ReBIRD™ WASH | How To Wash Your GORE-TEX, by Arc'teryx on YouTube. 1 min 27 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 27 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Check the care label inside the jacket. Empty every pocket, close the main zip and pit zips, fasten all Velcro and loosen the hem and hood cords. Wash the jacket every 6 to 12 wears, or sooner if it looks grimy.
Put the jacket in the machine on its own or with other technical gear. A front loader without a centre agitator is gentler on seams and taped joins.
Add a technical wash detergent such as Nikwax Tech Wash and dose it as the bottle says. Never use normal laundry detergent, fabric softener or bleach, because they leave residue that kills the water repellent finish.
Run a warm wash at about 30 to 40 degrees Celsius on a gentle or synthetic cycle. Keep the spin low so the fabric and seams are not wrung hard.
Run the rinse cycle twice to flush out all the detergent. Leftover soap attracts water and makes the jacket wet out faster.
Tumble dry the jacket on low or warm for about 20 to 30 minutes. The heat reactivates the DWR finish. If you have no dryer, hang it up to air dry instead.
Sprinkle a little water on the shoulder or sleeve. If it beads and rolls off, the finish is working. If it soaks in, apply a DWR spray or wash-in reproofer and dry again.
Tips and common mistakes
Wash your shell more often than you think, since dirt and body oils are what break down the DWR.
Close zips and Velcro before washing so sharp hooks do not rub holes in the fabric.
Skip fabric softener every time, even in a separate load, because it coats the membrane.
If water still soaks in after washing and drying, reproof the jacket rather than washing it again.
Questions
How often should I wash a GORE-TEX jacket?
Every 6 to 12 wears is a good rule, and sooner if it looks dirty or feels clammy inside. Clean fabric lets the membrane breathe properly.
Can I use normal laundry detergent?
No. Standard detergent leaves residue that blocks the membrane and weakens the DWR, so use a technical wash detergent instead.
Is it safe to tumble dry GORE-TEX?
Yes, low or warm heat is fine and helps restore the water repellent finish. Check your jacket's care label first, then dry on a gentle setting.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
