergent available at the grocery? Unfortunately the Gore web site doesn't make any recommendations other than noted above. Thanks for any help.

[cristphoto]

After talking to Gore and Zero Restriction they both say a mild liquid laundry detergent will be fine. I got some Tide Free which has no bleach, fabric softener or perfumes. Works just fine. After taking out of the dryer and running them quickly under the faucet the water just jumps off the fabric. 

[dennyjones]

Thanks for following up with the information.   I too, had the same question.

[mchepp]

I have always worried about washing my rain gear for fear of losing the ability to keep its waterproof characteristics. It is good to hear that you did it successfully, I was really starting to stink. 

[cristphoto]

Actually the product I used was called "Tide Free and Gentle". I called it Tide Free in my above post. It comes in a white bottle vs all other Tide is in an orange bottle.

More data learned -

Basically washing your Goretex is more helpful than harmful from a waterproofing standpoint. Just use warm temperature and gentle cycle. Also set the washer for an additional rinse. After finishing the wash cycle let clothing drip for several minutes and then put in the dryer on low to medium heat. Check on the clothing label for more specific instructions and go by that for best results. Drying temp will vary depending what the inner and outer shell is made of. After the dryer finishes and shuts off run the dryer again for 10-15 minutes on low heat to "reinvigorate" the waterproof properties.  Do not use any dryer sheets as this fouls up the Goretex. To know when its time to put on a renewed coating of DWR (durable water repellant) simply run the garment under the faucet for a few seconds. The water should bead up and virtually roll off the garment. If not its time to add a coating of DWR. Gore say after about 12 - 20 washes (depends on water hardness) you should check if DWR needs recoating.  Every Goretex (and Gore Windstopper) garment is coated with DWR at the factory. Following the above drying instructions gives the longest life for the DWR. I use Nikwax TX Direct spray-on that I order from Amazon. DO NOT use a wash-in DWR as obviously it will coat the entire garment which fouls up the breathability. You only want to coat the outside. This is pretty much all you need to know which is a bit wordy but in actual use its fairly simple.   

Edited March 3, 2016 by cristphoto