Carl Magazine

No matter how exclusive a garment might be, we can all probably agree on that we want our textile gems to last as long as possible to best serve their purpose for as long as we own them. Here is why we want to give you some hands-on advice on how to best take care of your GORE-TEX garments. First of all, we will take a closer look at what Gore-Tex actually is.

WHAT IS GORE-TEX?

GORE-TEX is basically a wind and water repellent membrane that allows humidity to be transported away from the body, without blocking it. This membrane can be found on a wide variety of specialist and functional garments, as well as everyday clothes with high levels of wind and water protection. The membrane is constructed with a high number of small pores whose diameter is smaller than drops of water in its liquid state, but wider than particles of water in its evaporated state, like in perspiration. This gives Gore-Tex fabrics their unique water-repellent yet breathable properties.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF GORE-TEX

Before get into the nitty gritty of how to take care of your garment, we wish to stress that there is a variety of garments with GORE-TEX membranes, some of which require slightly different care. In this guide, we have chosen to focus on outerwear, but as the following advice is general we strongly encourage you to, first and foremost, follow the guidelines stated on your each care label.

Washing GORE-TEX

The most essential of all advice is to regularly wash your GORE-TEX garment. To avoid unnecessary wear, it is crucial to zip-up all zippers and button all pockets before washing your garment.

To avoid damaging the functionality of your garment, avoid using powdered laundry detergent. Do not wash your GORE-TEX garment together with heavily soiled clothes either. Dirt particles might otherwise clog up the pores of the GORE-TEX membrane. However, this is not information officially given or verified by Gore-Tex. Do not use detergents containing bleach either, as these might damage your garment. Furthermore, follow the instructions on your garment's care label.

During the laundry process and when wet, make sure to subject your GORE-TEX garment to little wear and tear as possible. This includes the spin cycle, which should be kept to its lowest speed. Drip-dry at a low heat, or better yet, room temperature.

Drying GORE-TEX Garment

As stated at the end of previous paragraph, the best way to dry your GORE-TEX garment is to let it dry hanging with good support in low or room temperatures. If tumble drying, use a gentle cycle at medium temperature.

Restoring GORE-TEX

If you notice that the protective and functional qualities of your GORE-TEX garment have diminished, try tumble-drying for around twenty minutes, as this will reset the fabric's water-repellent properties. If the garment has been exposed to considerable mechanical wear, the surface coating might need to be bolstered using a dedicated spray.

If you do not have access to a tumble-dryer, an iron used on a low heat temperature and without steam may provide similar results. Always use a protective piece of cloth between the iron and your GORE-TEX fabric, such as a clean cotton or linen tea towel.

Re-Waterproofing GORE-TEX

If you use your garment frequently or expose it to repeated mechanical wear, its water-repellent coating - also referred to as DWR (durable water repellent) - will eventually wear off. This means it will eventually need to be reapplied. Apply the spray coating in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and activate by tumble drying the item for around 20 minutes. Dedicated waterproofing sprays can easily be found in sportswear shops or outerwear specialists.

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