The right care for your GORE-TEX clothing

Proper care of GORE-TEX products

Haven't we all been there? The gondola door closes and it smells unpleasantly of sweat and clothes that haven't been washed for a long time... So you open the window and hope the journey is over quickly.

And if you think that your beloved jacket and trousers don't like being washed - that's not true. They love to be cared for and washed. After all, they are your faithful companions when it comes to braving the elements. To ensure that they stay with you for a long time and continue to protect you from rain, snow and wind, the right care is an absolute must. Only then will they be a long and faithful companion. But don't worry, it can all be so easy if you just know how. Let's get started right away!

Clothing

What you need:

• Washing machine (it gets tedious without one)
• Liquid detergent (no powder please)
• Tumble dryer (or iron and towel)
• DWR waterproofing agent (for an extra dose of protection)

Step by step - This is how it works:

Washing:

Before you throw your beloved GORE-TEX jacket or trousers in the washing machine, there are a few things to consider:

1. Care instructions:
   Check the care instructions inside your jacket or trousers.
2. Zip up!
   Close all zips - at the front, on the pockets and under the arms. Also make sure that all cover strips and tapes are fastened.
3. Machine on!
   Wash at a maximum of 40 °C. Only use a small amount of liquid detergent, otherwise it will foam too much. Rinse twice and spin gently. Clothes like to have plenty of space and like to be left alone in the machine.
4. No-go's:
   No powder detergent, no fabric softener, no stain removers and certainly no bleach!

Drying:

Step one is done, now everything is nice and clean. But how do you dry it?

1. Air or tumble dry?
   The choice is yours: either hang your jacket in the fresh air (always good) or put it in the tumble dryer at a warm temperature and low speed.
2. Extra protection:
   After drying, you should put the dry jacket in the tumble dryer for another 20 minutes - this refreshes the water-repellent DWR layer. Don't have a tumble dryer? No problem - grab an iron, place a towel in between and iron at a low temperature. Steam is taboo though!

Renew the waterproofing:

If the water no longer beads up on the surface after washing and drying, your GORE-TEX clothing needs a little love in the form of a DWR refresher.

1. Waterproofing!
   Use a DWR waterproofing agent of your choice and be sure to follow the instructions (available as an easy to use pump spray)
2. Activate:
   Place your clothes in the dryer for 20 minutes after application. Alternatively, you can also use the iron again (with a towel in between, remember?). No steam!

Gloves

Part one is done, but now your gloves need to be cared for too. Don't worry, this is also quick and easy. And you'll notice that they smell fresh again afterwards.

Washing:

1. Care label
   Take a quick look at what it says. Have you cut it out because it bothered you? No problem, we'll sort it out together.
2. Shake it off
   Shake out your gloves properly first so that the dirt falls out.
3. Hand wash
   Only wash the gloves by hand in lukewarm water - the washing machine is a no-go due to the material mix.
4. Liquid please
   Please only use liquid detergent and no bleach, fabric softener or other chemical detergents.

Drying:

1. Squeeze it! Don't twist it!
   Gently squeeze the water from your fingertips towards the glove opening. You can also wrap them in a towel and gently squeeze them together with the towel.
2. Air!
   Dry your gloves in the air, preferably with the fingertips facing upwards.
3. Put them on
   Once the gloves are half dry, you can put them on briefly and make a fist. This will help them regain their original shape.
4. No Gos:
   Keep your hands away from direct sunlight, heaters or the iron to dry them.

Waterproofing:

If the water no longer beads off like it used to, the DWR waterproofing needs a little refresher: grab a DWR waterproofing agent (pump spray) and get to work.

There are special water-based leather care products for leather gloves.

Conclusion

Caring for your GORE-TEX clothing is not a feat or an eternal task, but simply requires a slightly smarter approach to your favourite items. If you follow these tips, your garments will stand by you faithfully even under the toughest conditions - whether on or off the piste, when hiking or on other big adventures.

And should you no longer be satisfied with the waterproofness, windproofness or breathability of your GORE-TEX product despite all the care and attention you have given it, we will repair or replace it or refund the purchase price.

So, let's go - your GORE-TEX clothing is already waiting for its spa day!