ReBIRD WASH | A Guide to Washing Your GORE-TEX, by Arc'teryx on YouTube. 1 min 13 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 13 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Empty all pockets and close every zipper, pit zip and storm flap. Fasten the Velcro cuffs and adjust the hood so straps do not tangle.
Brush off loose mud and grit with a soft brush. For greasy marks on the collar and cuffs, rub in a little technical wash before the main cycle.
Use a front-loading washing machine, or a top-loader without a centre agitator. Wash the jacket on its own so other clothes do not trap dirt or snag it.
Pour a technical cleaner such as Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash into the detergent drawer. Do not use normal detergent, fabric softener or bleach.
Set a gentle or synthetic cycle at 40C (104F) and add an extra rinse. Check the care label first and use a cooler setting if it says so.
Run a second rinse cycle if the jacket was very dirty or still smells of sweat. Do not wring or twist it to dry.
Tumble dry the jacket on low heat for about 20 to 30 minutes. The warmth reactivates the water-repellent finish. If the label forbids tumble drying, iron on low through a cloth.
Check that water beads on the surface. If it soaks in, spray on a fresh DWR treatment and tumble dry again on low.
Tips and common mistakes
Wash your shell every 10 to 15 wears, or sooner if it is sweaty or dirty, because grime breaks down the DWR.
Never dry clean a GORE-TEX jacket, as the solvents can damage the membrane and coatings.
Keep the dryer on low. High heat can delaminate the membrane and shrink seams.
Use a specialist technical wash, not household detergent, which leaves residues that attract water.
Questions
Can I wash a GORE-TEX jacket in a normal washing machine?
Yes, use a front-loader or a top-loader without a centre agitator on a gentle warm cycle. Avoid machines with a central post that can stretch the fabric.
How often should I wash it?
Wash it every 10 to 15 wears, or whenever it looks dirty or feels clammy. Regular washing keeps the DWR working better than leaving dirt on it.
Does washing remove the waterproof coating?
No, a technical wash is made for waterproof shells. Tumble drying on low reactivates the DWR, and you only need a new spray-on treatment when water stops beading.
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.
