Washing Gore-Tex Outerwear

To get the most out of your Gore-Tex® outerwear, keep it clean. The following information describes the basic cleaning procedure. But always read and follow the care instructions sewn into any Gore-Tex garment before you wash it.

Laundry Instructions

Taking care of Gore-Tex outerwear is easy! Just:

• Machine wash in warm water with powdered detergent.
• Tumble dry on medium heat.

NOTE: W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc. does not recommend the use of liquid soaps or special "waterproof/breathable" soaps when washing Gore-Tex outerwear.

Water-Repellent Coatings

To maximize water-resistance and breathability, Gore-Tex outerwear comes with a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment on its outer surface. This DWR causes water to bead up and roll off the garment, which keeps the fabric surface clear so that sweat and body heat can pass through from the inside. DWR treatments also keep the fabric surface drier, which cuts down on evaporative heat loss and keeps your outerwear light and comfortable.

Over time, with regular laundering and exposure to the elements, DWR treatments can wear off. When this occurs, water may no longer bead on the surface of the outerwear fabric, and the fabric may absorb some water (NOTE: the Gore-Tex barrier beneath the outer fabric will still stop this moisture from getting to your skin). The best way to renew your DWR is to launder your Gore-Tex outerwear according to the care instructions and iron it using a warm steam setting. This will restore the water beading on the outer surface of the fabric as long as the original water-repellent treatment is present.

Unfortunately, there is no permanent water-repellent treatment available. Eventually, after extended wear and/or many washings, the original repellent finish will be depleted and you'll need to use a spray-on or wash-in water-repellency treatment to treat the outer surface of the fabric. You may repeat this process as many times as needed.

A Case of Mistaken Identity

Performance problems caused by worn DWR coatings are often mistaken for Gore-Tex fabric failures. This is due to the fact that when DWR coatings wear off, Gore-Tex® layers may:

• Appear wet on the outside—since the outer fabric may absorb some water.
• Feel heavier—again, due to water absorption.
• Collect condensation on the inside—water on the fabric's surface can lower the temperature of the fabric through evaporative heat loss. This can cause warm, humid air inside the garment to condense on the inside surface so it feels wet—like it's leaking.

Before you consider replacing your jacket or rain pants, first try restoring your DWR or reapplying a spray-on or wash-in coating. Remember—just because the outer fabric becomes wet does not mean that water is passing through the Gore-Tex membrane layer laminated to the inside of your garment.

Serious Leaks

If you notice significant moisture inside your Gore-Tex® outerwear after just a few minutes in the rain, you may have a leak or more serious problem. Possible causes include a defective seam, a problem with the fabric or damage to the garment. If you need help identifying the cause, call 1-800-431-GORE and make arrangements to return it for an evaluation, or simply return your garment to REI.

Stain Removal

• Before laundering, saturate stained areas with an aerosol pre-wash treatment (Spray & Wash®, Shout®, etc.)
• Wash immediately, in warm water with powdered detergent. You may have to repeat this procedure for heavily stained garments.
• Tumble dry, medium heat.
• Touch up with a warm iron.
• For stubborn stains (chair lift grease, tree sap), consult a dry cleaner or call Gore Customer Service at 1-800-431-GORE.

Dry Cleaning

Some outerwear garments that use Gore-Tex® fabric also use silk or wool. These garments should be dry cleaned only. When dry cleaning Gore-Tex garments, request clear, distilled solvent rinse and a spray-repellent.

Down Garments

If you have an outerwear garment that uses both Gore-Tex® fabric and down insulation, do not dry clean it! Dry cleaning will strip the oil from the down feathers, causing them to lose loft and warmth.

• Machine wash in cold water with a mild powder detergent. Gore recommends using a front-loading washer.
• Tumble dry, on low heat.
• Touch up with a warm (not hot) iron.

Gore-Tex Fabric and Salt Water

Salt water does not contaminate, clog the pores, decrease the breathability, alter or harm Gore-Tex® fabric. So sail, paddle and cruise with confidence!

Years ago, salt water was suspected of causing poor performance in some early Gore-Tex outerwear used near the ocean. Later testing proved that poor design and construction of a few very early Gore-Tex garments were actually to blame.

Today's Gore-Tex apparel provides the ultimate in waterproof, breathable, windproof protection no matter where your watersports take you. To get the best possible performance, simply take care of your garments correctly, as directed on the sewn-in care tag.

Salt is a desiccant, meaning it attracts moisture. To keep salt from accumulating on your outerwear and attracting water, simply rinse it occasionally in fresh water. If you have limited fresh water supplies, even a rinse in sea water will reduce heavy salt accumulations (sea water is approximately 3% salt).

For More Help

If you have additional questions about washing or maintaining any Gore-Tex® product, just call Gore Customer Service at 1-800-431-GORE.